Real Steel by Dreamworks
While researching answers to some of the typical myths about console gaming I thought of a movie about misconceptions. One that reminded me that often times people rely too much on the “New is Better” philosophy.
Oh sure, Real Steel is suppose to be a Father/Son buddy movie. But as a gamer I also can see how it could be a metaphor on how misguided our view on gaming technology has become. Anyways, the overall plot of the movie is about a washed out boxer reconnecting his son as they take an old obsolete fighting robot from pit fighting to the big time!
What does that have to do with the myths surrounding PC vs Console Gaming Debate? Pretty simple really, see the technology in today’s consoles are pretty old. And for many that means that they’re usefulness is done. They’re yesterday’s news! Or as I inferred yesterday, Pet Dinosaurs.
So hold on to your panties Mrs. Robinson because I’m gonna rock your world! I’m going to take head on 5 of the most quoted myths about console gaming.
Myth #1 – Consoles Require Cumbersome Controllers
Let me just say this right now, I hate console controllers. When I say hate it, that’s an understatement. I mean, who in their right mind likes to play on something that requires precise movement with by using only their thumbs? I understand that it’s our opposable thumbs that suppose to separate us from our furry genetic cousins, but come on! I dare you to tell a surgeon he’d have to use an Xbox Controller for an appendectomy! Go on, I double dog dare you!
Luckily we’re not stuck with that. There are several other options out there that allow us to play however we like! Prefer the old arcade joystick and button model? Well there’s a controller for that.
Want to fly your jet using a flight stick? Yep there’s controller for that!
What about hot rodding around town driving a new Bugatti? Hell yeah! There’s a driving controller for that as well!
Afraid you gotta give up your hockey puck, er.. i mean mouse? No problemo! We gotcha covered! Hell, if you just can’t get away from the keyboard that’s okay also because they got Keyboard and Mouse adapters!
Oh sure, all of these cost extra. But let’s face facts. How many of you “Hardcore PC Gamers” haven’t bought yourself a G15 or other gaming keyboard. And I know for a fact many of you have spent over $90 for a Razr mouse! So don’t you dare try and say that these optional controllers are just too pricey when they’re right in line with their PC counterparts.
Myth #2 – Consoles Are NOT Indie Friendly
All in all I found over 2,000 games by Indie Developers available on the Xbox Marketplace. Most of these offered free trials!
Maybe it’s not necessarily Indie Game Developers but Indie Mods and Add-on Developers you’re talking about. This is an interesting question. Personally, I’m not a big Mod or Add-on guy. (Okay, Okay, maybe that’s an understatement.) As we all know I’ve been pretty outspoken about my distaste for game add-ons. But this isn’t the place for that argument. But as I said it is an interesting question for console gamers especially for games like Skyrim.
I’m not entirely sure why Skyrim couldn’t work with Microsoft to deliver player mods with their Creation Kit. (My guess is it had more to do with account or system security issues than anything. But that’s just my opinion.) Anyways, there are precedence that player mods are allowed. The easiest example would be Halo and the abundance of Custom Maps players make and download today.
So maybe it’s not really so much an issue without a possible solution but more a question about demand? Who knows, either way Xbox is Indie Friendly it’s just up to developers make it happen.
Myth #3- Console Games Break The Bank
I really thought this one would be difficult to debunk. Everyone knows about Steam and how they’re always offering massive discounts and bundling deals. But then I decided to take a stroll through the Xbox Marketplace.
Guess what!! I found an Indie Fighting Game for only $.99! Yes that’s right NINETY-NINE CENTS!!! Oh! Want something a bit more “classy?” Okay then, how about a CastleMiner Z? This Minecraft derivative is only $2.99!
If you’re saying that these are cheap just because they’re Indie Games? Okay then tell me what you’re pricing is based on?
My guess is you’re using Steam Bundles or maybe Valve’s catalog of cheaper older games? Okay then, let’s make the comparison a bit more realistic. How about we compare Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game Of The Year Edition by Bethesda Softworks?
I can get Oblivion from Gamestop for 19.99. And on Steam? Oblivion is also $19.99!! Hmm.. so I guess that’s a wash after all.
(Alright, I’ll grant you that the copy from Gamestop is Pre-owned. However, it’s still guaranteed to work and isn’t that all that matters?)
Myth #4 – Consoles Have A Higher Cost:Performance Ratio
Yesterday, my friend Admon made a statement how one could build a computer for $400 that would “…[B]low consoles out of the water.”
Well, I took this as a personal challenge and set out to find me a PC for $400 that would do just that. All I ended up finding was 3 Asus Computers for under $400, but I’d be hardpressed to say they would knock the socks off of my Xbox.
Thinking that only using Newegg might be a bit too restrictive I decided to do a Shopping Search on Bing and Google Shopping. In the end they both only turned up a Lenovo that I would honestly question if it would really perform better than console.
Granted I’m just doing shopping searches and it’s very possible that one might be able to build a PC with better performance for under $400. So let’s be fare and not call this one busted, but Inconclusive.
Myth #5 - Console Graphics SUCK compared to PC Graphics
This one was nearly impossible for me to prove or disprove as I don’t have the means to personally test it. However, I did find a Crysis 2 Xbox vs. PC comparison that I found interesting.
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- Crysis 2 on Xbox
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- Crysis 2 On PC
(Note: Click Image to Enlarge Comparisons)
Now I’ll admit the PC Version is stellar! You can almost see the statue’s nose hairs!! But is the difference REALLY worth paying over $900 (USD) or to be more exact over €594 (Euros) Granted, one might find a cheaper graphic card but to achieve the “Stellar” graphics you still end up spending more to upgrade your PC than you would to buy a brand spanking new Xbox 360!
Hmm. On second thought maybe this just proved that Myth #4 is busted after all!
So there you have it, proof that the 5 most quoted reasons why PC Gaming is better than Console Gaming debunked. Or Are They!?!?
What do you think? Have I given you food for thought?
Or do you think I’m just off my rocker and there’s better reasons to play PC Games instead of using consoles? Go ahead, I’m all ears.
Again.. and this is two days in a row now. The reason to play PC Games — the games you actually want to play are not on consoles. Find a way to address/re-dress that concept in tomorrow’s post! =D
AWESOME!! My first comment is from someone who admits to not typically commenting onposts and I’ve managed to snag you twice!! *happy dance*
And I love that idea. Playing the games you want to play. That might be a bit more difficult because I’m guessing you’re talking about MMOs and more specifically, World of Warcraft.
Part of why I chose this series to write was to specifically work my way to the MMO question. To be honest I find it baffling that the MMO community hasn’t embraced the console community. But I’ll leave that for tomorrow’s post.
For now I’m just going to sit back and enjoy the fact you’ve commented twice in a row!
I DO like FPS games too. Vavle’s titles more than most. I hate the ‘cumbersome controller’ on the XBox. Which is sad, because I felt like a god playing Goldeneye on the N64 controller.
I’m also into Rockstar’s games. I’ve played RDR to 100% on the 360 and San Andreas on PC. Only one or two driving sequences/missions did I break down and use a controller (a PSX via radio shack adapter, btw).
Okay, so you hate the native controller. Why not go ahead and get a Keyboard/Mouse adapter? Or if it’s just the mouse, get that? Sure it’s an added cost, but in the end if it makes your game play more enjoyable who knows, maybe you’ll offset the cost by not upgrading your pc?
Yes, it’s an added cost but I’ll venture to guess that you’ve probably already added some type of keyboard or mouse due to gaming as it is. And if not? Well then you my friend are a unique breed. Because I’ve even bought a G18 specifically to help with a specific MMO. (And no it wasn’t Rift! lol)
I’d have to disagree on a two points, specifically 5 and 2.
Two has been stated by many indie devs that consoles aren’t friendly to develop for not because of the code, but because of the less than stellar profit margins. They’ve gotta pay dues to Microsoft for developing a game for their console, PC you pay no dues.
Number 5 is just flat out impossible to do fairly. First, you need to consider games developed for consoles and ported to PC. These will be similar looking because they are designed to run a certain way. Next you have to consider that the PC can be way worse than a console or way better, depending on hardware. My PC looks better than any console any day, but I pay a premium for that luxury.
To that end the PC vs Console fight is like most, a matter of opinion and personal preference. I can most closely compare it to the iPhone vs Android case. iPhones and consoles have a very controlled environment that allows for a very stable and controlled experience, while PC and android are very easy to customize but gives up some of that stability.
Finally something you didn’t address, that Lord K started on, and bothers me a great deal are platform exclusives. Of all the barbaric money grabbing tricks, making God of War PS3 only, Halo 360 exclusive, and MMO’s are mostly a PC only venture, we are dividing the gaming community and potential profits. Selling systems is only good for Sony and Microsoft, so stop locking us in to one console or another and maybe PC and console gamers will hate on each other less, cause I sure would love to play some great console games on my over powered PC.
The other 3 points are spot on though! Good article!
@Hawkinson
Thanks for the compliment! I’m glad you enjoyed the article.
You make an interesting point about profit margins and their effect on Indie Developers. I’ll have to look more into that. And we might be thinking on different levels when it comes to “Indie Games.” What I mean by that is 38 Studios could be considered “Indie” but they got the backing and funding of a big time studio. That’s one reason they were able to hook up with EA for distribution.
Then there are the true “Independent Developers” out there that either make games for the fun of it or are hoping to be the next big thing (Again I use Minecraft or Castle Miner Z as an example).
Either way I THINK that Microsoft is really trying to find a way to work in Independents. I just found this post where MS talks about recent changes to how they work with Indies. http://blogs.msdn.com/b/xna/archive/2012/01/04/happy-new-year-xbox-live-indie-games.aspx
As for Myth 5, it looks to me that you basically agreed with me. In order to recognize any REALL difference in graphics one will need to pay a premium. One might argue the price of what that premium is, but the point is still mute. Out of the box graphics for MOST PCs are at best equal or maybe now SLIGHTLY better than consoles, specifically Xbox.
In a way that says something there does it not? If one must still pay a premium to surpass the graphic capability of a system that’s over 6 years old then I ask you, “Which gamer is truly being ripped off? The PC or Console gamer?”
Again, thank you for taking the time to comment. Trust me, I really do appreciate it.
This place scares me, honest intelligent and non insulting opinions and conversation? This is some Utopian version of the real internet
I agree with point 4 in my rebuttal to point 5, but if the game is developed for PC and ported to consoles, the PC will win is what I tried to convey. Crysis 2 got a lot of flak for not being Crysis 1 in terms of story and graphics. It looks good, but it could have looked better. Skyrim on PC is the easiest to see the effect of a higher texture pack that you can run on high end PC’s. It is a far cry from consoles, which is what PC gamers like to see. I will stand by the PC for graphic power for sure.
Point 2 is a new development and it really depends on how the console companies, specifically Microsoft start handling things. Microsoft tends to do a lot of lip service and then walk off in to their money pool. Recently they said they were going to head back to PC gaming. PC gamers were, shocked, scared, confused, and disbelieving all at once.
Welcome to my philosophy on discussions. I have no problem calling out anyone who’s trolling and embarassing them. I’m all about open communication. Who knows we might even start up a “Gaming for Real People” forum again.
(Oh god.. did i just say that…. Don’t hold your breath. lol)
Anyways, you’re correct about it probably being more an issue with native development vs. actual hardware capability. I say this because I had found a detailed technical specification of the Xbox’s ATI video card abilities and it’s so freaking powerful it scares me!! :O (http://hardware.teamxbox.com/articles/xbox/1144/The-Xbox-360-System-Specifications/p1) Though I will admit they still lag behind the graphic cards of TODAY’S PCs, I don’t think it’s anything to sneeze at.
I THINK Microsoft now understands that “Indie” Developers are going to be their bread and butter. They’ve lost their shirt by not understanding the “App” market and if they don’t move quickly this time around they’ll lose the home entertainment market as well.
Thanks again for the food for thought on Indie Development. I’m going to have to really rethink my philosophy on this one.
Since Twitter would make this convoluted, here are my rebuttals:
Myth 1: if the controller was adequate, you wouldn’t need fancy 3rd-party versions. Also true for PC games.
Myth 2: If XBox is TRULY indie friendly, why do dashboard updates bury the indie games screen more and more? http://www.computerandvideogames.com/329154/indie-devs-displeased-with-new-xbox-dashboard/
Myth 3 is clearly a push. Both platforms have lots of ways to get titles at low prices. /shrug
@Lord Kaladar
Since you’ve gone ahead and taken the time to write a more extensive reply I’m honored bound to write a reply.
I don’t think we can really debate Myth #1. As it’s more about choices and aesthetics and options. But what I will say is this. As you alluded to, many people already supplement standard PC Keyboards and Mice with 3rd party options. So I truly don’t think we disagree. But that’s not the point I think you were making.
What you’re really saying is most people don’t feel FORCED to change their controllers on a PC. One can usually alter the assigned keys to fit whatever keyboard that came with their machine. Whereas, console controllers just suck! (Yeah, I’ll say it again! Console controllers SUCK BIG HAIRY MONKEY BALLS!!) And because they’re so god awful most any adult would feel compelled to find a more ergonomic controller to play with. In the end this would be an additional cost of ownership that in some cases could tip the scales closer towards PC Ownership.
But if we’re going to go there, then a much deeper financial analysis would be required. Because if we truly wanted to analyze Gaming Costs then just the act of buying a console would an automatic $300 increase. And we’d have to figure a way to compensate on the PC side.
Luckily, I’m already making the assumption that the gamer in question is in a position to make that decision. Also, I’m making the assumption that the choice is more along the lines of “buying a new computer” vs “playing on consoles.” (I probably should have made that clear in my post but I honestly felt it wasn’t necessary at the time. So thank you for helping me realize that mistake.)
Now as for your rebuttal for Myth 2: I’m not entirely sure that the article you proposed reflects the true nature of the relationship between Microsoft and Indie Developers. As evidence I offer you the previous article I proposed to Hawkinson (http://blogs.msdn.com/b/xna/archive/2012/01/04/happy-new-year-xbox-live-indie-games.aspx).
Also, think of it this way. Much like Amazon and iTunes allow Indie Writers and Musicians to compete with established labels, the Xbox Marketplace does the same for Indie Developers. By NOT immediately forcing them into a separate category they are listed right next to big name titles. No longer are they immediately shunned due to being labeled “Indie” but their now highlighted and ranked the same.
So I ask you, what could be more acceptable? Shunned and placed at the Kiddie Table or allowed to sit with the grown ups?
But I’ll admit, you’ve both given me some food for thought. I obviously need to do some more homework on Independent Games.
Thanks again!
“Much like Amazon and iTunes allow Indie Writers and Musicians to compete with established labels, the Xbox Marketplace does the same for Indie Developers. By NOT immediately forcing them into a separate category they are listed right next to big name titles.”
This point is interesting, because Indie devs tend to shout praises for Steam, and they have their own category in the store. Think for a moment if you saw EA releasing a full title for 4.99 or whatever you feel its worth. Would you trust them to give you full value? They are a huge publisher why would they sell so cheap? Now this indie guy next to him looks suspicious because games cost 50-60 bucks.
Giving them their own category is like separating the good games, the discount games, and the 9 dollar CD case games that are typically trash. The discount games are good, but they shouldn’t be compared to the new AAA title, and no games should hang out with the trash end cap games like “solitaire and 99 other games” collections
I don’t think I was clear enough with my analogy. Like Amazon, iTunes and even Steam MS does have an “Indie” section. That was Lodakar’s point. They seemed to have buried it down a level. But to be fair it’s not truly buried by itself it’s just onder a lable “By Type” or something like that. It added a click but allowed for people to browse the entire game catalogue in an organized manner.
Personally? I think this will be a wash over time because I don’t think you’re argument applies like it use to. Often times in the digital world it’s the one who’s price is higher that is often looked upon with more suspect. Consumers seem to have embraced the philosophy of “Digital should be cheaper” and those that aren’t are typically scorned. This is what the TV/Movie Industry is fighting.
Where the music industry embraced the $.99 culture, Movies have not. Last year I was at a Film Festival and heard Oscar Nominated Producer J. Todd Harris openly criticize iTunes for that exact philosophy. (I think I still have that recoding somewhere because I called him out on it. lol
Anyways, I still think I’m not qualified to say with 100% certainty that Microsoft OPENLY promotes and supports Indie Devs. But I can say that DO Support them, but maybe not as much as one would like. Also, as I’ve stated many times. I really need to do more research on the Indie Game Development business as a whole as well.
Since I got called out on it, here is a build that beats everything wikipedia says the xbox has. It costs a total of 391.92 (not including shipping/tax), and used only newegg. (this being said, the current xbox is 5 years old, so if a computer didnt blow it out of the water it would be sad). This build assumes you already have the software though.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154095
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.822554
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231180
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136075
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371033
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125366
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125366
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289
Actually building a computer isnt too tough, really the most challenging part is wire management (aka making it look pretty)
@Admon I concede! I CONCEDE!!
So you can BUILD a computer for under $400 that will surpass today’s console. But as the graphics comparison I presented showed I don’t think you’re talking about a significiant amount of difference.
I’m pretty sure if you played you’re favorite game on Xbox using a similar control setup you wouldn’t have a descernable degredation of enjoyment. Then again, I am the one who wears glasses so thick that Optometrists laugh when I ask about Lasik.
I have several reasons that I prefer gaming on my computer to gaming on a console.
First and foremost is portability. Yes, I could unhook one of the consoles and take it with me wherever I may go, but carrying my laptop is far more convienient. I also don’t tie up the television while i’m gaming, thereby keeping my wife and kids from watching something. Actually, come to think about it, when shows I don’t care for come on tends to be when the laptop comes out and I get my WoW on.
Secondly while many titles are availible for both PC and console, the titles I want to play are for the most part only on PC. Essentially if it’s not a shooter, and it’s something I would like, its not availible on console.
Third, rapairability. If my console takes a crap (looking at you red ringed X box) my choices are ship it off and pay high prices for repairs, or toss it and buy a new one. If My PC takes a crap (yes, even my laptop) I can find the problem (usually) with common tools and test equiptment. I can also find repair parts easily availible online.
Fourth, upgradeability. Consoles have a finite lifespan. You buy one and, simply put, the clock is ticking on when it becomes irrelevent. My Atari 2600 still works for instance, but it rarely gets any playtime (last time was busting out with a game of Adventure on Christmas eve, to show my kids just how far slaying internet dragons had come). My laptop is actually very similar in this case, as all the innards are propriatary and not really upgradable, other than perhaps hard drive and ram. Even my Xbox can upgrade the hard drive, so thats a wash.
The desktop PC on the other hand, now that thing could be around forever. Every single part of one is independantly upgradable, so as time goes on, I believe building one well rounded desktop PC, and dropping upgrades as needed to keep it current enough to play the newest crop of games, would actually be less expensive. I don’t have the data to back that up, it’s just my feelings on the matter.
Lastly, the real difference between the two is versatility. My consoles do toss a mighty nice looking game up on the screen. They are a lot of fun to play with, but they simply don’t have the range of abilities of the PC.
@Dechion WOAH! Everyone’s coming out of the woodwork! Awesomeness!
Well, let me first point out that that this is Part 2 of a series and some of your points I tried to address in Part 1, namely the idea of portability. In Part 1 – Do You Still Walk You Dinosaur? Then Why Play PC Games? I mentioned the concept that the console would be the “Entertainment Hub” for the household. What I tried to convey also was that GAMERS who don’t support this concept are really only hurting themselves. We are inturned forced to spend more money on PC’s than we really should. Not only that, by mixing “Entertainment” with “Professional/Personal Business” we then create more “Opportunities” for those would would like to have access to that information but shouldn’t. But I digress.
Basically, my point on this issue is fairly simple. Consoles SHOULD become our center for Enteratainment within the house. HOWEVER, access to that entertainment should be available in different venues depeding on that’s devices ability.
I will also point out that many of the issues you speak of can be resolved by individuals. I have found lot’s of parts and instructions for anyone who would like to fix their own Xbox. But let’s face it, MOST consumers CHOOSE to take their PCs somewhere to be fixed rather than fix it at home. If not, then why do we have “Geek Squad” and “Fix Your PC” type places on almost every strip mall?
But you mentioned extending one’s purchase value through upgrading components but let’s look back at that and see. Most PCs are on a 3-5 year upgrade cycle. You can extend the usability typically to 10yrs with various hardware and OS purchases. Look at the machine at the end of that cycle. Thypically the ONLY thing left from the original machine is the shell itself! After 10yrs you probably had to replace EVERYTHING! If not, then the items still in use themselves have probably been surpased and are kept for backwards compatibility.
But again I’d like to point out, that this isn’t an issue with consoles. Their lifespan and abilties today last easily beyone their initial 3-5yr lifespand. Honestly, I firmly believe that Hawkinson hit the nail on the head when he stated that the issues we hate about “console gaming” are probably more often related to developers CREATING a game for PCs then PORTING it over to consoles. If they would have created a game for the console at first much of what we dislike might not be an issue. Then again, that’s me.
(Sorry for the long winded reply but i felt you deserved the respect of an honest and complete reply.)
Now you’re final point about games being available only on PC or Console format is truly the CORE ISSUE here. Why is it I cannot play the same game on my favorite console and you on your pc? Simply put? It’s… well, that’s what today’s post will be about so I better not spoil it for you.
“more often related to developers CREATING a game for PCs then PORTING it over to consoles. If they would have created a game for the console at first much of what we dislike might not be an issue”
Actually, the issue ive noticed (while playing PC’s), is that a lot of games are being designed with consoles in mind, which leads to them being awkward to play w/o some sort of controller. This is the reason the internet makes a big fuss when the computer version asks (usually on some irrelevant loading screen) for the player to press the button X. This may not happen much in first person viewpoint games, but sports games are absolutely horrible console ports. some are too lazy to even switch the layout, so you have to guess which key = x button (and its not X).
Also, one thing you seem to be glossing over, is that the console is just basically a computer with a different operating system. Everything consoles can do, PCs can already do (and usually with a bit more flexibility). It would be pointless to use the console as an entertainment hub when you could just use a HTPC.
Alas that’s the central issue. Isn’t a console just a fancy PC? Let’s face it, the PS 3 runs on Linux and the Xbox on a version of Windows. There’s even talk of Apple TV being an “Entertainment Hub.”
However, if I keep going I’ll spoil tomorrow’s post.
lol
Interesting post to spark conversation… I likes.
Here’s my two cents, take it for what it’s worth. And know that I own all the toys and have no more fond of one than the other, except when it comes to preferences in terms of gameplay (case in point, I personally prefer FPS’s on PC).
Myth #1
“The right tool for the right job” as my ol’ man used to say, and as I’ve told my kids since they were old enough to hand me tools. Whether on PC or console, the controller will depend highly on what you are playing. You can’t say one is better than the other, because I sure as shit wouldn’t want to play a racing game with my keyboard and mouse on PC, though am ok with a game controller (and of course the wheel is best for all platforms). Also, the controller’s viability is highly dependent on the game developer’s skill with properly setting up the control scheme for either the controller or the keyboard/mouse.
Myth #2
XBox is far more indie-friendly than PSN, though at least they are making an effort to amend that and have been releasing a lot of indie-games as of late… although there are still a lot more to be had on PC, and overall, they are still far less expensive on PC (especially when you consider various Steam indie bundle sales as well as Humble Bundle).
Myth #3
Once again, Steam has revolutionized how we purchase PC games. Though to be more specific, it is their sales which have done so. Steam routinely holds week-long sales (or longer) wherein the prices are slashed to ridiculous amounts. Neither Xbox Live nor PSN comes close to Steam in terms of those savings.
There are also a lot more venues for indie and classic game sales, which allow you to build your game library.
That said, what consoles lack in that regard, they more than make up for in trade-ins. If you are very careful with where you purchase your games, as well as where you trade them in, you can make out like a bandit. That is worth mentioning.
Myth #4
Consoles are more expensive. Sorry, but it’s really that simple. I’m IT. I’ve been building computers for more years than I’d care to admit, and keep up with costs as I’m always tweaking something for myself or family/friends.
You can build something significantly better on PC than is available on console.
Myth #5
While I wouldn’t say console graphics suck as a whole, as that’s a ridiculous statement (as each game has the potential to either excel or suck), I will say that as a whole, games nearly always look better on PC. If the PC in question has the proper components, it will simply look better. Sadly, there’s no debating that one.
That said, once again, if the game is properly developed, it will still look astounding on consoles.
@Roger You’re right about the right tool for the job. And conceptually I think we are in agreement on what that tool is. The real question is how soon will that concept become a reality.
I too have been in IT for what seems forever and a day. So I know how to build a PC and can find components to do so cheaply. But I also have to realize that a majority of the consumer population doesn’t WANT that hassle. We live in a society that’s more and more focused disposible consumer technology. Not “Throw Away” but disposible. They want the set and forget approach. And when it’s time for a new one, it’s just find the latest and greatest, no hassle shelf item to replace it.
But yeah, I think we’re heading in the same direction. I feel it’ll only be a matter of terminology and symantics that will seperate us. And if we can agree to that, all we’ll need to do is build a Console/PC Lexicon.
lol
Thanks again Roger for the post!
Ah, see, I took what you wrote to mean that it was difficult to build a PC for the cost of a console (technically speaking), not that most people wouldn’t have the known-how or willingness to do so.
I agree with you on that one. Most people don’t want to go through the hassle. Hell, I don’t even want to go through the hassle. We have been spoiled by turn-key solutions.
This is shaping up to be a very interesting discussion.
Looking again at Myth #4, one thing I have not seen addressed is whether or not game consoles are sold at a loss and whether that should be a factor in your opinion. Is the price to the consumer the proper metric for comparison or the cost to the manufacturer to build the device? I could argue this either way. I’m currently leaning toward cost to build, simply because that cost eventually gets passed along to the consumer anyway in the cost of games and may contribute to the barriers to independent developers. On the other hand, the relatively long lifetime of console hardware works in the manufacturers’ favor, since costs should drop over time.
Another factor that might be interesting to look at is the potential disruption due to the emerging phone and tablet markets.
Overall, I think it is a question of what one values and the relative value one assigns to each factor. For some, ultimate graphics capability may be the overriding factor, drowning out every other consideration. For others, it is what most of their friends have. Just a few other factors include, preferred genre, out of pocket costs, having one device that “does it all” (for varying antecedents for “it” and choices of “all”), preferred controller(s) and/or the costs of obtaining it/them, type of “gamer” making the judgements (with the slippery definitions involved in that canned food section of worms).
In my comment to part 1, I listed a few “advantages” of the PC over consoles. I listed them because I do or have in the past valued those factors highly. Interestingly, since my primary computer is now a laptop and I make heavy use of a tablet and leave the laptop at home, the capability of “incremental upgrades” is not as important to me as it once was, nor is lowest up-front cost.
Mostly I have been thinking of even more questions.
Does the gaming sphere need the relatively fast-evolving hardware from the PC world to drive innovation in consoles? Would console hardware be where it is today without that pressure? Is that important? How important is it? Why is it necessary and/or desirable to focus on one over the other? When do I get my holodeck?
@Mirlas I’m right there with you on the idea that the concept of console gaming or pc gaming has everything to do with “Corporate Strategy”. Reason I say this is because I looked for legitimate reasons game companies don’t do cross platform games and I couldn’t find a single good one. I even said as much in today’s post. (http://brigwyn.com/2012/02/game-companies-must-be-the-spawn-of-sauron/).
That would explain why everything seems so half assed when ported. As it has been said here and in previous posts games ported from one platform to another are often plagued with bugs and done halfassed!
But your other question does get me thinking along the lines I hope I can address in tomorrows post. The Chickien and the egg concept of which platform drives technological changes. Right now I’m leaning towards a little of both. Which for now means we’re pretty much stuck in no man’s land.
As you mentioned tables are a game changer right now. People are willing to accept shoddy programming, crappy graphics if it means they can access things on their phone or tablet. In may ways gaming is taking not just a small step backwords, but a GIANT leap!! Think about it! One of the most popular games today is freaking World with Friends!! A freaking word game!! And don’t get me started on the impact mobile computing has had on sound or video quality! (breath’s deeply)
All those said, I guess sometimes we need to jump backwards in order to move forwards. But dammit! I’m not getting any younger and I too want my freaking holodeck! Hell! At this point I’d settle for a holographic chess board ala Star Wars! (The good one, you know A New Hope?
I am sorry but comparing old games which have both been price cut proves you did not really compare the two you went out and tried to sneak favour towards the consoles. It is a well known fact that console games cost at least 20-25% more than pc games when they are released. PC game prices also fall much sooner than console games do. There for pc games are much more affordable. I have a Xbox 360 Elite and a pc and I only have about 7 or 8 Xbox games since I have bought it because they are too expensive for my taste. Not because I can’t afford them, I am just an old school gamer who does not pay over a spesific ammount for a game that I will only play for a few hours before completing it with no replay value (most console games get boring after the first play through). On the graphics note consoles are just more compressed so performance and glitch-wise you would pick up the difference in seconds. I have not really played pc games that much until recently again, I am saving to buy myself a new gaming pc. This one is ancient 2005 the only difference is the VGA card and Power supply.
@Chrisguy I’m sorry that you found my game comparison not applicable. However, since you failed to provide a New game as a rebuttal how about we look at a brand new release?
How about we test Kindoms of Amalur: The Reckoning? (http://www.gamestop.com/browse?nav=16k-Kingdoms+of+Amalur) Right now it’s running $59.99 for all formats.
That being the case, I still say the pricing argument is a myth.
Thanks for joining in the discussion! I really appreciate it!
First Id like to say that I am a graphic designer by trade and in the graphics comparison PC wins hands down. The image is far more crisp and detailed than the X-Box counterpart.
Second I have one fact that debunks all of your debunking, yes just one fact.
I can buy one good PC and upgrade it to “high end” for the cost of two or three consoles. Yes this sounds more expensive but bear with me. I can then take that single PC and play any game known to man with it.
That’s right, ANY GAME, ANY CONSOLE, ANY CONTROLLER on my PC, no problem. No console boasts the versatility or upgrade-ability of a PC. In fact no console has anything better than a PC except cost and if you’re a truly heavy gamer than cost will be about the same in the end too.
I do think that you did some excellent research and this is all excellent food for thought for any serous gamer, kudos!