Is PC Gaming Truly Dying in 2020 and beyond?
Many have questioned the future of PC gaming, arguing that mobile and console games are becoming more populated. However, as a long-time PC gamer, I firmly believe that PC gaming is far from dying. Just as mobile gaming has gained immense popularity, PC gaming continues to evolve and offer unique experiences that consoles often cannot match.
PC Gaming is Anything but Dying
The idea that PC gaming is dying is a misconception fueled by the rise of mobile games. While mobile gaming has certainly captured a larger audience, PC gaming retains a loyal and dedicated following. For many passionate gamers, there is no substitute for the depth and customization that comes with PC gaming.
I would like to recommend two popular games set to dominate the market in 2024: Diablo 4 and Elden Ring. Both of these games are anticipated to introduce new seasons and downloadable content (DLC) that will attract a vast number of players. I am one of them, and I find them to be incredibly fun to operate on a PC.
The Impact of the Chip Shortage
The current chip shortage has made it extremely difficult to obtain a new PC, which is indeed a challenge. This shortage has significantly affected the gaming community, particularly newcomers. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, simulators and flight simulator games saw a remarkable surge in popularity. Gamers would buy full setups including sim rigs, complete with wheels, pedals, and gear sticks, which can cost thousands of dollars. While these setups offer a unique and immersive experience, they have caused considerable backlogs.
For those new to gaming, the challenge of obtaining the required hardware has become a significant barrier. I, for instance, bought a new Nvidia 3080 graphics card back in September 2020, and I still haven't received it. While this doesn't affect me as I already have a decent card, for many aspiring gamers, the price of graphics cards, which can be 3-4 times their marked retail price (MSRP), is simply unaffordable. The same issue extends to second-hand previous-generation cards, which are becoming increasingly hard to find.
VR's Growing Traction
Despite these challenges, the rise of Virtual Reality (VR) has provided a compelling alternative. VR technology is becoming more accessible and is seamlessly integrated with simulators, furthering the immersive gaming experience. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the PC gaming world, making it even more prominent.
Modern Gaming: More Diverse and Accessible
Today's PC gaming is more diverse and accessible than ever. Gamers can choose from a plethora of peripherals to enhance their gaming experience far beyond a simple 1080p 60Hz TV screen. From advanced mice and keyboards to headsets and more, the options are vast and cater to every gamer's needs and preferences, making the PC platform an unparalleled choice for gaming.
The Xbox and PlayStation: Windows-based Computers
While it's true that the Xbox and PlayStation run different operating systems, it's worth noting that the hardware is fundamentally the same as a PC. The Xbox is essentially a PC running Windows, and the PS4 and PS5 run a version of the BSD operating system. This means that both consoles can run similar or even some PC games, albeit with some limitations.
The gaming world has seen an unfortunate shift toward microtransaction-based business models, where companies profit from skins, speed-ups, virtual clothing, and "protection" for online ranks. While this revenue stream is understandable, it has changed the perception of gaming for some players. However, PC gaming remains largely unaffected by these trends, as most of the complex and depth-oriented games I enjoy are exclusively available on PC.
In conclusion, while the PC gaming market has certainly faced challenges, it is far from dying. The current shortage and rising prices may deter some, but the future looks bright and diverse, with the continuing support of passionate gamers and the steady improvement of hardware and software solutions.