My two biggest gripes with PC gaming

Short and simple:

Cost: Yes, PC gaming is more expensive, so it causes issues with my performance at times. I'm still rocking a 5750, and would like to upgrade, but I just can't justify spending nearly $200 just for an upgrade...and that's not including my wifes PC that I would also upgrade.

No used games: There's no reason why I shouldn't be able to sell my used PC games. For example, I picked up Skyrim awhile back, but just couldn't get into it. Now I'm stuck with a $60 game that's going to rot on my steam account. Why can't I deactivate the game via Steam and trade it to someone? There's only ONE reason: greed. It's completely anti-consumer, and really makes me hesitant to buy many PC games.

Those two reasons alone are why I still lean towards console gaming as the best USER experience, because it's more consumer friendly. They're also why I love Blizzard games, because I never have to worry about their games sucking, and I know my budget PC will be able to get tons of performance out of their games.

No one force you to play on pc for other games, problem solved.

There is no such thing as used software on the PC. That's how it's always been. Deal with it.

It's not greed, it's business. It's not anti-consumer at all. It eliminates a market that doesn't benifit the developers of software in ANY way at all.

There is no such thing as used software on the PC. That's how it's always been. Deal with it.

Wasdie

I get many games on console because if I don't like them I can sell, or just rent them.

I get some games on PC because they are timeless.

My plan originally was to get Skyrim on 360 first, then get it for PC when there's a GOTY edition with all DLC's, because I can sell the 360 version of Skyrim and get some money back, and have a timeless huge game on PC.

But then I got bored with Skyrim and think I'll just sell, or maybe just keep the console version and try to play occaisionally.

Anyway the point is it shouldn't be either/or.

You should be using both depending on the game and your mood.

I can't imagine life without a PC.

I've owned gaming PC's for 30+ years.

But at this point I've fallen in love with these little devices called consoles and prefer the gameplay in some cases.

So the answer is just have both.

The best faction is "manticore."

There is no such thing as used software on the PC. That's how it's always been. Deal with it.

It's not greed, it's business. It's not anti-consumer at all. It eliminates a market that doesn't benifit the developers of software in ANY way at all.

Wasdie

Market exists to serve consumers.

If it don't serve consumers then it fails.

Hence piracy and irrelevance.

Like others have said deal with it and stop complaining or just play on consoles. PC gaming is expensive at times, not all the time. You don't need constant upgrades all the time like people think. It's the initial start up that costs the most, buying everything first time.

Also games are FAR cheaper than on consoles. It's ridiculous how cheap they are. Even at launch the PC version is cheaper. And we get constant sales all the time. So while the hardware is more expensive the games make up for it.

I personally love PC gaming a hell of a lot more than I did when I played on consoles.

[QUOTE="Wasdie"]

There is no such thing as used software on the PC. That's how it's always been. Deal with it.

TheShadowLord07

Yep, I've bought used PC games on Amazon

I never cared about re-selling the games i buy. And if i would want to play more than 5-6 games that need (not being able to play at anything but low at decent framerates) a upgrade, then i put my patience to work, save money and upgrade, thus i always find justification in upgrading. I don't got a problem with your inconvenience in those aspects tho, i believe it depends on the user. Perfectly natural.

[QUOTE="Wasdie"]

There is no such thing as used software on the PC. That's how it's always been. Deal with it.

TheShadowLord07

That market is still dead. Most new releases all have a sort of DRM.

Short and simple:

Don't buy games at launch. PC Games are already cheaper than console games and drop in price much faster. Right now Skyrim on Amazon costs 39 Euro for PC and 53 for PS3.

Hate to say but piracy is the original solution to "but what if I don't like the game?"

Yeah that's why you pirate it first, check it out, then if you like it you buy it.

Imagine if you were expected to buy songs but couldn't hear them first.

"Pay me $2 for this song." But but....can I hear it? "No, that's illegal."

That's PC gaming in a nutshell and why it has never really took off in a mass consumer way.

Because it doesn't serve mass consumer needs to sample what they're buying.

"Buy this shoe, but you can't try it on first."

What???

"Buy this prosciotto but you can't have a taste."

What???

PC devs are basically capitalist dumbasses who think f*cking over their customers is more profitable than serving them.

I didn't spend much more on my Windows 7 pc(Acer) than I did on my PS3. that was because I found it in a January sale at one of the big electronics markets that is known for large inventory and lower regular prices the after Christmas first of the year sales are legendary and you can find some great buys.

granted it isn't quite a high end gaming machine but it will play anything that doesn't require the best graphics card and I can pick up a new card for a decent price anytime I desire but since I still have games I haven't even started much less finished i'm in no hurry.

I really can't understand how anyone can call the PC an expensive system unless you fail to do any research before you make your purchases.

if you make any type of attempt you can buy a complete decent system for a good price and put together a great rig for a modest price.

the internet is loaded with instructions on how to assemble a PC on a budget

I still lean towards console gaming as the best USER experience, because it's more consumer friendly.xxxLUGZxxx

[QUOTE="TheShadowLord07"]

[QUOTE="Wasdie"]

There is no such thing as used software on the PC. That's how it's always been. Deal with it.

seanmcloughlin

Yep, I've bought used PC games on Amazon

Then you go to play it and the guy is still using the CD key online and you can't play, or the CD key was tied to an online account years ago rendering half the game uselesss.

The secondhand market on the PC is tiny and has been full of annoyances from day one.

Hate to say but piracy is the original solution to "but what if I don't like the game?"

Yeah that's why you pirate it first, check it out, then if you like it you buy it.

ZombieKiller7

[QUOTE="ZombieKiller7"]

Hate to say but piracy is the original solution to "but what if I don't like the game?"

Yeah that's why you pirate it first, check it out, then if you like it you buy it.

princeofshapeir

Yes

Also please re-read the rest of that post, I edited it.

I think it's relevant to this discussion.

PC gaming is expensive but it is the next best thing if you're a madman and don't want a PS3. The no used games thing really doesn't bother me since on average I have paid about $10 for the 100+ games I have on Steam

[QUOTE="seanmcloughlin"]

[QUOTE="TheShadowLord07"]oh yes there is. any game doesnt require steam,orign, or gfwl can be bought used.

Wasdie

Yep, I've bought used PC games on Amazon

Then you go to play it and the guy is still using the CD key online and you can't play, or the CD key was tied to an online account years ago rendering half the game uselesss.

The secondhand market on the PC is tiny and has been full of annoyances from day one.

I have 5 used games bought from Amazon and have had no issues like that at all.

[QUOTE="Wasdie"]

[QUOTE="seanmcloughlin"]

Yep, I've bought used PC games on Amazon

seanmcloughlin

Then you go to play it and the guy is still using the CD key online and you can't play, or the CD key was tied to an online account years ago rendering half the game uselesss.

The secondhand market on the PC is tiny and has been full of annoyances from day one.

I have 5 used games bought from Amazon and have had no issues like that at all.

I think you can play online just fine as long as the original owner is not online. Happened with Diablo II, i borrowed it from my cousin, was always able to play online as long as he wasn't on. Vice versa aswell.

There is no such thing as used software on the PC. That's how it's always been. Deal with it.

Wasdie

I highlighted the part of your statement that is untrue. Pre 2000 just about any PC games could be sold second-hand.

Even during the years of CD keys, retail PC games could be sold used quite easily, although you were out of luck for multiplayer because the CD key would already be in use - but you could still play the SP of any game. There are a handful of older PC titles I've bought second-hand because they were 'out of print'.

That's not to say you could trade in PC games at game stores, but you could sell them on or buy them via a number of places. It's only since games required registration, and were tied to accounts, that selling them on became impossible.

So that's not how it's always been.

[QUOTE="seanmcloughlin"]

[QUOTE="Wasdie"]

Then you go to play it and the guy is still using the CD key online and you can't play, or the CD key was tied to an online account years ago rendering half the game uselesss.

The secondhand market on the PC is tiny and has been full of annoyances from day one.

Lucianu

I have 5 used games bought from Amazon and have had no issues like that at all.

I think you can play online just fine as long as the original owner is not online. Happened with Diablo II, i borrowed it from my cousin, was always able to play online as long as he wasn't on. Vice versa aswell.

Maybe, But I have yet to run into an occurance like that yet

I respectfully disagree - my gaming on the PC has caused my wallet less damage than my PS3 gaming at least if you go by the average of cost per game and not total amount spent on all the games because I have way more PC games than PS3.

over all I still have more PS2 than any other games.

PS3 cost a fair amount because I bought the 160 gig fatboy at launch so PC at end of the year clearance sales was a comparable price

But the developers are supposed to cater to OUR needs, not their's. It's OUR market as consumers, not their's. I think some people have just accepted that they're going to be taken advantage of as consumers.

Greed is the reason why I can't deactivate my Skyrim key, thus preventing me from playing it, and trading/selling it to someone else. Hell, I would even be happy with the ability to trade games on Steam...but as it stands now, unless it's a $5 Steam game, I'm not taking the chance.

Consoles seem to be doing fine with the ability to trade and sell used games, so I fail to see why PC games can't have the same freedom.

Anyway, I sitll like PC gaming, but I refuse to become a sole PC gamer until at least the used game issue is fixed. This is a big reason why I'll be using Onlive once I get my cable internet, since it allows me to actually rent PC games, a feature I feel is sorely lacking on the platform.

There is no such thing as used software on the PC. That's how it's always been. Deal with it.

It's not greed, it's business. It's not anti-consumer at all. It eliminates a market that doesn't benifit the developers of software in ANY way at all.

Wasdie

[QUOTE="Wasdie"]

There is no such thing as used software on the PC. That's how it's always been. Deal with it.

It's not greed, it's business. It's not anti-consumer at all. It eliminates a market that doesn't benifit the developers of software in ANY way at all.

cain006

You usually get barely anything for the game though unfortunately. And it doesn't work with steam games

I remember seeing a website that actually offered some money to buy back the game you bought from themMonsieurX

so basically im getting PC use to be for the people by the people...an open source for all to enjoy as they see fit...and NOW its being controlled by MS,Steam and other DRM issues that no longer cater to the people in a free open manner?AND consolelites are the ones that are supposedly getting the shaft?..humm..

Short and simple:

Cost: Yes, PC gaming is more expensive, so it causes issues with my performance at times. I'm still rocking a 5750, and would like to upgrade, but I just can't justify spending nearly $200 just for an upgrade...and that's not including my wifes PC that I would also upgrade.

No used games: There's no reason why I shouldn't be able to sell my used PC games. For example, I picked up Skyrim awhile back, but just couldn't get into it. Now I'm stuck with a $60 game that's going to rot on my steam account. Why can't I deactivate the game via Steam and trade it to someone? There's only ONE reason: greed. It's completely anti-consumer, and really makes me hesitant to buy many PC games.

Those two reasons alone are why I still lean towards console gaming as the best USER experience, because it's more consumer friendly. They're also why I love Blizzard games, because I never have to worry about their games sucking, and I know my budget PC will be able to get tons of performance out of their games.

xxxLUGZxxx

Short and simple:

Cost: Yes, PC gaming is more expensive, so it causes issues with my performance at times. I'm still rocking a 5750, and would like to upgrade, but I just can't justify spending nearly $200 just for an upgrade...and that's not including my wifes PC that I would also upgrade.

No used games: There's no reason why I shouldn't be able to sell my used PC games. For example, I picked up Skyrim awhile back, but just couldn't get into it. Now I'm stuck with a $60 game that's going to rot on my steam account. Why can't I deactivate the game via Steam and trade it to someone? There's only ONE reason: greed. It's completely anti-consumer, and really makes me hesitant to buy many PC games.

Those two reasons alone are why I still lean towards console gaming as the best USER experience, because it's more consumer friendly. They're also why I love Blizzard games, because I never have to worry about their games sucking, and I know my budget PC will be able to get tons of performance out of their games.

xxxLUGZxxx

What do you need a used games market when the sales are so much better on the PC.

Also learn to shop for games. If you are patient you rarely have to pay full price for games. That way even if you don't like the game the sting is a lot less.

Short and simple:

Cost: Yes, PC gaming is more expensive, so it causes issues with my performance at times. I'm still rocking a 5750, and would like to upgrade, but I just can't justify spending nearly $200 just for an upgrade...and that's not including my wifes PC that I would also upgrade.

No used games: There's no reason why I shouldn't be able to sell my used PC games. For example, I picked up Skyrim awhile back, but just couldn't get into it. Now I'm stuck with a $60 game that's going to rot on my steam account. Why can't I deactivate the game via Steam and trade it to someone? There's only ONE reason: greed. It's completely anti-consumer, and really makes me hesitant to buy many PC games.

Those two reasons alone are why I still lean towards console gaming as the best USER experience, because it's more consumer friendly. They're also why I love Blizzard games, because I never have to worry about their games sucking, and I know my budget PC will be able to get tons of performance out of their games.

xxxLUGZxxx

I'm into console gaming, but your second point is invalid since PC games tend to become cheaper than console used games rapidly, not to mention Steam sales blow used game prices out of the ****ing water. So yeah, I guess you run into the occasional problem that you did with Skyrim, but if you'd waited maybe 12 months max you'd probably be able to pick it up for < $15.

Hate to say but piracy is the original solution to "but what if I don't like the game?"

Yeah that's why you pirate it first, check it out, then if you like it you buy it.

Imagine if you were expected to buy songs but couldn't hear them first.

"Pay me $2 for this song." But but....can I hear it? "No, that's illegal."

That's PC gaming in a nutshell and why it has never really took off in a mass consumer way.

Because it doesn't serve mass consumer needs to sample what they're buying.

"Buy this shoe, but you can't try it on first."

What???

"Buy this prosciotto but you can't have a taste."

What???

PC devs are basically capitalist dumbasses who think f*cking over their customers is more profitable than serving them.

ZombieKiller7

Good God. LOL

stop buying every game on release day, wait a bit, and before you know it, games are begging for your purchase with $5-20 price tags all over steam, amazon, greenmangaming, and gamersgate.

There is no such thing as used software on the PC. That's how it's always been. Deal with it.

It's not greed, it's business. It's not anti-consumer at all. It eliminates a market that doesn't benifit the developers of software in ANY way at all.

Wasdie

actually that's a lie since many games can be sold on the used market. i recently sold both NWN2 and the Witcher on ebay used and the people who received them had no problems installing them. so i'm not sure wth you're talking about. another example is the copy of diablo 2 i was given a few years ago. same story, works fine. not to mention half priced books has tons of used old pc games that are drm free or just require you to have the disc like borderlands and dragon age:origins.

Cost: It costs a lot, but on the long run the games are cheaper, so it's like this:

1 PC + 20 games = 800?

1 console + 20 games (all about 60?) = a lot more, I don't feel like doing math now

Cost: It costs a lot, but on the long run the games are cheaper, so it's like this:

1 PC + 20 games = 800?

1 console + 20 games (all about 60?) = a lot more, I don't feel like doing math now

tjricardo089

My issue with buying isn't really about the price. I'm not looking to get new games for cheap, or simply not pay much for games. My issue is that I can't do what I want with MY property, i.e. Skyrim, which is complete and utter BS. Yes, the game developers have come up with a sneaky way to make it seem like it's not your property...but it is.

I should be able to trade my Skryim game to someone, and it pisses me off that I can't. Just something about that keeps me from fully buying into PC gaming. Which is probably why I've neglected my gaming PC by keeping that old 5750 in it for so long.

But probably in the next gen of gaming, when the new consoles are released, used games will be a thing of the past, and anti-consumer practices will now be an industry standard. Meh.

Cost: It costs a lot, but on the long run the games are cheaper, so it's like this:

1 PC + 20 games = 800?

1 console + 20 games (all about 60?) = a lot more, I don't feel like doing math now

tjricardo089

at the same time remember game prices vary on both platforms :P thrifty gamers can build a good collection on the cheap especially the now.