The PC's greatest weakness?

This isn't a topic to discuss how the PC is better or worse than the consoles. Every platform has its weaknesses.

That said, what do you think is the PC's greatest weakness?

(I'll note that I discussed this with a primarily PC gamer friend of mine.)

Piracy.coakroach

[QUOTE="coakroach"]Piracy.mstc_Q

The PC's library isn't a weakness - it's a strength, but if the definition of it as a weakness mirrors that of what the TC said, then every platform shares that con.

I would say 1 is the main problem with it, 3 is a result of 5, 2 and 4 can't be helped as it's on the user's end.

[QUOTE="_Pedro_"][QUOTE="tOtalPWNaAe"] the PS3 disagrees tOtalPWNaAe

Well what is pirating?

i didnt know borrowing games is like pirating????tOtalPWNaAe

How isn't it? In both cases you get to play a game without purchasing it.

It's a similar situation with the used game market. You buy and get to play used games at a discounted price, but none of that money actually goes to the publisher/developer of that title. Buying a used game that someone else has already finished isn't much different from letting someone make a pirated copy of your game -- the only significant difference is that money is exchanged between the two parties involved.

The PC's library isn't a weakness - it's a strength, but if the definition of it as a weakness mirrors that of what the TC said, then every platform shares that con.

I would say 1 is the main problem with it, 3 is a result of 5, 2 and 4 can't be helped as it's on the user's end.

aliblabla2007

So a better example would be when he was trhing to get D-Fend to run Master of Orion II. It works now, but not until after a few times having to stop the program and mess with the settings a bit.

[QUOTE="tOtalPWNaAe"]i didnt know borrowing games is like pirating????Velocitas8

How isn't it? In both cases you get to play a game without purchasing it.

It's a similar situation with the used game market. You buy and get to play used games at a discounted price, but none of that money actually goes to the publisher/developer of that title. Buying a used game that someone else has already finished isn't much different from letting someone make a pirated copy of your game -- the only significant difference is that money is exchanged between the two parties involved.

[QUOTE="Velocitas8"]

[QUOTE="tOtalPWNaAe"]i didnt know borrowing games is like pirating????tOtalPWNaAe

How isn't it? In both cases you get to play a game without purchasing it.

It's a similar situation with the used game market. You buy and get to play used games at a discounted price, but none of that money actually goes to the publisher/developer of that title. Buying a used game that someone else has already finished isn't much different from letting someone make a pirated copy of your game -- the only significant difference is that money is exchanged between the two parties involved.

>

^ Microsoft and the american mass-media (particularily internet supposed gaming experts).

Three isn't always the result of 5. Even the most experience PC gamer, or in my friend's case PC repairman and optimizer, runs into problems while trying to get his games to run. For instance, I don't know if you knew, but the new Prince of Persia does not run without crashing on a 64-bit operating system. An oversight on Ubisoft's part, but in spite of going even as far as reformatting, my friend finally got a refund. Of course, this falls into category 4 as well.mstc_Q

"4" is just flat-out untrue -- like "3", it is only the result of "5."

I've been gaming on PC for as long as I can remember, yet I've never had a game or piece of hardware simply "not work" with my system (save for instances where the purchased item itself was defective.) I know what's compatible with my machine and what isn't, and I've always made my purchases with that in mind.

As far as technical issues: these pretty much always stem from improper system or software configuration. A direct result of user error/ignorance.

[QUOTE="tOtalPWNaAe"][QUOTE="Velocitas8"]

How isn't it? In both cases you get to play a game without purchasing it.

It's a similar situation with the used game market. You buy and get to play used games at a discounted price, but none of that money actually goes to the publisher/developer of that title. Buying a used game that someone else has already finished isn't much different from letting someone make a pirated copy of your game -- the only significant difference is that money is exchanged between the two parties involved.

mstc_Q

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"][QUOTE="tOtalPWNaAe"] so every person borrowing any game in the US is like pirating it??????tOtalPWNaAe

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"]Three isn't always the result of 5. Even the most experience PC gamer, or in my friend's case PC repairman and optimizer, runs into problems while trying to get his games to run. For instance, I don't know if you knew, but the new Prince of Persia does not run without crashing on a 64-bit operating system. An oversight on Ubisoft's part, but in spite of going even as far as reformatting, my friend finally got a refund. Of course, this falls into category 4 as well.Velocitas8

"4" is just flat-out untrue -- like "3", it is only the result of "5."

I've been gaming on PC for as long as I can remember, yet I've never had a game or piece of hardware simply "not work" with my system (save for instances where the purchased item itself was defective.) I know what's compatible with my machine and what isn't, and I've always made my purchases with that in mind.

As far as technical issues: these pretty much always stem from improper system or software configuration. A direct result of user error/ignorance.

COD World at war had some major issues for PC gaming... I searched the forums in and out... Nothing was working, that was on windows 32bit. Now, it works great with Vista 64bit. I know my fair share of PC knowledge and debuging when there is a need to.

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"]Three isn't always the result of 5. Even the most experience PC gamer, or in my friend's case PC repairman and optimizer, runs into problems while trying to get his games to run. For instance, I don't know if you knew, but the new Prince of Persia does not run without crashing on a 64-bit operating system. An oversight on Ubisoft's part, but in spite of going even as far as reformatting, my friend finally got a refund. Of course, this falls into category 4 as well.Velocitas8

"4" is just flat-out untrue -- like "3", it is only the result of "5."

I've been gaming on PC for as long as I can remember, yet I've never had a game or piece of hardware simply "not work" with my system (save for instances where the purchased item itself was defective.) I know what's compatible with my machine and what isn't, and I've always made my purchases with that in mind.

As far as technical issues: these pretty much always stem from improper system or software configuration. A direct result of user error/ignorance.

[QUOTE="Velocitas8"]

[QUOTE="tOtalPWNaAe"]i didnt know borrowing games is like pirating????tOtalPWNaAe

How isn't it? In both cases you get to play a game without purchasing it.

It's a similar situation with the used game market. You buy and get to play used games at a discounted price, but none of that money actually goes to the publisher/developer of that title. Buying a used game that someone else has already finished isn't much different from letting someone make a pirated copy of your game -- the only significant difference is that money is exchanged between the two parties involved.

Can you explain the concept behind both?

[QUOTE="Velocitas8"]

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"]Three isn't always the result of 5. Even the most experience PC gamer, or in my friend's case PC repairman and optimizer, runs into problems while trying to get his games to run. For instance, I don't know if you knew, but the new Prince of Persia does not run without crashing on a 64-bit operating system. An oversight on Ubisoft's part, but in spite of going even as far as reformatting, my friend finally got a refund. Of course, this falls into category 4 as well.mstc_Q

"4" is just flat-out untrue -- like "3", it is only the result of "5."

I've been gaming on PC for as long as I can remember, yet I've never had a game or piece of hardware simply "not work" with my system (save for instances where the purchased item itself was defective.) I know what's compatible with my machine and what isn't, and I've always made my purchases with that in mind.

As far as technical issues: these pretty much always stem from improper system or software configuration. A direct result of user error/ignorance.

don't get too upset, thats the standard hermit operating procedure. they know everything, and if you don't know as much about computers as they do, you don't deserve to live. duh.

Can you explain the concept behind both?

Bebi_vegeta

Simple logic. The percieved problem behind piracy is that the developers aren't getting paid for they're hard earned work.

When you buy a used game or borrow, it is merely players exchanging the game between hands. The developers don't see a red cent for any transaction, and you get to play the game without them recieving any sort of compensation.

Now the former, Piracy, is illegal, because it's copyright infringement.

The latter isn't illegal in the United States (I hear-tell that the used game market is illegal in Japan for this reason), and developers believe they are losing millions a year because of second hand video gaming.

Oh god, does anyone actually think that people should not be able to borrow games?

Can you imagine how awful it would be if there was no used game market? Oh I'd really like to play that game I bought 10 years ago ... Oh wait, I can't.

Oh crap my disc is scratched, I need a new one to buy that game ... Oh wait I can't. Because its no longer in stores and its not up for download.

[QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"]

Can you explain the concept behind both?

mstc_Q

Simple logic. The percieved problem behind piracy is that the developers aren't getting paid for they're hard earned work.

When you buy a used game or borrow, it is merely players exchanging the game between hands. The developers don't see a red cent for any transaction, and you get to play the game without them recieving any sort of compensation.

Now the former, Piracy, is illegal, because it's copyright infringement.

The latter isn't illegal in the United States (I hear-tell that the used game market is illegal in Japan for this reason), and developers believe they are losing millions a year because of second hand video gaming.

What are you talking about? Tons of used games are sold in Japan, and I've been told by Japanese gamers thats the way many of them buy games. There are entire stores of used games in Japan. Unopened Saturn, Playstation, and even Super Famicom (nintendo) games up for sale. And of course, other used games as well, newer ones. Just look on ebay. Japanese used games are very expensive if new, but generally cheaper than their western counterparts if from a previous generation.

Oh god, does anyone actually think that people should not be able to borrow games?

Can you imagine how awful it would be if there was no used game market? Oh I'd really like to play that game I bought 10 years ago ... Oh wait, I can't.

Oh crap my disc is scratched, I need a new one to buy that game ... Oh wait I can't. Because its no longer in stores and its not up for download.

hakanakumono

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"][QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"]

Can you explain the concept behind both?

hakanakumono

Simple logic. The percieved problem behind piracy is that the developers aren't getting paid for they're hard earned work.

When you buy a used game or borrow, it is merely players exchanging the game between hands. The developers don't see a red cent for any transaction, and you get to play the game without them recieving any sort of compensation.

Now the former, Piracy, is illegal, because it's copyright infringement.

The latter isn't illegal in the United States (I hear-tell that the used game market is illegal in Japan for this reason), and developers believe they are losing millions a year because of second hand video gaming.

What are you talking about? Tons of used games are sold in Japan, and I've been told by Japanese years ago thats the way many of them buy games. There are entire stores of used games in Japan. Unopened Saturn, Playstation, and even Super Famicom (nintendo) games up for sale. And of course, other used games as well, newer ones.

[QUOTE="hakanakumono"]

Oh god, does anyone actually think that people should not be able to borrow games?

Can you imagine how awful it would be if there was no used game market? Oh I'd really like to play that game I bought 10 years ago ... Oh wait, I can't.

Oh crap my disc is scratched, I need a new one to buy that game ... Oh wait I can't. Because its no longer in stores and its not up for download.

mstc_Q

Sorry.

[QUOTE="hakanakumono"][QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

Simple logic. The percieved problem behind piracy is that the developers aren't getting paid for they're hard earned work.

When you buy a used game or borrow, it is merely players exchanging the game between hands. The developers don't see a red cent for any transaction, and you get to play the game without them recieving any sort of compensation.

Now the former, Piracy, is illegal, because it's copyright infringement.

The latter isn't illegal in the United States (I hear-tell that the used game market is illegal in Japan for this reason), and developers believe they are losing millions a year because of second hand video gaming.

mstc_Q

What are you talking about? Tons of used games are sold in Japan, and I've been told by Japanese years ago thats the way many of them buy games. There are entire stores of used games in Japan. Unopened Saturn, Playstation, and even Super Famicom (nintendo) games up for sale. And of course, other used games as well, newer ones.

I don't think they could pull it off, nor do politicians really care about videogames. Unless of course, you need to ban them (except Japan, they could care less whats on their televisons it seems).

[QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"]

Can you explain the concept behind both?

mstc_Q

Simple logic. The percieved problem behind piracy is that the developers aren't getting paid for they're hard earned work.

When you buy a used game or borrow, it is merely players exchanging the game between hands. The developers don't see a red cent for any transaction, and you get to play the game without them recieving any sort of compensation.

Now the former, Piracy, is illegal, because it's copyright infringement.

The latter isn't illegal in the United States (I hear-tell that the used game market is illegal in Japan for this reason), and developers believe they are losing millions a year because of second hand video gaming.

Exactly... my point was, for him to explain... because he didn't seem to understand.

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"][QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"]

Can you explain the concept behind both?

hakanakumono

Simple logic. The percieved problem behind piracy is that the developers aren't getting paid for they're hard earned work.

When you buy a used game or borrow, it is merely players exchanging the game between hands. The developers don't see a red cent for any transaction, and you get to play the game without them recieving any sort of compensation.

Now the former, Piracy, is illegal, because it's copyright infringement.

The latter isn't illegal in the United States (I hear-tell that the used game market is illegal in Japan for this reason), and developers believe they are losing millions a year because of second hand video gaming.

What are you talking about? Tons of used games are sold in Japan, and I've been told by Japanese gamers thats the way many of them buy games. There are entire stores of used games in Japan. Unopened Saturn, Playstation, and even Super Famicom (nintendo) games up for sale. And of course, other used games as well, newer ones. Just look on ebay. Japanese used games are very expensive if new, but generally cheaper than their western counterparts if from a previous generation.

In other words, a legal black market... Something we can close our eyes on, right?

[QUOTE="hakanakumono"][QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

Simple logic. The percieved problem behind piracy is that the developers aren't getting paid for they're hard earned work.

When you buy a used game or borrow, it is merely players exchanging the game between hands. The developers don't see a red cent for any transaction, and you get to play the game without them recieving any sort of compensation.

Now the former, Piracy, is illegal, because it's copyright infringement.

The latter isn't illegal in the United States (I hear-tell that the used game market is illegal in Japan for this reason), and developers believe they are losing millions a year because of second hand video gaming.

Bebi_vegeta

What are you talking about? Tons of used games are sold in Japan, and I've been told by Japanese gamers thats the way many of them buy games. There are entire stores of used games in Japan. Unopened Saturn, Playstation, and even Super Famicom (nintendo) games up for sale. And of course, other used games as well, newer ones. Just look on ebay. Japanese used games are very expensive if new, but generally cheaper than their western counterparts if from a previous generation.

In other words, a legal black market... Something we can close our eyes on, right?

Do you mean legal piracy or something ignored? I'm sure its very legal in Japan. go on ebay, you can buy plenty of the games they sell (I'm pretty sure the shop owners put their items on ebay).

[QUOTE="hakanakumono"][QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

Simple logic. The percieved problem behind piracy is that the developers aren't getting paid for they're hard earned work.

When you buy a used game or borrow, it is merely players exchanging the game between hands. The developers don't see a red cent for any transaction, and you get to play the game without them recieving any sort of compensation.

Now the former, Piracy, is illegal, because it's copyright infringement.

The latter isn't illegal in the United States (I hear-tell that the used game market is illegal in Japan for this reason), and developers believe they are losing millions a year because of second hand video gaming.

Bebi_vegeta

What are you talking about? Tons of used games are sold in Japan, and I've been told by Japanese gamers thats the way many of them buy games. There are entire stores of used games in Japan. Unopened Saturn, Playstation, and even Super Famicom (nintendo) games up for sale. And of course, other used games as well, newer ones. Just look on ebay. Japanese used games are very expensive if new, but generally cheaper than their western counterparts if from a previous generation.

In other words, a legal black market... Something we can close our eyes on, right?

yes, because once you purchase something, you're not allowed to sell it ever again. used cars are a crime against humanity. houses, too. because copying something a lot and giving it out for free or even profit is exatly the same as buying the original copy from someone who already bought it...

[QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"][QUOTE="hakanakumono"]

What are you talking about? Tons of used games are sold in Japan, and I've been told by Japanese gamers thats the way many of them buy games. There are entire stores of used games in Japan. Unopened Saturn, Playstation, and even Super Famicom (nintendo) games up for sale. And of course, other used games as well, newer ones. Just look on ebay. Japanese used games are very expensive if new, but generally cheaper than their western counterparts if from a previous generation.

thesmiter

In other words, a legal black market... Something we can close our eyes on, right?

yes, because once you purchase something, you're not allowed to sell it ever again. used cars are a crime against humanity. houses, too. because copying something a lot and giving it out for free or even profit is exatly the same as buying the original copy from someone who already bought it...

What your missing is that you do not own a game when you purchase it, but just a licence to use it.

[QUOTE="Velocitas8"]

[QUOTE="tOtalPWNaAe"]i didnt know borrowing games is like pirating????tOtalPWNaAe

How isn't it? In both cases you get to play a game without purchasing it.

It's a similar situation with the used game market. You buy and get to play used games at a discounted price, but none of that money actually goes to the publisher/developer of that title. Buying a used game that someone else has already finished isn't much different from letting someone make a pirated copy of your game -- the only significant difference is that money is exchanged between the two parties involved.

technicly yes. Althrough borowing, or buying used games isn't illegal for some reasons and gamestop etc make quite a lot of money from selling used games. But just like with pirating none of that money reaches the developer. I think some developer once said that they loose more money from people buying used games than they do from pirates.

[QUOTE="tOtalPWNaAe"][QUOTE="_Pedro_"] you can still borrow games right? Bebi_vegeta

Well what is pirating?

It's hard to single out one weakness for the PC as there always more than one acting in concert against it. I see piracy was listed here already though.

What I call the rat race in hardware upgrades. (Others call it an arms race) This pro can also con against itself making developers infringe high system requirements which limits a target audience. (disastified PC Developers like those of Crysis) The ever present danger of a system standard would make it only a console in the end. (An example game, Lionheart. had a locked resolution and people outcried against it)

Lack of backwards compatibility at times. Vista is famous for this nightmare with the forgoing of Directsound. Processors alone shouldn't bare the brunt of handling sound. It's Account Control forces most to shut the feature off and have done with it.

Revolutions. Things like moving to MMOs and selling games through downloads. MMOs seem to have left other genres lacking. (single player RPGs I'm looking at you) The move to selling games through online seem to be giving the impression PC Games are having trouble selling. (The NPD apparently wants to aid this along by only counting brick and mortar sales) While also a pro revolution can be a con with a re-skin of current architecture.