Can The PC Prevail?
The PC, formerly spurned by hardcore gamers, has gained some respect -- especially as prices for them plunge below US$1,000. Not only is the PC dandy for interactive entertainment, computers have a host of other uses once play time is over.
But there remains a performance gap. PC graphics and game play tend to be lower quality than those of console systems. But with the addition of graphic accelerator cards and new 3D hardware, PCs can bridge the distance and, some would argue, outpace console machines.
Another potential nail in the console coffin: PCs are easier to upgrade than console games. While the average console machine has a lifespan of two years, many computers, if properly expanded, can remain in service for significantly longer.
So while the PC route may run ten times the price, one doesn't need to toss out the entire machine to take advantage of new developments in gaming.
Finally, here's another PC plus: What the stock PC lacks in graphics, it makes up in the category of strategy and simulation games. Many real-time strategy games such as Westwood's Command and Conquer and Blizzard's Starcraft perform much better on a PC, due primarily to the PC's ability to process a large number of tasks at once.
While PC game sales continue to be clocked by the console market, IDSA claims U.S. revenues in PC games still managed to hit the US$1.8 billion mark, up from US$1.4 billion two years ago.
Written by Ed Huey and Sean Wolfe.
Graphic design by Charles Paik and Fred La Senna