With next-gen consoles looking last-gen, Rob Enderle wonders whether PCs will reclaim the throne.
With rumors that a new Xbox is in the works, likely slated for next year, and sales dropping like a rock for every game system (ironically the Xbox appears to be holding on the best at the moment), I wonder if we are about to see a PC game resurgence. Windows 7 and DirectX 11 are coming, along with an expectation that Snow Leopard will actually embrace games for once. So are we months off from a smack down by PCs on game consoles, once again?
Maybe. Let’s take a look at this.
Aging Game Consoles
When game consoles first come out, they typically have performance in line with some of the highest performance PCs. By the end of year one, they are in line with medium performance PCs, and by the end of year, two PC games are starting to look better in general. From here, it only gets competitively worse, because PCs remain on a rapid evolution schedule, and game consoles are frozen for around five years.
As a result, sales tend to drop off for consoles and games as buyers increasingly find the devices tired, and the games less and less cutting edge and compelling. Numbers were horrid in May and the Wii, still sales champion, dropped by more than half.
The hot thing at E3 was Project Natal, a technology that is supposed to be part of the next-generation Xbox expected out next year. But with the noted exception of MAG, which kicks serious butt, coming for the Sony platform, and Wii motion plus controller upgrades (let’s make Wii games as hard to play as real games), there was little going on to really excite buyers.
Game consoles are vulnerable. Will Windows 7 and DirectX 11 kick their butts?
Microsoft’s Project Natal at E3
Windows 7 and DirectX 11
Both Nvidia and ATI are starting to pitch DirectX 11 hard to developers, and Windows 7 is the maintenance release of Windows Vista, suggesting a much better experience with most things, including gaming. DirectX 11 represents a major jump, allowing for the graphics processor to do an increasing amount of work like game physics, artificial intelligence, and utilities (like transcoding).
The end result: You’ll get a much better gaming experience, much more than the normal improvement you typically just get with a new card. For instance, with multi-threading under DirectX10, one thread would be prioritized and the rest would get whatever performance was left. With DirectX11, performance is balanced between the threads for less bottlenecking. There is also a new instruction set, better HD compression and decompression to preserve bandwidth, and a more aggressive use of tessellation, which allows you to seamlessly zoom from very far to very close to an object that appears vastly less blocky and more realistic. You can check out some of the most recent DirectX Technology videos here. There is also a great video recalling the difference between DirectX 9 and 10 from Crysis, if you have forgotten or still live in a DX9 world. DX11 games promise to be richer, more engaging, and more realistic than their DX10 predecessors, and against their console equivalents, much more current.
Microsoft Direct X Logo
Windows Vista didn’t have titles until months after it launched, kind of sucked initially, and even patch lagged Windows XP. This time around, I’ve been told by the graphics card companies there will be a number of hot titles available on top of the Windows 7 launch in October, taking us into the critical fourth quarter at a time when folks are likely really troubled about buying a game console that is getting really old. EA Phenomic, Emergent, Rebellion, and Codemasters have all committed to having product at, or soon after launch.
Wrapping Up
I still think OnLive is the future of console gaming, and it is due about the same time that Windows 7 and Snow Leopard launch. I wonder if consoles will survive the onset of their twilight years, when their performance drops off and PCs start kicking their butts all over the map. Granted, some of the consoles can do other things, like play music and movies, but I doubt they can survive on these secondary activities. I do think there is a reasonable chance we are on the forefront of the decline cycle for console games, and that PC gaming, and services like OnLive are on the rise.
Maybe I should have titled this “Revenge of the PC?”
Showing 39 comments
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Wii would flop massively (although to be fair he wasn't on his own there) and has consistently said that the PS3 would come out on top
rate is out the window now consoles are using adapted PC technology, the variables are too great, PS3 excels in some areas, 360 others, but
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6210424.html
http://www.vg247.com/2009/09/14/spawn-labs-launche...
http://www.warcry.com/articles/view/interviews/641...
http://www.vg247.com/2009/07/15/pc-digital-downloa...
http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/53403
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/ind...
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?st...
http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/06/pachter/
http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/nielsen-news/w...
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/consoles-cou...
soical gaming will be the death of consoles
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/31/video-gam...
PC vs Console battle will never end. I personally like to sit in the comfort of my loungeroom, on my large screen with my huge home theatre with a controller in hand and play games.
Graphics aren't so much of an issue when you're sitting 3 meters from the screen. Obviously you'll need better graphics if you're hunched over close to the screen with your mouse and keyboard.
The battle will never end. I'm going to stick to my console - when I put a game it I know it's going to work, and I will buy the next console when it's released in a few years time.
http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewarticle/a...
Playcomet.com will open the door to accommodate eager gamers who want to play WWII Warfare( http://ww2.playcomet.com). This week, the developers announced that they have successfully launched the open beta of WWII Warfare on Iphone. The developers spent 8 months to make it possible for the players who want to play WWII Warfare. At the moment they could visit either ww2.playcomet.com or mobile.playcomet.com on their Iphone to play WWII Warfare.
"It is very convenient to play Modern WWII-Themed Brower game on my Iphone and I quite enjoy it." One of WWII Warfare fans said.
Meanwhile, they announced the latest game features:
1, Recruit a loyal and powerful commander
2, Scout and attack enemies
3, reinforce friends' bases
4 Build an impregnable base and win a battle unquestionably
5,Play directly on Iphone
6, Analyse the battle report anytime.
WWII Warfare is a free browser-based strategy game set at the height of World War II. With the Axis against the Allies, both sides will engage in the battle. In WWII Warfare, players can build their own base and develop their infrastructure, such as military academy, medical center, depot and command center, etc. Meanwhile, players can also make their streamlined weaponry and equipment according to your own strategy.
Last week, Playcomet Team introduced the iPhone 3G game, its third-generation browser-based game supported by iPhone. The iPhone owners were able to visit ww2.playcomet.com and mobile.playcomet.com to play WWII Warfare directly. In the current Iphone-version browser game, the developers added a number of new and useful features. While the exterior and graphics of the new looks are quite different to that of HTTP browser WWII Warfare.
A larger number of gamers have already joined the game and they all have come to the same general conclusion: The NO. 1 Iphone-based Brower game is indeed cooler, and the improved user experience and interface are two welcome.
"More features will be available in the near future." The developers told us.
http://kotaku.com/5297023/colbert-mocks-project-na...
Each one has it's upside and it's downside, otherwise it wouldn't be a 'war'.
PC's tend to have NUMEROUS compatibility issues. Anybody who thinks that is BS should go and look at ANY high profile game's forum and check the tech support.
Console games work, period. There's no need to check your system specs and upgrade if needed, it'll work on the system. That's not to say that console games don't have glitches or bugs, that's not what I mean at all. A PROPERLY developed console game will have a very small amount of bugs and glitches, whereas PC games on release tend to have a LOT. That is mostly due to the software house throwing it out before it's REALLY done and going with the "We'll just patch it later" attitude.
Case in point, just recently, America's Army 3. On release, it was UNPLAYABLE. It was fixed, I believe just today, with a patch. And try to say "Hey, that's a free game, it doesn't count". I'd have to point out to you WHO paid for the development on it. Every taxpaying american paid for it. And it cost millions. So, free isn't exactly how I'd label it.
There is also the argument about the integration of home entertainment systems and video games. Some people have their HDTVs hooked to their PC. Those people are in the minority of people I know, as most of them have their PC in a completely separate room. Consoles are made to be integrated into the home entertainment system and current gen consoles usually look pretty damn good on the TV as opposed to the computer monitor.
Ease of use is another factor. Console gamers are usually console gamers simply because they don't like the hassle of doing the PC gaming scene (system maintenance, virus scanning, game hacks for multiplayer games, etc etc.)You turn the console on, play and when done, turn it off. No maintenance req'd.
As far as superiority, it doesn't matter. Everyone will have their own opinion, no matter what. Mine is the economy is playing a HUGE part of the whole dropoff of console business. And this is coming from a person who lost his job, so yeah.. I'm not upgrading my PC or buying a new console, it's just not in the budget.
http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3174841
high production costs is the very reason there is no new consoles too.
http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/05/e3-predictio...
Some game devs are having a hard time now can you picture the next generation of consoles. lol
http://www.cnbc.com/id/31331241
pc gaming has better tech than console does and pc gaming devs are not going bankuprt. The only thing I have seen from pc game devs is triming down at the must.
http://www.vg247.com/2009/05/26/take-two-financial...
ttp://www.vg247.com/2009/05/26/take-two-financials...
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/freerealms/news.htm...
if you want you can check the those kinds of numbers for your self. Top pc games out beat top consoles games.
Oh one more thing free online games and free games on pc is booming in a recession. Fifa online made more than consoles. lol nice try
"In 2008, the PS2 sold 480,664 units in Japan, according to Enterbrain."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ps2#Sales
A console thats 8 years old sold over 800 000 units last year in Japan alone. Hmmmmmm.
Halo3 sold over 8 million copies, Gears of War sold over 4 million, Metal Gear Solid 4 sold nearly 5 million. Go read for yourself on wikipedia. Those arent bad sales figures, incase you havent noticed.
Name the last PC game that sold over 8 million copies? Oh thats right, World of Warcraft, 11 million gamers, playing the same dumbass game every day. I played World Of Warcraft, it was fun, but seriously I cant play the same game ALL THE TIME.
The last PC game I enjoyed was Crysis, it was frigging awesome, but now I got an XBOX360 I can sell my bigass loud, expensive gaming PC and get Crysis 2 when it comes out on console.
Who cares if it doesnt look as good as the PC version, at least I dont have to worry about crap like graphics card drivers, windows updates, and all the other nonsense that comes with playing PC games.
I can just put the disc in and play. The only PC game Im waiting for is Starcraft 2. Console gaming is also on fire during a recession, the whole gaming industry is.
Must people are playing pc games. Must people would rather play on pc than a console. You will never ever see 11 million people play a single game on consoles. You don't see sims gamers on consoles. You don't see wow gamers on consoles.
http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/world...
If People didn't care about pc gaming so much why are games like these so popular, Games like
wow,starcraft,sims,guildwars,linage,eve.civliation etc so popular.
why are moding comunities so popular
sorry agin the world doesn't play on consoles they play on the pc.
this link sums up the state of consoles
http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/05/e3-predictio...
Even microsft knows pc gaming is better, here is proof. Microsft pretty much tryed to force german gamers on to consoles, however they failed.
http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/39622/Microsoft-...
by the way I think the 2008 is the only year microsft has been in the black.
consoles are pretty much in a decline now too.
People are more interested in consoles - just get over it.
They just want to play games.
At least what Kyammi is saying about sales makes sense. Looks like this site digitaltrends is run by morons and frequented by morons.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRWRskYLdno&feature...
One more thing the world doesn`t play on consoles. the world palys on the pc
Wait, WHAT? That's NEVER true. Console sales only increase and increase as price drops happen and more games are available.
90% of PS2's sales happened after it was dropped below $200, and none of the current gen consoles are at that point yet!
Are you just making this crap up in your head?
http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/06/18/main...
here check this out, oh by the way a $300 pc is alot more powerful than a limited machine like a consoles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMZEO3z4maE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHcgYabR25c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ8nXGeJarI
oh don't for get the cool mods for GTA4 like drift for the pc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oMDBKZhIOA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBdF458ykV0
:P
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-j69RnEBAc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GPI9xDmRjk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y2nJmKzOVY
hereis a list of pc games of just some pc games coming to the pc
http://adrianwerner.wordpress.com/
http://adrianwerner.wordpress.com/games-of-2009/
http://pc.ign.com/index/release.html
You should check the mount of hours played on pc. Like counter strike,wow, guildwars.
pc gamers have a much bigger libiaray of games
Why are you talking about "old consoles" and a "new windows" like this is the first time its ever happened? Its been consoles VS gaming PC's for years in the gaming industry.
PC's progress significantly faster in terms of keeping up with the latest graphics, this has always been the case, and you are right in that respect. I have been a PC gamer for nearly 15 years, but I have never seen a console gamer switch to PC just becuase his console is getting old.
Your argument is invalid, console gamers usually wait for the next console release, because the cost of buying a brand new powerful PC is usually way more than the next gen console costs, not to mention the fact that console gamers usually play different types of games, and couldnt care less as to what is coming out on PC.
Console game sales were slow recently, but in every article I've read on the poor sales, its attributed to the fact that A. there is a recession going on, B. there were few, if any blockbuster titles released during that period.
You also dont mention that there is not a whole lot going on in PC gaming at the moment either, with most of the total PC game revenue being derived from online MMO titles like World of Warcraft and Warhammer Online.
As for this comment "When their performance drops off and PCs start kicking their butts all over the map." Well, I dont know if you actually play on any of the current gen consoles, but the majority of gaming PC's out there already kick 360 and PS3 butt when it comes to graphics.
Honestly, my 8800GT manages way better graphics than any console game I've seen.
Seen any of those "graphical showcases" on consoles, like Metal Gear Solid 4 and Gears of War 2? Its not hard to see that the textures and overall quality on games like Crysis and Far Cry 2 already far surpass any of those games.
Console gamers dont seem to mind though, because they are more interested in the games themselves, and not just graphics, which is unfortunately a very "PC Gamer" way of looking at things.
You have my email address, please dont hesitate to contact me if you want to discuss this further, or if you want to ask some questions. I will be glad to address any misconceptions you have regarding the subject of the games industry in general.
HERE CHECK THIS OUT PC GAMING GOES BEYOND CONSOLES
just watch the youtube!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KK6Fo3Y0AU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV5fxH2OdFU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy_osU-eA8s&feature...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDZ1_7bgF9M&feature...
while pc gaming is on fire
pircay,rented game and use games are also killing console games devs.Here is just some links to prove it
http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/05/e3-predictio...
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/31/video-gam...
http://scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/Games/Pages-...
Hardware will need to be replaced every 5 years for improvements and advancements. And charging you for it. $500 for a BOX with FIXED/no change hardware.
The Game computer ALWAYS needs upgrades, and you can buy them when prices drop, 1-2 years after release. $100 here, and there and eventually you have to fix the Mobo/CPU/RAM and you have a new computer.