With upcoming releases of the next generation of consoles and their growing library of titles, it makes you wonder if the era of PC gaming is slowly coming to a close.
However, there’s no need to worry just yet. Variety’s report on the state of PC gaming outlines that PC gaming platform Steam has recently amassed more than one billion accounts, with more than 90 million active users every day. The same article notes the rising popularity of other platforms like Epic Games and Valve, too. To that end, these statistics prove that PC gaming is alive and well.
So, what’s the secret behind the surge in numbers? Below, we take a look at some of the reasons why PC gaming is here to stay.
Better Graphics
Though the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 have very ambitious graphics for a console, they’re still never going to be able to beat the 60 to 144 fps that PC gamers enjoy daily. For instance, The Witcher 3 is indeed one of the most impressive games of this generation. However, the same can’t be said if you’re playing it on a PlayStation, as The Witcher 3 is a game that’s graphics were specifically designed for the PC. According to developer CD Projekt Red, they only released the game for consoles to secure a sufficient budget. Ultimately, PCs boast the necessary specs to support better graphics.
Compatibility
No matter how old a game is, if it’s released for the PC, then you can play it for as long as you’d like. This is very unlike PlayStation, for example, as every generation so far has its own exclusive library. While Xbox One strives to keep up with its backward compatibility for Xbox 360 games, not all titles are made to suit current consoles. People who don’t want the hassle or the additional costs of buying a new console are more likely to stick to PCs.
Customisable Setup
Most gaming consoles allow customisation in terms of appearance, but when it comes to hardware, it’s PCs that win every time. Whether it’s internal components like graphics drivers and cooling systems, or external equipment like keyboards and monitors, PC gaming setups can be tailored to a gamer’s specific preferences.
High-speed internet
Nowadays, high-speed internet is a crucial component for anyone who owns a PC. A list of essential productivity tools by HP recommends hard-wired networks like DSL and gigabit fibre for heavy-duty tasks like large file transfers, video conferencing, and streaming. Of course, you want something that’s consistent and provides good coverage—especially when it comes to gaming, which can eat up a lot of your bandwidth. And unless it’s to stream games, consoles don’t have the hardware to tap into 5G. So, if you want to play a co-op like Call of Duty or a multiplayer like Fortnite, the best option is still to go with a PC.
Exclusive Titles
Sometimes, it’s not a matter of which platform is better, but which one has the exclusive games that you want to play. This is the reason why the Nintendo Switch is such a hit with consumers. After all, it has titles like Pokémon, Fire Emblem, and Super Mario, which you’ll never find on other gaming platforms. Similarly, PC gaming has its fair share of exclusive titles. Co-op games like Starcraft, MMOs like Elder Scrolls, and indie titles like Five Nights At Freddy’s are all PC-only.
In conclusion, PC gaming isn’t about to die anytime soon. In fact, with the release of newer and more graphics-intensive titles, it’s only going to get better. For anyone interested, it’s important to understand that it’s never too late to invest in a gaming PC.