PC Gaming- A Gateway to New Worlds.
The world of PC gaming is beyond extraordinary. It’s a gateway to remarkable new worlds, loaded with breath-taking visuals, compelling storylines and thrilling adventures. PC gaming has been around for decades and still continues to be a source of entertainment and exploration for many. Whether you’re a casual or pro gamer, there is always something new to enjoy with PC gaming. From the days of classic titles such as Pac Man and Super Mario Bros, to modern-day masterpieces such as Horizon Zero Dawn and The Witcher 3, PC gaming has come a long way.
What makes PC Gaming unique?
Unlike consoles, PC gaming takes advantage of the computer’s computing power which allows for more complex and detailed gaming experiences. PC gaming also stands out over console gaming because of the advanced level of customization it offers. From custom keyboard and mouse settings to detailed graphic settings, PC gamers have the ability to individually customise their game playing experience to perfection.
The range of games available is also impressive, with a huge selection of titles available from a host of both independent and major game studios. Indie games in particular provide players with a refreshingly unique experience not found on consoles, due to the low costs and freedom allowed to developers by major game platforms. Furthermore, certain types of games, such as MMOs and strategy games, are often released exclusively on the PC. This allows PC gamers to play titles unavailable on console devices, adding to the wide diversity of the platform.
The Advantages of PC Gaming
1. Enhanced Graphics:
The most obvious advantage of PC gaming is its impressive graphics capabilities. PCs are often capable of displaying far more detailed 3D visuals than consoles, and with the right hardware, can run games at a much higher resolution than consoles. This allows for a vast range of stunning visuals, allowing gamers to immerse themselves in a fully realised world.
2. Modding:
Modifications, or ‘mods’, are unique pieces of software that extend the gaming experience beyond what the developers have envisioned. Mods in particular are a feature that’s unique to PC gaming, and can extend the gameplay to new levels, add custom assets to a game and alter the game’s graphics and effects. As a result, modding is a huge part of the PC gaming community and adds to the replayability of games.
3. Superior Performance:
Simply put, PCs are more powerful than consoles, and therefore can run higher-end games at higher frame rates and resolutions than consoles. This allows for smoother gameplay and more playable titles. In addition, PC gaming also offers faster loading times, due to the higher-performing processor and solid-state drives which are often offered in gaming PCs.
4. Variety:
Of course, perhaps the most significant advantage of PC gaming is the sheer variety of games available. As previously stated, there are hundreds, if not thousands of games to choose from, ranging from indie creations to cutting-edge triple-A masterpieces. This vast selection of titles provides endless entertainment opportunities and allows gamers to explore many different gaming genres.
The Disadvantages of PC Gaming
1. Expensive:
Perhaps the main downside of PC gaming is the cost. Setting up a gaming PC requires quite a bit of money, and upgrading it to the latest hardware can be even more expensive. Furthermore, PC games are usually more expensive than console games, due to the higher production costs required to make them.
2. Complex Hardware:
Another downside of PC gaming is the complexity of hardware. Unlike consoles, PCs require way more occasional maintenance, and setting up and tweaking a gaming PC is a time-consuming process. This complexity can be a hassle for a lot of gamers, and makes it harder for those who are unfamiliar with PC hardware.
3. Piracy:
Unfortunately, one of the major downsides of gaming on PCs is the prevalence of piracy. Pirated copies of games are rampant on the internet, and can be downloaded for free (although obviously, this is illegal). This affects developers and publishers in the gaming industry, and makes it harder for new and independent titles to be properly supported and recognised.
Tips for PC Gaming
1. Choose the right hardware:
Once you decide to go with PC gaming, it’s important to make sure you pick the right hardware. Make sure your PC meets the recommended system requirements of all the games you plan on playing and that it is properly cooled to prevent hardware damage or overheating.
2. Keep your PC clean:
Regularly cleaning your PC will also improve its performance, especially when it comes to gaming. Dust build-up can prevent your PC from being able to cool properly and cause damage to the components. Make sure to clean your PC regularly and change your thermal paste every few years.
3. Use the right peripherals:
Choosing the right peripherals can make a huge difference when gaming. Investing in a gaming mouse and keyboard that have been designed for gaming and have additional features such as programmable keys can help to improve your gaming experience. Furthermore, make sure you have a comfortable gaming chair and a large monitor to really enhance your gaming sessions.
Conclusion
PC gaming is a great way to explore exciting new worlds and challenges, allowing gamers to get lost in the expansive universes and vivid visuals. However, it may be expensive for some, and getting a good setup requires research and understanding. Nevertheless, if you invest right with the right hardware and peripherals, PC gaming can add an impressive new element to your gaming experience, while still providing the same thrilling gameplay.