PC gaming has come a long way since the days of 8-bit, 16-bit consoles, and even more recent systems such as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Today’s gaming world offers an immersive experience that can take gamers to whole new worlds, experiences, and stories. With PC gaming, gamers have access to worlds and genres of gaming that simply aren’t available on the console front.
For decades, the phrase ‘PC gaming’ has conjured up images of dark basements lit only by the glare of a bulky CRT monitor. But today’s high-performance PCs support graphics that far exceed consoles and have capabilities that let them go beyond gaming, such as photo and video editing, and virtual reality. In this blog post, we’ll look at the advantages of PC gaming and why it offers gamers a level of immersion beyond compare.
Firstly, let’s explore the hardware specifications of PCs and why they have an edge over traditional gaming consoles. Desktop PCs can be as large or small as you like, allowing you to tailor them to fit whatever room space you have available. This means components such as powerful graphics cards, processors and extra RAM can be added to help reduce stuttering and maximize the visuals. Plus, with the advent of the new GPUs, now gamers can game at resolutions four times higher than console gaming.
The power of PC gaming also lies in its unique software capabilities. Operating systems such as Windows and Mac OS are better tailored for gaming than their console counterparts. These systems provide support for a range of exclusive gaming titles and genres, from classic real-time strategy games to more advanced 3D first-person shooters.
PC gamers also have access to a wide variety of both digital distribution stores and retailers specialising in games and gaming peripherals. Steam, Origin, GOG, Uplay and Battle.net are all digital stores where gamers can purchase and download the latest games. You can buy physical copies of popular games at retailers such as Best Buy and Amazon. With age-old physical media now on the wane, gamers now can also purchase and download games with just a few clicks using digital platforms.
The sheer number of gaming choices available to today’s PC gamer is staggering. You can easily lose yourself in a deep and expansive role-playing title, or jump into the intense thrill of online multiplayer battles between gamers from all over the world. Fans of science-fiction and fantasy can indulge in several space faring adventures and classic Dungeons & Dragons type games. Racing games are also available on PCs, alongside classic franchises such as Need for Speed.
Gaming on a PC also offers an unprecedented level of customisation and modding capabilities. Modding is the process in which players build and install non-official modifications to their gaming experience. Popular titles such as Skyrim, Mafia and The Sims all offer modding options, allowing gamers to customise the look, feel, and gameplay to their own preferences. Modding can range from simple cosmetic changes, like giving the characters new hairstyles and clothing, to more drastic advancements such as the ability to craft and create items. There is no limit to the creativity that gamers can let loose on their PCs.
Along with the potential to design and create your own content comes the opportunity to share it with the world. Steam Workshop (one of the largest PC digital gaming distribution stores) gives users the opportunity to share custom content which is created on simulators and 3D modelling programs. What’s more, players can connect with a global network of gamers and join online gaming communities to exchange ideas and discuss strategy.
Virtual reality offers gamers a whole new realm that can’t be experienced on consoles, with many gaming headsets now available and supporting the latest AAA gaming titles. Virtual reality titles bring immersion to the next level, so with the greater horsepower of PCs gamers can enjoy a truly original experience with the best graphics, sound, and movement.
PC gaming has come a long way since the days of bulky CRT monitors and basic 2D side-scrollers and is now a powerful force in gaming. With far more power than consoles behind it and incredible software advantages, gamers playing on PCs enjoy a unique and immersive experience that cannot be compared.
Whether you want to relax with a simple adventure game, challenge your skills and reflexes in multiplayer battles, or search for secrets in an innovative and gorgeous virtual world, PC gaming has something for you.