The Advent of the PC Gamer: How the Industry is Evolving.
The booming global gaming market – estimated to generate more than $159 billion in revenue in 2020 – is revolutionizing the way we play, interact and entertain each other. But what truly catalyzed the explosive rise of gaming as we know it? Moored in the development of PCs, the answer emphatically rests on the shoulders of the PC Gamer.
In its humble roots, the PC Gamer was born in the mid-1980s with the advent of the IBM PC, then a revolutionary piece of hardware that allowed for budding tech hobbyists to craft and tinker. This further sparked the growth of gaming communities, and the PC quickly became the preferred platform for gaming innovation and experimentation. As the decade progressed, PCs rapidly grew in power, becoming a dominant digital entertainment platform.
The rise of PC gaming in the late 80s and early 90s was facilitated by the dawn of the iconic gaming franchises that are now renowned worldwide. It was during this era that games such as The Sims and Civilization propelled the sales of PC gaming devices and spawned an industry that is still alive and kicking today.
As the industry ballooned, tech and gaming companies worked collaboratively to deliver robust developments in gaming hardware and software. This burst of advancement enabled the PC to effortlessly become a breakout hit, allowing the industry to hone the delivery of innovation and performance.
The introduction of DirectX in the mid-90s marked the birth of gaming-specific hardware, allowing developers to leverage the power of 3D graphics development. As a result, gaming titles on the PC became more aesthetically appealing and achievable. Titles such as Doom and Half-Life defined the course of gaming, spreading the culture and accessibility of PC gaming even further.
Perhaps most notably, the 2000s saw the rise of the Internet giant, Valve Corporation. Validly, Valve Corporation was one of the first to recognize the tremendous potential of online PC gaming. Their introduction of Steam to the industry revolutionized the way PC gamers played, commodifying the market and providing easy access to an ocean of titles.
In the past decade, technology has advanced at leaps and bounds, bringing forth a new era for PC gaming where developers are pushing the boundaries on possibilities by leveraging the prowess, speed and accuracy of personal computers.
Continued hardware and software developments are crucial components of this evolution. From vastly improved RAM to GeForce graphics and 4K resolution, developers are now able to craft titles that entice gamers with more colorful graphics and sharper imagery. Understanding this key development driver, tech and game giants such as Nvidia and Sony are investing greatly in the development of the tools required to further the gaming experience.
Furthermore, a multitude of fantastic game engines and studios are being realized to power even more immersive game experiences. Networks such as Unity, Unreal and Lumberyard are allowing developers to craft stunning titles and bring their unique visions to life on the PC. Moreover, streaming services such as Twitch, Mixer and YouTube have cemented PC gaming as a bona fide spectator sport, granting PC gamers the ultimate bragging rights in their digital space.
Microtransactions are also gaining traction with some of the industry’s biggest recent releases, further changing the traditional model of PC gaming. The newly implemented pricing model has proven to be popular amongst gamers due to the subsequent freeing up of their wallet, creating a more accessible and inclusive gaming experience.
But, the innovation game in PC gaming doesn’t stop at in-game purchases. After all, while visuals are undeniably ubiquitous, the soundscape can sometimes be just as essential in experiencing the elegance of a PC title. And with the rise of PC gaming sound cards, soundscapes and soundtracks have reached unprecedented heights in terms of quality, clarity and audio balance.
Ultimately, as the PC evolves and continues to impress, the industry is keen for the authenticity and sheer volume of content that PC gaming can offer. From games that appeal to the masses, to titles that set trends, PC gaming continues to prove why it remains one of the most common, yet powerful mediums of entertainment.
From its humble beginnings to its current, prolific form – the PC Gamer is the lifeblood of an industry that’s rapidly redefining the way we play, interact and entertain.