The Rise of PC Gaming: Adventures in the Digital Frontier.
Technology has come a long way in the past few decades, and the gaming industry has been no exception. Since the 1980s, PC gaming has become increasingly popular and profitable. From the advent of computer platforms with gaming capabilities to the advanced PCs of today that support a wide range of games, PC gaming has come a long way.
Today, PC gaming is booming. Consumers can choose from a wide array of games and hardware to build their perfect gaming rig. And with online services like Steam, Origin and GOG, purchasing and accessing games has never been easier. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but with our guide, you’ll understand the basics of PC gaming and what it takes to build the perfect rig.
The first thing you need to know about PC gaming is that you need a reliable computer. Deciding on the specs of your machine is more than just selecting the best hardware. You’ll also need to consider how it fits into your lifestyle. Start by looking at what games you want to play and how often you will be playing them.
If you plan on playing popular titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops or Star Wars The Old Republic, you’ll need at least one powerful graphics card, 16GB of RAM and an Intel Core i7 processor. If you’re looking for a more basic machine that can only handle older titles and lower-powered games, an Intel Core i3 processor, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 graphics card and 8GB of RAM may suffice.
Besides hardware, you’ll also need to decide on an operating system. Windows is the most popular choice, and most games are designed with Windows in mind. There are also a variety of different Linux distributions that many gamers use. Still, many games are not compatible with Linux, so proceed cautiously.
Beyond the hardware and OS, you’ll also need peripherals. Your go-to headset should provide not just comfort for long gaming sessions but also high sound quality. Steering wheels, joysticks and gamepads are essential for racing and flight games. Perhaps most important of all for a PC gamer is a high quality mouse. Be sure to look for one that provides both comfort and accuracy.
Once you’ve chosen the specs of your machine and purchased the appropriate peripherals, it’s time to outfit your gaming rig with some cool software. Many platforms offer a selection of hundreds, if not thousands of games. Steam holds the majority of the PC gaming market share, offering titles from independent and large publishers alike.
Steam also offers an array of community features that range from user-made DLC to in-game chat functionality. In addition, many indie developers offer their games on the platform as well, often at a discounted price in comparison to boxed retail versions.
So you have your new gaming rig and are ready to get gaming. But there’s a twist – it’s not just about playing your favorite games anymore. Streaming your gameplay to the internet is becoming increasingly popular, and with it comes a whole new range of possibilities.
By using a platform like Twitch, YouTube or Facebook Live, you can show off your skills to the world and possibly make some money while doing so. Simply set up a streaming account, install streaming software, and start broadcasting your gameplay expertise. Additionally, depending on the platform you use, you can even host competitions and activities, giving viewers a chance to win prizes.
Whether you’re someone who’s new to PC gaming or have been around for years, it’s an exciting time for the industry. Thanks to the advances of the past few years, PC gaming is better than ever. The number of games and platforms available has expanded exponentially, and the access to powerful hardware grows daily.
No matter your budget, skill level or interests, there’s something for everyone in the world of PC gaming. So won’t you join us on this grand adventure? The digital frontier awaits.