You’d think before a PC game developer decided to “dumb down” their game they’d look at the sales of other games that went down that path.
If you want to make a simplified, “mainstream” game make it for the console and be done with it. But if you’re making a PC-specific game, take advantage of what the PC can do and make the game you want to make along with look at what the people who buy these games want.
Speaking of PC advantages – the new version of Havok apparently supports 64-bit Windows. This is a big deal because it means we should be able to make a native 64-bit version of Elemental.
Why does that matter? Because memory limitations are a big deal in PC games. Even Galactic Civilizations II (2006) was hitting the 2 gigabyte limit. It’s not about the graphics but rather the scale/scope of the game. If I want to have immense sized maps or incredible amounts of detail, I don’t need a mega machine for that but I do need to be able to address a lot of memory.
Hopefully, everyone who has been upgrading to Windows 7 has been careful to get 64-bit because the quicker we migrate to 64-bit, the more the PC (as a platform) offers again to game developers.
Consider this: The XBOX 360 has 512MB of RAM. Even the “next gen” console is likely only to offer say 1GB of memory, maybe 2GB for cost purposes. So being able to address massive amounts of memory will allow PC game developers to do new and interesting things that we can’t currently do because of the memory limitations.
Hopefully, that will help encourage developers to not to feel the need to “dumb down” their game.
Just my 2 cents.
Amen
It still amazes me that you seem to be the only dev that has a clue about what PC gamers like and dislike.
Thank you for that.
I think a large number of PC gamers want the ability to create and download custom content, which you can't really do on consoles. PCs also shine in the area of online multiplayer.
WoooooHooooooo!!!!!!!
I got 8Gigs of ram in my PC just waiting for my copy of windows 7.
At the start of 2005 I had 2GB RAM in my gaming PC, now it is nearly 2010 and I have 3GB. That doesn't feel like much progress and it's all because of PC gaming being stuck in 32 bit for far too long.
Frogboy, you amaze me with your insight sometimes
Nice
Great to hear the 64-bit version of Havok is finally out. I was looking on Intel's site and still didn't find any reference to that being available. I'd think Intel would make a big announcement about that!
If you look at some PC exclusives, such as crysis and shattered horizon, and then at games like modern warfare, which are multiplatform, I think it's pretty obvious that multiplatform is holding back PC development. Things don't proceed along what a PC can do, because they have to keep it roughly analagous to what the 360 can do, and the 360 was comparable to a mid-level computer at best back in 2005 when it launched.
I always thought because it's in their best interest that AMI and nvidia should finance a few pc exculsive games with graphics and scale only the pc can deliver. Do they want to sell graphics cards? Well give me a reason too.
Here, here! I'm still rather annoyed that Microsoft even released a 32-bit version of Windows 7. I mean if they're after the Netbook market, then have 64-bit Windows and a special Windows Netbook SKU.
Most computers I support now are showing Windows 7 64-bit, except for the ultra-cheap/Best Buy specials. That's an encouraging trend.
of course by the time that everyone is over to 64 bit computing then 128 bit will come around...
Amen.
Thats called progress
Suprised at the OP to be honest. I don't see any relationship between how much memory address space a game needs and how 'dumbed down' or otherwise it is.
Sure, limitations are limitations, but that's always going to be the case. Many 'hard core' gamers hold up games from the 80s and early 90s as 'non dumbed down' games, yet they were completely limited by technology compared to today. Likewise one day we'll look back on tommorow's 64bit games and wonder how they could have coped with the limitations. But will we accuse them of being dumbed down because of that limitation?
I don't think so - gameplay has always, and will always be, king in determining whether a game is 'dumbed down' - and creative talents (including those at Stardock) are more than capable of producing great games within whatever technological limitations they find themselves.
Which, in fact, is very stupid, cause this detracts value from the game, for a PC audience.
It is most halarious when a developer (im guessing its more thier publisher forcing them to) says "The console version wont comprimise the PC game". Ha. EVERY time.
Im assuming they get more money doing it that way of course, but I don't like being lied to. Its a shame businesses don't get increased sales for honesty lol.
I have nothing against 'console games' (I play quite a few ports even mediocre ones). I don't like the way they cause such negative effects on a PC games. Lets just hope the positives keep growing also.
While I agree that multiplatform games are hurting PC gaming, it was inevitable given the rising costs to produce AAA games. They need to release it on as many platforms as possible to ensure a proper profit margin. Look at Dragon Age for example. It was originally PC exclusive, then was going to be released for the PC first and consoles later, and ended up being released on all platforms at the same time.
I just want 'proper' PC releases for a multiplatform game, not these dumbed down POS we keep getting. Even with AAA titles like Dragon Age things are getting dumbed down on the PC version. Look at the pathetic in game graphics options. I feel for those with lower end hardware, because they cannot easily turn things off to run the game.
PC gaming has always been expensive and complex, and I understand why many people have moved to console systems, especially now that the PC doesn't quite enjoy the graphics superiority that it once did. Many don't want to deal with the issues anymore. (Though console gaming has its own issues)
This comes from a pure PC gamer, whose only 'modern' console is the Wii. I have no plans to abandon PC gaming anytime soon.
IMO, the market will eventually split entirely if it hasn't already. People say PC gaming is 'dying' but in reality it's just gone back to the way is was in the earlier days of gaming. All the simple, flashy action games will become console only. PC will mainly shift to RTS, turn based strategy, adventure and complex RPGs; games that take advantage of the greater RAM and keyboard & mouse style controls. Just like it was when PC gaming was ruled by games like X-Com, Syndicate, Command and Conquer, and Sierra's 'Quest' games. Capcom is about only company that still makes big-budget action games for PC, and even this interest seems to have already come to an end with no announcement of a PC Super Street Fighter 4 or the new DLC packs for Resident Evil 5.
Is this a problem? Not really. The laziness of Modern Warfare 2's lack of dedicated servers shows that perhaps it's best if the console developers stick to consoles, and PC developers stick to PC. Each platform has its stengths, and it's best for everyone when developers take full advantage of them. Mutliplatform games go with the lowest common denominator, which is the 360 these days. I would rather have PC game made for PC, than a 360 port that utterly fails to take advantage of the PC's greater power and control layout.
And yes, anyone who installs a new OS that isn't 64-bit really needs a lecture on its advantages. I don't even know why MS offers a 32-bit version of Windows 7. While Windows XP mode for older software support, it's really time to move on.
Not only does removing the ability to create custom content detract from the value, but they then charged 20% MORE for the game than the standard accepted price for PC AAA Titles. I'm assuming that because they got away with it on consoles, and it was a highly anticipated title, they believed they could. The sales seem to agree with that assessment, but there are a significant number of people I know who haven't bought it and won't buy it due to the price increase, elimination of custom content, and elimination of dedicated servers. I still play on servers with 50+ people for MW1. I believe the limit is 18 for MW2? Less is not always more.
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