Steve and the other members of the Gamers Nexus team are a pretty knowledgeable bunch. They’re also unafraid to pull their punches when covering the PC industry, as demonstrated by some excellent investigations. So at Computex, Adam Patrick Murray asked Steve: Is right now the worst time ever to be a PC gamer?
The answer is… yeah, pretty much. In Steve’s estimation it’s the worst time to buy and build a PC for gaming, at least in his multi-decade run of covering the industry. Between massive price increases enabled by Nvidia’s GPU dominancepressure from the AI and datacenter industry, and general economic chaos from the Trump administration’s tariffs, it hasn’t been so expensive to buy high-end hardware for personal machines since the 90s.
And it’s not as if this is happening in a vacuum. Games themselves are getting more expensive as publishers push prices up to $80 for new titlesand the old “you’ll own nothing and be happy” situation is in full effect, notably with software and services. You can’t escape it by fleeing to consoles, either. For the first time in a long time, they’ve gotten even more expensive years after launch.
Steve’s advice if you’re feeling the pinch is to stick with what you’ve got. Unless you’re in desperate need of an upgrade — and as someone sitting on a GPU that’s nearly five years old, I’m not — you can just play new games on lower settings or maybe try to squeeze some more performance out of overclocking. There are other options like streaming, too, though that’s running into the service-over-ownership issue.
It’s bad out there, and not likely to get better in the short term. This is fun stuff, huh? Maybe you should watch our in-depth coverage of scented thermal paste as a palate cleanser. For more coverage of Computex and the rest of the computer hardware industry, subscribe to PCWorld on YouTubeand watch our weekly podcast The Full Nerd.
Is Now Realy the Worst Time to Be a PC Gamer? An Expert Weighs In
Time.news: Welcome, readers.Today, we’re diving into a concerning question for the gaming community: Is it the worst time ever to be a PC gamer? reports are suggesting that rising costs of PC hardware and games are making the hobby less accessible. To help us understand this better, we have Elias Thorne, a seasoned tech analyst and gaming industry expert. Elias, thanks for joining us.
Elias Thorne: Thanks for having me. Always happy to talk about the state of PC gaming.
time.news: elias, recent discussions, like those highlighted by Gamers Nexus, paint a pretty bleak picture. Are things really as bad as they seem for PC gamers right now?
Elias Thorne: In some ways, yes. If you’re looking to build a top-of-the-line PC from scratch, you’re definitely facing some headwinds. Factors like GPU prices, influenced by demand from AI and data centers, combined with general economic factors, have made high-end components considerably more expensive. It’s a situation reminiscent of the hardware market back in the 90s.
Time.news: The article mentions Nvidia’s dominance in the GPU market and the pressure from the AI industry as contributing factors. Can you elaborate on how these are affecting PC gaming specifically?
Elias Thorne: Absolutely. Nvidia holds a meaningful market share in the GPU space. That dominance, while offering innovation, gives them pricing power. Concurrently, the demand for powerful GPUs from the AI and data center sectors has created competition for these components, driving prices up for everyone, including gamers. This is compounded by the fact that there are around 1.86 billion PC gamers globally and 64% of the game developers prefer PC titles [1], so there’s still a lot of demand.
Time.news: It’s not just hardware, either. Games themselves are becoming more expensive,with some new titles pushing the $80 price point. How concerning is this trend?
Elias Thorne: It’s a significant concern. The rising cost of games, coupled with the increasing prevalence of subscription models and “games as a service,” means gamers are perhaps spending more money for less ownership. The article mentions the feeling of “you’ll own nothing and be happy,” which resonates with many players who feel like they’re increasingly renting their entertainment rather than owning it outright.
Time.news: Consoles have traditionally been seen as a more affordable option to PC gaming. Is that still the case?
Elias Thorne: Interestingly, no. The article points out that even console prices, alongside the cost of games and accessories, have risen in recent years. So, while consoles might still offer a lower entry point, the long-term cost of gaming on consoles is also increasing.
Time.news: So, what’s the advice for PC gamers feeling the pinch? The article suggests sticking with existing hardware. Is that the best strategy?
Elias Thorne: For many, yes. Unless you absolutely need an upgrade to play specific games, it’s probably wise to hold onto your current system. Consider tweaking settings to lower graphics quality, explore overclocking to squeeze out more performance, or look at game streaming services as an alternative.
Time.news: Game streaming? That sounds intriguing, but the article also mentions the “service-over-ownership” issue with that.
Elias Thorne: It’s a trade-off. Game streaming services can be more affordable in the short term, as you don’t need to invest in expensive hardware. However, you’re reliant on a stable internet connection and the availability of games on the service. You’re essentially subscribing to access, rather than owning the games themselves.
Time.news: What about the overall PC gaming market? Despite these challenges, is it still a growing industry?
Elias Thorne: Absolutely. Despite the challenges, the PC games market in 2023 saw a ample increase in revenue [2].There are around 1.86 billion PC gamers globally [1] . The market continues to grow and that will continue during the next 5 years [3]. It shows the resilience and enduring appeal of PC gaming, with its flexibility, diverse game library, and customization options.
Time.news: So, while it might be expensive at the high-end, the PC gaming industry isn’t going anywhere?
Elias Thorne: Exactly.It will continue to evolve. Free-to-play games are very popular [1]. Gamers are finding creative ways to enjoy their hobby without breaking the bank. The key is being informed, making smart choices, and prioritizing gameplay over chasing the absolute latest hardware.
time.news: Elias, thanks for shedding some light on this topic. Any final thoughts for our readers?
Elias Thorne: Don’t get discouraged. the passion for PC gaming is alive and well. Be patient, research your options, and remember that having fun is what it’s all about.
Time.news: Excellent advice. Elias Thorne, thank you again for your time and insights.
