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IGN - Why PC?

by Dhruin, 2010-01-09 22:21:27

PC.IGN has a surprisingly good editorial called Why PC? that argues carrying over the same mass-market mentality publishers often apply to console games to PC development, doesn't serve the strengths of the platform and - ultimately - might be less profitable because niches that could thrive are ignored or watered down:

The difference between the console and PC markets is kind of like the difference between network and cable TV. NCIS and Dancing with the Stars will always have more mass appeal than Iron Chef or SpongeBob simply because they're designed and positioned to attract a larger demographic. But the specific appeal of the cable show is in finding a smaller niche or an underserved segment of the market and delivering the content they're not able to get from the major networks. The mass-market games like Madden or Street Fighter or Mario are a great fit for the consoles, but I don't think that the most profitable future for PC games is in trying to adopt that same mentality. To the extent that the PC catalog reflects this thinking, it fails to serve the individual gamers who want their war games, racing sims, or sports management titles to have a depth of detail that only the most hardcore can appreciate.

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