PC Surpasses Console, but There’s a Silver Lining

According to a report by Mathew Ball, it seems like PCs are making a significant comeback. They’re outpacing consoles when it comes to spending on game content. Since 2011, investment in PC gaming content has jumped by a whopping 65%, which is about 225% more growth than what we’ve seen with consoles during the same period. By 2024, PCs are expected to rake in an extra $30 billion, compared to a $18 billion increase for consoles.

I have a deep-seated love for my consoles, and I’m confident that I’ve owned more than many out there. Currently, I’ve got two Xbox Series X systems, an Xbox Series S, a PlayStation 5, and a Nintendo Switch. But let’s not get it twisted—I know there are folks even more obsessed than I am. I even know someone who just buys a new Xbox whenever his storage gets maxed out.

Yet, it’s time we face the facts about consoles. They’re not the ultimate gaming devices they once seemed to be, and that’s perfectly alright. They still hold a special spot in my heart, much like they do for millions of others, but they’re clearly giving way to other forms of gaming for really good reasons.

Once upon a time in 2004, consoles dominated the gaming landscape with 71% of all content spending. PCs then held just 29% of the market. Fast forward to today, and the tables have turned: PCs have snagged a 53% share, leaving consoles scrambling with 47%.

So why is this the case?

Beyond my own musings, Mathew Ball highlights several reasons PCs have an upper hand:

– PCs boast a more extensive game library than any single console—or even all the consoles combined.
– They can multitask like a pro, letting you watch YouTube, check guides, run a full Discord, or livestream with top-tier editing software, all while gaming.
– They offer a lower initial cost for entry yet allow for high-end hardware upgrades that outperform even the best-performing consoles.
– New games keep hitting the market annually, which only enlarges the library.
– Even exclusive games from PlayStation and Xbox eventually make their way to the PC.
– Premium Roblox games are exclusive to PC.
– Interest in portable Windows-based gaming devices with full PC catalogs is climbing.

Hold up, premium Roblox games exclusive to PC? Imagine that! If you haven’t caught on to Roblox’s massive grip on the market, let me share a little story to bring you up to speed.

Just recently, I ventured into the local library to get my first library card, mainly because I’d heard you could borrow Switch games. I thought I’d pick up a book or two as well. While navigating towards the computer section, something caught my eye.

Half of the ten computers in use had kids glued to Roblox. Some seemed to be hanging out together, while others were off on their own little adventures. It was like a mini arcade right in the library!

In my teens, Minecraft was my game of choice, much like everyone else at the time. After graduation, I saw it becoming a staple in classrooms as more than just a game. But now, Roblox and Fortnite have swooped in and taken the lead in several key domains.

To give you a sense of scale, both Roblox and Fortnite are now pulling in more yearly revenue than Minecraft. Roblox even has more daily active users than Minecraft does. That’s not to discredit Minecraft but to highlight just how powerful Roblox has become. It’s mind-boggling.

Sure, Roblox is available on consoles, but the ultimate experience lies in the PC version. On PC, you get access to special game modes and superior creator tools. Plus, it’s cost-effective since even a budget computer can handle Roblox with ease.

Now, let’s talk about why PCs excel in terms of game libraries. Not only do they offer more games, but they also often provide more enhanced versions. While some might mention subpar PC ports or ask why Bloodborne isn’t on PC, can PlayStation boast games like Escape from Tarkov, League of Legends, Ready or Not, or Arma Reforger?

Even for shared titles, it’s seldom just about better graphics. Games like Rust and DayZ play out completely differently on PC compared to consoles. For instance, load up Rust on your Xbox and then compare it to the PC version; it’s like experiencing two different worlds.

Take Rust: Console Edition— it’s significantly lagging behind its PC counterpart. While some console games might support quality of life features like FOV settings, there are still core differences. Consoles haven’t caught up with features like helicopters in Rust, something PCs have had since 2019. Despite some progress in 2024, if you pop over to YouTube, you’ll find plenty of wishlist videos from console players hoping for these updates.

Rust isn’t an isolated case. Games like Ark, DayZ, and PUBG also show significant disparities. However, just having these games on consoles at all is a win. Not that long ago, the idea of PC ports for them would have been laughable.

But, let’s not underestimate what consoles are cooking up for the future. Back in 2014, suggesting DayZ would come to Xbox would’ve seemed absurd. Yet, here we are, with comprehensive support that includes native keyboard and mouse use. Even Call of Duty has hopped on board with this—unheard of for gamers who remember the ’90s. Consoles are hitting new strides.

Microsoft jumped on the PC bandwagon years back, and Sony is catching up, suggesting they’ve noticed a trend we perhaps didn’t. That’s likely why whispers about the next Xbox console sounding more like a PC are surfacing.

Slowly but surely, the lines between Xbox, PlayStation, and PC are blurring. Microsoft added achievement support with Games for Windows Live ages ago, and now even Sony has implemented trophy support. These companies are clearly preparing for what’s next.

Today shows the effects of yesterday’s insightful choices aimed at bettering tomorrow. Sony and Microsoft are clearly positioning their platforms and hardware to stay relevant for years to come. It’s time to start thinking forward rather than longing for the past.