Why PC?, Part Two
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The PC is not a proprietary system, but the problem is that publishers are looking at what sells on the console and automatically assuming that's what should be selling on the PC. That compromises the range of choice PC gamers have, which is the entire point of the PC as a gaming platform. It's not about good visuals; it's about variety. It's not about piracy; it's about preferences. Yes, the open environment of the PC means we see a lot of crappy games that only a mother could love, but I'd gladly endure those for the sake of the singular experiences of Total War or IL-2 Sturmovik or Battlefield 1942.
The previous editorial didn't touch much on the subject of mods and community-created content, but that's another area where the success of console games is threatening the open-ended nature of the PC gaming experience. Combine increased broadband connectivity with the existing payment structures already in place for the consoles and you have an easy avenue for publishers to make money from selling post-release content directly to the consumers.
