No matter how you play your games, there’s no question that the gaming industry continues to grow at a rapid pace. With more time spent indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, gamers of all ages had more time on their hands than they knew what to do with.
Many turned to gaming as an escape from reality and to engage in multiplayer gameplay. Whether it was on a Nintendo Switch or a PC, gaming became a staple in many households.
There are myths and misconceptions about how prevalent PC gaming is in the industry. Some argue that PC sales are declining, and PCs are slowly making their way out of the marketplace. Others believe that more time spent indoors will contribute to more sales growth for PCs.
Many gamers are upgrading and decking out their PCs to accommodate better graphics, FPS, and streaming capabilities on Twitch and Activision Blizzard platforms. Streaming video game content has also steadily increased during the pandemic.
Let’s explore some of the details surrounding PC gaming and if it’s losing momentum. We’ll also discuss how prevalent PCs are in the gaming industry and if they’ll be able to stay competitive with traditional gaming consoles.
PCs: Making a Comeback Since the 2010s
In the 2010s, new technologies emerged like smartphones and tablets, taking over the consumer electronic market. It’s challenging to think back to a time when computers entered the digital landscape and transformed the way we use technology.
As a result of new technologies coming out, PCs were seen as antiquated and obsolete — because of this, sales stagnated and the latest gadgets reigned supreme.
In 2020, however, research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) released a report detailing PC sales growth in recent years. It became evident that consumers were still interested in purchasing PCs, whether to work from home, game or to adjust to remote learning needs.
Ryan Reith, program vice president of IDC’s Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers, believes this growth will continue. He said, “Demand is pushing the PC market forward and all signs indicate this surge still has a way to go.”
Because of the recent research available, it’s clear that PCs still have a hand in the gaming industry. However, let’s explore some downsides to using PCs that drive gamers to purchase all-in-one consoles instead.
PC vs. Console Gaming
It may not be surprising to hear that gamers of all skill levels have their preferences regarding the hardware they use to game.
Some feel that PCs give them advantages in games like Fortnite and Call of Duty. In contrast, others rely on consoles like the PS4 or Xbox Series One for their gaming experience.
Current research shows that PC gaming is still prevalent in the gaming community. People even make a hobby out of building their own PCs, which can sometimes increase costs when they need to pay for hardware and software to create a functioning computer.
One aspect of gaming is whether or not gamers favor purchasing the physical copy of the game or digitally downloading it from the internet.
There are arguments to be made on both sides — it comes down to the convenience of downloading a game online and having to go to a brick-and-mortar store to find the actual copy. Both come with pros and cons, but there’s no right or wrong way to buy a game for entertainment purposes.
Final Verdict: Will PC Gaming Remain Popular?
Experienced gamers are more likely to use PCs for various reasons, but console sales are also steadily increasing. For example, the Nintendo Switch has dominated console sales in the recent past.
Gamers will determine how popular PCs will be in the future. If new consoles emerge, PCs may face a decline in popularity. PCs are still relevant in the gaming industry, but that could change in the next few years.