[COLOR=Red]EA: The PC is 'Rapidly Becoming the Largest Gaming Platform in the World' - Shacknews - PC Games, PlayStation, Xbox 360 and Wii video game news, previews and downloads[/COLOR]
It's exciting in that the PC platform is gaining back much needed ground on the console market, but being as it's coming primarily via digital downloads, it could also spell more DRM restrictions, limited hard copy availability, and a resulting rash of even more piracy, which could send it all toppling over again.
I'd like to say I'm optimistic about this, but until I see game developers show signs of more support for PC vs console, and less crappy ports that we have to wait months past the initial console releases to get, I can't say I'm all that enthused.
I'm not all that surprised about this given the scads of forum members talking about going exclusively to digital downloads via Steam, EA, etc. While I applaud those of you whom continue to strongly support PC gaming, I worry that the digital download market may cripple us in ways other than a market share smaller than consoles.
SEGA had the right idea with Empire: Total War. Releasing the game on both DVD and DD, but forcing people to run Steam to launch the game. It's much more mild than StarForce or SecuROM, and won't break your DVD Drive. But, to the actual article I only have this to say; No shit, EA. It's been known for a while, and is evident in the amount of PC exclusives coming out. There's no way they'll ever be able to stop piracy completely, but by using managers such as Steam they can at least lower the numbers.
The only problem I can see is the amount of managers that might get out. Imagine if EA made one, valve made one, GFWL had one etc etc.
Junk angel;4885122The only problem I can see is the amount of managers that might get out. Imagine if EA made one, valve made one, GFWL had one etc etc.
:nodding: Chaos!
Junk angel;4885122The only problem I can see is the amount of managers that might get out. Imagine if EA made one, valve made one, GFWL had one etc etc.
Which is why Valve needs to buy EA and Microsoft. That's how you prevent it! :)
I'm sorry but...no kidding? This was not obvious all along?
EDIT: Also, if anyone else launched a new DD platform, it would fail. Steam and Impulse have two very good things going and with the way EA and MS think, they will not do it as well as Valve or Stardock and fail.
Serio;4885158Which is why Valve needs to buy EA and Microsoft.
Hmmm, just had an image of Gordon Freeman whacking with his crowbar vs Rover digging a hole every time I run Search Assistant, cool.:smokin:
I am now utterly confused. For years we've been hearing nothing but how the death of PC gaming was just around the corner.
The only bad thing really about this news is how large EA has become, and what effect that has on the quality of games being produced.
Go to Gamestop and you see a smaller and smaller PC Games section, but that is because DownLoadable Content is becoming huge in that market. EA recognizes this by releasing their Battleground Heroes for free. They believe they will make lots of money by getting millions in micro-transactions.
Complex Games;4929264Battleground Heroes
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