Even if you buy them on gog you don’t own them. Download and keep - sure, but you could do that with many games on steam too (also you could download torrent versions which wouldn’t be different from buying on gog). The point is about actually keeping these copies alive, properly updated and working, for which these services exist.
So, I think owning a disc is also risky, that means your copy can degrade. Owning games in this context have lost its meaning for me.
I didn’t even buy games from Big studios when they launch - I usually like to wait a year. That’s plenty of time for them to patch all the (unintended) stupid out of it, since nobody knows how to release a finished game anymore. I tend to be more forgiving with indie games, but will never again buy early access something that doesn’t have a concise roadmap, have regular updates, and communicates regularly. I’ve been burned by too much vaporware and “lol we’re done even if the game sucks” bullshit we see too often. And it’s not like we have a reason to be loyal to any brand in the 21st century. They’re not our friends.
The PC community has slowly shifted towards buying/preordering 'full price' games and succumbing to micro(macro)transactions in the same way console markets do. But I don't think buying a whole other device is on the menu for most.
What do you mean by “shifted to”. Was there ever a time when these were more common on consoles?
The game widely attributed to starting “micro transactions” was MapleStory, a windows MMORPG. PC games adapted online features like digital-only delivery, DLC’s, and micro transactions before consoles even had the capability to do so figures out. Even before online capabilities, I remember going to game stores in the 90’s and seeing “expansions” for PC games, which is what we used to call DLC back when it was physical.
When think “microtransaction”, I think of a handful of different games immediately. MMO’s, which are much more common on PC (chat features, complex inputs requiring a keyboard, add-ons or other enhancing programs running in the background). Simulation games (the Sims, Truck Simulator, Farming Simulator, Cities Skylines, Civ, etc) that usually are much easier with a M&KB than controller. Multiplayer battle games like MOBA’s or shooters (Valve has DOTA 2, TF2, CSGO and most others are either PC exclusive or multiplat). When I think of Sony in particular, I think of their cinematic single-player experiences. Which may have some DLC, but I don’t associate with predatory micro transactions like cosmetics or P2W schemes.
Consoles have tons of that too nowadays, but it seems like kind of weird to act like PC users are somehow less interested or susceptible to predatory pricing schemes.
You are correct there, but I felt the PC community was a lot more patient and less willing to pay large amounts for games. They did however spend in their own games, MMO subscriptions, DLCs etc. It's more the initial cost of games that we were more likely to object, but MTX has always been a problem since it's introduction. League is selling a $500 dollar skin, the fact people don't quit over things like that existing just shows how much we have succumbed.
I feel console generally buys whatever latest thing is marketed to them and they play that. PC generally tries the new thing then slowly they return to their comfort games they have been playing for 10 years.
I think there are populations of both patient and impatient gamers on both.
The absolute worst platform is Nintendo. You might as well buy the game on launch because it’s still going to be the same price 10 years later. Or even more expensive in some cases.
Consoles have been moving to digital, but they still have physical games. I can’t go to a local store or eBay and buy used Steam games. At the same time, Steam has great sales that do a lot to offset that.
In general I think media hypes up new releases, and there’s blame to go around omamong publishers, media outlets, and media consumers for that. But most online discussions on games are going to default to new releases unless it’s a specific “patient” or “retro” community. So it’s easy to underestimate how many people are fine waiting a couple of years. Or how many kids are waiting until their birthday or Christmas to play a game.
interesting, only the most basic info is included about my 19 year old account. I’ve always been very conservative with the info I share online though.
back in the day, everyone was regularly reminded that the internet is a wild west and only by safeguarding your personal information and using pseudonyms and avoiding identifying info can you have a chance to be safe and have a good time. but now that PII is profitable, all the big internet companies tell you the opposite so they can make a buck. I think this is the inevitable outcome of it.
sorry to hear a baddie is clinging to you, that’s always quite troublesome. it can be hard to do anything about it. shitty as it is, your best bet is usually to become an undesirable target: boring. they’re school yard bullies. they do it for the reaction, that’s it. the more you react, the harder they try. fucking assholes.
steam
Top
This magazine is from a federated server and may be incomplete. Browse more on the original instance.