What does the West need to do...

[Sketcz]

Yes, but as a gamer Ive always been into consoles, and therefor arcades as well, since they have such direct connections.

PC gaming can have stigmas, and whilst I dont want to debate wether consoles of PC gaming is better, (everyone knows console are better), IMO there isnt as much kudos involved in PC gaming.

Some guy says he can defeat 100 people in (insert arcade beat-em-up here) in a row. Im like
WHOA! Dude, let me buy you coffee whilst you amaze me with tales of tournaments and lone practicing at home.

Some guy says he can frag 100 people in a row in (insert PC FPS/strategy title here), and Im like
"erm... ok? Look buddy I just wanted to get to the bus stop, quit hassling me with how good you are on a PC."



See? Totally different reaction for me. Apart from Half-Life, Deus-Ex and Star Control, I rarely dip into PC gaming. There isnt really even an import scene for PC gaming. Is there? Then again Id be the last to know.

Also, how long would it take to master a PC FPS compared to an arcade/homesystem shooter/beat-em-up?

[razu]

Quake 3 is still the game on PC for me. It has such scope for the player getting good it's unreal, (heh, unintentional that). I think that's all that's needed for a game to be good, regardless of platform.

I also had the pleasure of attending Brian Hook's GDC talk in 1999. He was the most enthusiastic person I had seen in my whole life. I think back to him talking about making the games they wanted to play and I'm filled with the energy to do the same. Then I turn up to work and it all goes tits, because of the men in the suits...

Wow, could I get a nomination for most off topic post of the day?

[Brats]

That's fair enough Otaku, it's all down to personal taste. No-one's expecting everyone to like the PC market, I just made the point that it is home to some of the most dedicated gamers in the West.

As for whether it takes more skill to become good at arcade fighters over FPS, I have no idea. I will say this though, I played in a UT clan for almost two years non stop, my abilities always improving. But I as so far removed from the elite status of some of the gamers I played it was Unreal.

And the gamers that thrashed me weren't at the tp of the tree neither. The level of competition and skills on display is amazingly intense.