Personal computers, or PCs, were introduced in 1975 with the MITS Altair 8800 and IMSAI 8080. Before that, the Magnavox Odyssey was the first video game console, created by Ralph Baer in 1972. So, what happens when you merge the two forms of technology together? You get PC gaming – a rising form of interactive entertainment. In our blog, we’re going to give you the details about PC gaming and how it’s becoming the strongest force as a video game platform.

The Statistics

According to WePC, 53% of game developers were developing games for PC and Mac in 2018. Online PC games are expected to take up 47% of the global PC and console gaming revenues in 2019. The numbers continue to surge, and with advancements in technology, it will come as no surprise if every household has at least one PC for gaming. The worldwide revenue of the PC hardware industry was 23.11 billion dollars in 2017. As graphics continue to improve thanks to the hardware that supports it, people are more inclined to invest in a PC with higher resolution and smoother frame rates.

The Influences

Several factors come into play that influence the rise of PC gaming. One example is Steam, a digital distribution platform developed by Valve that allows individuals to purchase and play video games. They call themselves “The Ultimate Online Game Platform,” and millions of players log on every day. Steam is strictly for PC gaming, as video game consoles have their own online shop where games are digitally sold.

Another influence – this one probably being the biggest – is popular streamers. Gaming streamers on social media, Twitch, and YouTube have taken the Internet by storm and many people tune in to watch them play games or chat. Twitch is a major platform for streamers where they can earn money. In fact, Twitch streaming is now a full-time job, but being successful requires the same effort if you were to become a YouTuber. In most instances, streamers use PCs to connect to streaming channels.

As people interact online through social media, so do gamers on their respective gaming platforms. Online multiplayer modes have been around for quite some time, but thanks to recent popular games with international acclaim – Overwatch, Fortnite, and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) – there has been a surge in online gameplay. The introduction of cross-platform play allows for a wider audience, encouraging players to interact with those who have different gaming platforms.

Lastly, indie games have seen a rise in popularity, especially for small game developing companies that don’t have enough budget for a AAA title. Indie games have a little more breathing room during development, and even a single person can create one to put up on Steam. Because of this, many indie games are played on PCs, and even popular streamers play them because they want to help market or advertise them.

Conclusion

In general, video games are constantly rising, but PC gaming in particular is swaying people to “build” a powerful PC to play and experience video games in better quality. Players are also able to control how they want to play on their PC – mouse and keyboard or game controller. There’s a lot of freedom with PC gaming, which is why many game developers focus on developing games on that platform. It welcomes lesser-known developers and companies to create and distribute on a platform that garners millions of online players. Gaming is never declining – it’s a force to be reckoned with.