discussion Activity at several PC tech sites have dropped considerabley

[Mark]

The changes are incredible. Xtreme, one I can't mention, Overclockers etc etc...the sure lack of postings in the last while is very obvious. I suppose systems are becoming boxed throw away items and the smart phone has only added to the lack of interest...let alone the added Apple comeback. h34r:h34r:h34r:h34r:

Thoughts ?

 

[clone63]

Over what duration have you noticed this? Can't say I've payed any attention, or even use other forums.

I don't think cheapening of components/systems should affect interest in sites like this. We're all 'enthusiasts' and even as times change, this is where out enthusiasm lies. I'd be pretty surprised to see a regular member post in OT "I'm done, android is where it's at!". I solely use a laptop for daily use, and it stinks. When considering the gaming market, laptops still haven't gained a lot of headway. Some..
2 big factors I would suspect is that as time goes on more topics and issues are discussed and thus the reduced need for new topics and a centralizing of the most popular forums vs smaller ones. I GUESS.. There's my thinking juice on this topic.

 

[IRQ Conflict]

If smart phones have reduced interest in high end PC's that just shows you how not serious most people are about it. They play enthusiast till the next big thing comes along I suppose. I know over the last few years over at Beyond 3D their forum shows active viewer counts and the console forums are swamped.

I checked yesterday and the console forum had 170 viewing while the PC game forum had 11. That's been typical. I can see why as game devs cater to mediocrity because that's where the almighty buck is.

People simply aren't willing to spend twice as much on a rig to play the same quality of game on something that costs half or less. No setup needed no driver issues etc. Admittedly, consoles are and will always be inferior, it's just that the casual gamers are just that. And their more than willing to shell out four to five hundred dollars a pop by the droves.

How many people with a job and are over 18 do you think would opt for a console if things were developed for PC and trickled down to consoles? But that's the only thing that would drive gaming PC sales. People are willing to dumb things down a little to avoid the potential cost/headaches that can be associated with PC's.

I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 and a Galaxy S before that. Games? No, it's a phone. Every time I think of games on that little screen I laugh. I would have to be very very desperate to bother playing games on it.

 

[Mark]

Considering that the pc was the central hub of most forms of computer interactivity including gaming is it's destitute of decline. The sure numbers of loss on these sites is so obviously even to the casual poster that does not have analytics to there stats.

The phone games have had an impact as far as time allocation to alternative forms and I would even site my own indulgence as a fact. I've never liked console games but they certainly are the prime avenue for gaming entertainment but I don't play very much at all on my PC; did my runs with Diablo but I have lost interest in the lack of intrigue and innovation. Given my age, I was witness to the evolution of gaming as an end user and each pinnacle point was a shock and insatiable desire to experience the improvements. Now, nothing...absolutely nothing has sparked my interest.

I still remember the cooling apparatuses I assembled from crazy fans, to thermoelectric devices and even an air conditioner . I still have my old ATI 3D Rage pro card for nostalgia .

Kind of sad to be honest.

 

[IRQ Conflict]

Considering that the pc was the central hub of most forms of computer interactivity including gaming is it's destitute of decline. The sure numbers of loss on these sites is so obviously even to the casual poster that does not have analytics to there stats.

I'd hold off that judgment till the new consoles come out.

Now, nothing...absolutely nothing has sparked my interest.

Sounds to me like you have simply outgrown gaming in general. You need a new hobby. Golf maybe?

I still remember the cooling apparatuses I assembled from crazy fans, to thermoelectric devices and even an air conditioner . I still have my old ATI 3D Rage pro card for nostalgia .

Kind of sad to be honest.

All memories can bring a tear to your eye when you long for the excitement of days gone by. Don't be discouraged. Look to the future with vigor and the past with a smile. You had fun! Now find something else you can sink your teeth into. The future may hold new stuff you never thought about or experienced before.

I know getting older (been there done that) becomes more of an obstacle to tickling your fancy but try new things to see if you might enjoy it or not.

FYI, I still have my original socket 7 (ASUS P5-A) AMD K6 350 and K6 550 and 3DFX 3000 and 3500. :thumb:

 

[DkRk]

I've noticed a similar trend with car forums. I think it's because websites like Reddit and 4Chan offer a similar environment, but straddle many categories and are effectively a 'catch-all' for people with different hobbies.

 

[chrisk]

Could also be that there are only so many tech dollars to go around. Nowadays, people want a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and a console. At some point the dollars that would have went to PC upgrades go elsewhere.

That said, I think Android and IOS will be pretty formidable platforms for serious gamers eventually. Yes, playing games on that small screen won't work too well, but you get that small screen mirrored to a HDTV and you have something. Hell, with Bluetooth and such, why couldnt a phone host a game with other phones connected as controllers so that you can have a lan party anywhere on a whim?

The technology is not quite there yet; the mirroring capabilities need improving, and the graphics and such need to evolve more but I believe its just a matter of time before Android and IOS are the main gaming platforms. I would not be surprised to see Sony move the Playstation platform over to Android very soon. I am wondering if their next console will have an Android back-end or some kind of port/emulation setup for Android gaming.

**ducks for cover**

 

[Dzzope]

Not as much disposable income to spend on all the shiny?

This and as said, people are getting spread around allot of other devices now too.
Add that systems are lasting much longer than they used to and you'll have a reduction on people looking to upgrade.

 

[IRQ Conflict]

That said, I think Android and IOS will be pretty formidable platforms for serious gamers eventually.

Ever tried to play a racing game on a smart phone? Not to smart. After they figure out how to connect a game pad, KB/mouse and maybe a flight stick...oh, wait. That would be a PC. :haha:

 

[b1lk1]

I can name a few big sites that have declined bigtime over the last year. Between arrogant members and arrogant staff, they drove people away. Their moderation scheme was outdated and their moderators were not up to the job. Also, many of these dwindling forums have a mass group that all "hang out" and it you're not part of that group the forum is a lonely place.

I have to agree that phones and tablets have done major damage to PC gaming. We're still a decade away from having a phone strong enough to even contend with an entry level PC, but when was the last time you could put a PC in your pocket? Have you seen how powerful these damn things are? Even my "old" HTC Raider LTE can transmit HD video over HDMI and I have used a keyboard/mouse with it like a PC as well and if you are all familiar with Android it is easy to do.

PC's are not gonna get replaced by small devices any time soon for gaming, but when you just want to kill some time most people are going to phones or tablets. THey are also going to phone and tablet forums for them.

As much as I hate to say it, Android is not all that far off from having full USB peripheral support making it a real threat to consoles. I still just don't see the threat to the PC there yet, right now I have Eyefinity so until a phone can do THAT I'm all set.