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Convincing someone to be a PC gamer.

I guess show him some games that are fun and cheap? Like a League or Dota 2 if you're into it, or CS:GO. Maybe some modding?

But in real advice, I think PC gaming is great for people who like console gaming but want more. Better graphics, more customizability, etc. I don't see it for people who liked console gaming, got bored of it, and then started to play mobile games exclusivity.

But hey, more power to ya, I guess.
 
As a console onlr (few games on laptop on steam use a 360 controller), the issue is the controls and PC environment.

Console players probably need to see lots of controller games and an easy party system imo
 
Sarcastico said:
I didn't realise pointing out the pros of having a PC is offensive and degrading.
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your best argument to convince him are the games you'll show him. Show him some pc only games that you think he'll really like.

I think it's more about the games than what playing on pc has to offer: from what you say he seems to know the pros of a pc already.
He doesnt seem to care about what you think make the difference (60 FPS, etc...), I can understand that I don't care about it either.

Also I don't think you're right when you say "games are cheaper". Well, I mean, yes they are cheaper but I think that it leads to you buying more games and spending more than you would otherwise. I don't have a backlog (i own a ps3 only) but I think I would buy a lot more games I wouldn't play if I was a pc gamer. Because they're on sale or really cheap. For later. Also I trade my (physical) games against other games, it's really cheap too. Owning RDR cost me 5€ on ps3. Speaking of which, my ps3 cost me a lot less than a good gaming pc.

Only thing I could see would be multiplayer if he doesn't have much experience with that.

so yeah, show him the games and if he doesn't like them enough to get a pc then maybe you should try and listen when he talks you into the pros of playing on mobile :p
 
Does he play Clash of Clans type of games? Show him full-fledged strategy games, no matter RTS or turn-based (although I can see RTS being more convincing).
 
Recall said:
It's how you say it. Like anything else is lesser and that if anyone else happens to partake in that style of enjoyment (consoles/mobile) then they are "wrong" too.
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Considering he says nothing of that in his post nor does it look like he had that agenda, I think this post says more about you than him.

Edit: If you got a controller or two I would hook them up and play some stuff like Gang Beasts and Nidhogg. Then perhaps let him game same modded Skyrim. Alot of people forget about how flexible a pc is, you can use it just like a console pretty much, even hook it up on to the TV (used to game like this for a couple of years). Or you can go classic mouse and keyboard at a desk.
It's kind of hard thing to convince someone unless you really know what to show them, for me it's the flexibility of PC that made it my current main gaming macine. Start a game, tab out, post on facebook, tab in play some more, quit and pick something else in the steam menu, tab out and watch an episode of twin peaks while chatting with someone on battlenet or steam etc.
 
Just show him some great games, what is so hard about that ?

If he isn't interested, his loss, he can stay in mobile ghetto.
 
Sarcastico said:
Today I found out that he used to be a console gamer but quit because he lost interest.

Of course, I explained many of the advantages that the PC provides over consoles. Anti-aliasing, 60FPS, mods, cheaper games etc.
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Lol, you guys never cease to amaze me.
 
Lord Phol said:
Considering he says nothing of that in his post nor does it look like he had that agenda, I think this post says more about you than him.
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Fucking totally man, totally all me. From the OP:

Today I found out that he used to be a console gamer but quit because he lost interest.

Of course, I explained many of the advantages that the PC provides over consoles. Anti-aliasing, 60FPS, mods, cheaper games etc.
Click to expand...

You want your friend to play PC games? Show him a PC game. Simple.
 
Denton said:
Just show him some great games, what is so hard about that ?

If he isn't interested, his loss, he can stay in mobile ghetto.
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I don't see why there isn't more of this response, it's that simple. The technical stuff is practically an afterthought in comparison to the diverse array of games you have on PC.
 
geordiemp said:
As a console onlr (few games on laptop on steam use a 360 controller), the issue is the controls and PC environment.

Console players probably need to see lots of controller games and an easy party system imo
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Controller gamers can't go online, it's a blood bath. No way you can headshot someone from across the map the second they spawn with a controller.
 
So if he lost interest in PS3, which games did he play? Why did he buy it in the first place? Which games does he like on mobile? And why do you think that PC would make him a gamer when consoles never did? These are the important questions to ask if you want to know if PC is even a real alternative.
 
kitch9 said:
There are also some hardcore fucks on-line in the pc space who run everything on low with million dpi mice along with the nerds running hax as well.

Sorry, it's no where near the gaming utopia some here make it out to be.
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kitch9 said:
Spend hours finding a server not full of hardcore fucks in Europe? No thanks.
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kitch9 said:
Controller gamers can't go online, it's a blood bath. No way you can headshot someone from across the map the second they spawn with a controller.
Click to expand...


tumblr_inline_ndqc17q6TM1sqqavy.jpg
 
Productivity, Mods, cheap games, way better sales, games in way better quality than consoles, more games (almost every game which was released on pc is still playable onpc with better graphics), downscaling (4k on e.g. 1080p display which way better than AA if you have enough power),free games, support for almost every hardware/controller, no monthly pay for online, multiple screens, upgradable, emulation, better splitscreen (L4D2 can be played with 4p on up to 4 displays), couch comfort with a wireless Logitech K400 (highly recommended for maximum comfort), longevity, customization and a lot of other reasons.
You have to be pretty stupid to go console only.
Even the most casual gamers I know build a pc with a little help (they didn't know everything but looked it up and I told them where they should ask for builds recommendations).
Build a pc for about 600 or more with a recommended spec and you're good to go for the next years.
 
kitch9 said:
Controller gamers can't go online, it's a blood bath. No way you can headshot someone from across the map the second they spawn with a controller.
Click to expand...

Yup, and its why stick to console, as prefer the controller and Living room tv environment, it does not mix with the guy with a gaming mouse 1 ft away from a 144 Hz gaming monitor playing at 90 FPS with pixel perfect clicking.

Add in mods, config changes such as FOV, other tweeks and stuff its not a level playing field. Console is.

If you like playing online I feel its all or nothing with PC.
 
Sarcastico said:
I have a friend from college who currently only plays mobile games. Today I found out that he used to be a console gamer but quit because he lost interest. I also found out that he never gave the PC a fair shot and mostly just played on the PS3.

Of course, I explained many of the advantages that the PC provides over consoles. Anti-aliasing, 60FPS, mods, cheaper games etc. He knows these terms but kind of dismissed them in a way, saying that he doesn't think that they're enough to bring him back to his old gaming habits. I suspected that even though he knows what those terms meant, he never actually experienced them first hand. So I decided to invite him some time this week and show him what he had been missing out on.

The problem is, I'm not quite sure how to proceed with it. I have a fairly expensive build and I don't want to show him games on ridiculous settings then later mention that what he witnessed was only possible on high end machines. I want a realistic portrayal of PC gaming.

So, GAF, what's your advice, what would you do in my situation?
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For me , When I saw one of my friends with a real gaming pc. I was blown away by how the games look. Seeing games on a gaming pc in real life is mind blowing. Youtube videos don't do the games justice. So when people are watching those graphic comparison videos , the PC is getting the short end of the stick , because it really is not showing its full power through those videos.
 
Sarcastico said:
I have a friend from college who currently only plays mobile games. Today I found out that he used to be a console gamer but quit because he lost interest. I also found out that he never gave the PC a fair shot and mostly just played on the PS3.

Of course, I explained many of the advantages that the PC provides over consoles. Anti-aliasing, 60FPS, mods, cheaper games etc. He knows these terms but kind of dismissed them in a way, saying that he doesn't think that they're enough to bring him back to his old gaming habits. I suspected that even though he knows what those terms meant, he never actually experienced them first hand. So I decided to invite him some time this week and show him what he had been missing out on.

The problem is, I'm not quite sure how to proceed with it. I have a fairly expensive build and I don't want to show him games on ridiculous settings then later mention that what he witnessed was only possible on high end machines. I want a realistic portrayal of PC gaming.

So, GAF, what's your advice, what would you do in my situation?
Click to expand...


Just show them steam, most people see PC gaming as some weird thing thats really complicated. Also show them a 360 contrtoller or whatever and big picture mode.
 
geordiemp said:
Yup, and its why stick to console, as prefer the controller and Living room tv environment, it does not mix with the guy with a gaming mouse 1 ft away from a 144 Hz gaming monitor playing at 90 FPS with pixel perfect clicking.

Add in mods, config changes such as FOV, other tweeks and stuff its not a level playing field. Console is.

If you like playing online I feel its all or nothing with PC.
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Playing games like CS GO (and all the other games) from my couch with my wireless mouse and keyboard on my 1080p 60hz TV without problems.
Games like Evolve or easily playable with a gamepad but you can't beat the precision of a mouse and keyboard and that's why I use it.
Nothing magical here, just common sense is required to get good.
 
Show him bloodborne

In all seriousness, Seems he likes to play just pick up and play games considering mobile games are similar in that regard so indie games might suit him, The whole 60fps, AA, 4k stuff doesnt matter outside of gaming forums.
 
Backwards (and forwards) compatibility is the best part of PC gaming. I mean, it doesn't always work, but it's there.

Then there's the deluge of great indie and niche titles that never find their way to consoles.
 
Best graphics available, cheaper games, lot of exclusives, building and upgrading your own PC which is like another game itself, at least for me.
 
Why not? Show him your beast, and let him play with it. The better your build the more fun he will have. Emphasize that such a build might be beyond his league, so he has to work for it.
 
Sarcastico said:
We're not strangers to each other. We share our interests. Part of sharing our interests is being able to show them to each other.

Jesus Christ people, some of you are taking this too personally for some reason.
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Bunch of console warriors. They're just upset your friend passed on the ps3. They can't wrap their fanboy brains around that concept or that pc gaming might offer him things a console cant. Ignore them. Showing your interested friend pc gaming is NOT tantamount to waterboarding like the idiot a few posts above intimates.

Jeebus on a pogo stick console gaff is the worst sometimes.

Show him games. Dont worry about the technical details. Find out about the types of games he plays on mobile and see if the plethora of indies on pc can offer him a more polished experience. Games like Darkest Dungeon, Besiege, Binding of Isaac, Starbound, Minecraft, etc are probably right up his alley. If he likes basic strategy games on mobile, he might be interested in games like Civ V, or Galactic Civ, Sins of aoslar empire or Total war. If he likes adventure like games, well there's a ton of games to choose from. Games is where the PC shines, there isn't a larger, most highly rated library anywhere.
 
Yudoken said:
Productivity, Mods, cheap games, way better sales, games in way better quality than consoles, more games (almost every game which was released on pc is still playable onpc with better graphics), downscaling (4k on e.g. 1080p display which way better than AA if you have enough power),free games, support for almost every hardware/controller, no monthly pay for online, multiple screens, upgradable, emulation, better splitscreen (L4D2 can be played with 4p on up to 4 displays), couch comfort with a wireless Logitech K400 (highly recommended for maximum comfort), longevity, customization and a lot of other reasons.
You have to be pretty stupid to go console only.
Even the most casual gamers I know build a pc with a little help (they didn't know everything but look it up).
Build a pc for about 600 or more with a recommended spec and you're good to go for the next years.
Click to expand...

Do you get that this list doesn't contain one single sales argument for certain people, even life-long gamers, like myself..?
 
eh, if he's happy with mobile let him play mobile. i guess you can show him pc gaming but don't try to sound like an evangelist
 
Kinthalis said:
Ignore them. Showing your interested friend pc gaming is NOT tantamount to waterboarding like the idiot a few posts above intimates. Jeebus on a pogo stick console gaff is the worst sometimes.
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I know you have to defend your platform, but this isn't showing an "interested" friend a gaming platform. This is taking someone who lost interest in gaming, and twisting their arm to try it again. As if PC gaming is so radically different it's going to open his eyes. Get real.

The guy is happy with mobile gaming because everyone and their mother is playing on it, it's super accessible, and it doesn't have to cost anything.

Pretty sad when gamers can't get over the fact that a lot of their friends are going to leave this hobby. No need to setup play dates and throw tech terms to woo them back.
 
ShinUltramanJ said:
I know you have to defend your platform, but this isn't showing an "interested" friend a gaming platform. This is taking someone who lost interest in gaming, and twisting their arm to try it again. As if PC gaming is so radically different it's going to open his eyes. Get real.

The guy is happy with mobile gaming because everyone and their mother is playing on it, it's super accessible, and it doesn't have to cost anything.

Pretty sad when gamers can't get over the fact that a lot of their friends are going to leave this hobby. No need to setup play dates and throw tech terms to woo them back.
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Maybe you are socially awkward, I don't know, but, I tend to share my hobbies with friends all the time, and they share theirs with me all the time as well. There's nothing evangelist about it. It's a natural extension of just doing something new, trying something different, or just doing something to kill time.

Often times just talking about things gets people interested.
 
Stuff like mods, 60 fps and AA can be important to people on GAF and other hardcore gamers, myself included, but someone who just isn't that into games (like your friend seems to be) just aren't gonna care about stuff like that. If anything's gonna convince him it's the games and Steam sales. Ultimately he has to convince himself.
 
Dr_LucienSanchez said:
Well, yeah, a fair few are relatively nauseating. Wouldn't really expect you to acknowledge that though
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Will you a knowledge that some console gamers are truly nauseating as well?

Not that the guy he was quoting was anything but painting the entire community with the broadest brush possible.

But you certainly wouldn't acknowledge THAT, right?

Dr_LucienSanchez said:
That sort of thing, plus the general concept behind this thread being that mobile games aren't real games.
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If anything, that sentiment is MORE rampantly asserted by console gamers than by PC gamers.
 
If he's not interested there is no point OP

If he was dismissing it based on misinformation then you could inform him, but if someone just isn't interested in something there is nothing to gain for you or them to convince them to do it anyway.

Anyhow if I were to show someone pc gaming who knows NOTHING about it it would be with these games:

-natural selection 2 (assymetrical competitive multiplayer with rts elements+ mod support, its the ultimate representation of pc gaming)
-anno1404 (rts)
-left4dead (because it's super fun)
-dota 2 (moba)
-counter strike (difference between a pc shooter and a console shooter aka no ADS, community created maps etc)
-heavily modded minecraft (that game is good to show what mods can do)
-trackmania 2 (arcade racer that is very unique)
-arma 3 (sim wargame, some people love this type of game)
-elite (space sim with newtonian physics)
-serious sam 3


If they've never taken a proper look at pc gaming then they've never played anything like any of these games before.
 
Kinthalis said:
Will you a knowledge that some console gamers are truly nauseating as well?

Not that the guy he was quoting was anything but painting the entire community with the broadest brush possible.

But you certainly wouldn't acknowledge THAT, right?
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Of course I would. Look at any YouTube discussion about a console-exclusive game. Shit is disgusting on all ends. Even happens in the technical threads here (hello, DF threads). But that wasn't really what was being discussed in this thread, so thanks for the presumption.

Kinthalis said:
If anything, that sentiment is MORE rampantly asserted by console gamers than by PC gamers.
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Again, how is this relevant? Let alone quantifiable. You seem to see this as some sort of console vs PC battle though, so have fun with that.

Kinthalis said:
Maybe you are socially awkward, I don't know, but, I tend to share my hobbies with friends all the time, and they share theirs with me all the time as well. There's nothing evangelist about it. It's a natural extension of just doing something new, trying something different, or just doing something to kill time.

Often times just talking about things gets people interested.
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But the way this whole scenario is presented seems incredibly forced, condescending, and akin to organized proselytizing.

I don't set up specific sessions to convince my [non-bourbon] drinking friends to come over and learn about the joys of drinking bourbon. Of course, if we're at a bar or something, it'd be different, but that's not really the awkward situation being described here.
 
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