Gamers: PC vs. Arcade

Though we all share a common love for video games, not all gamers are the same.  Different people prefer different types of games. However, when it comes to the term “Gamer” the word implies that the player is more than a casual consumer. A Gamer is someone who takes their gaming very seriously. They live, breath and eat video games.

There are two very distinct types of Gamers. 1) The PC Gamer. 2) The Arcade Gamer. There are several other subcategories to these broad definitions, but we will focus just on the two for this article.

First, PC Gamers. PC Gamers have to have it all. They want the hardware and setup necessary for prolonged gaming sessions with as little interruption as possible. PC Gamers also need the best hardware. They are constantly upgrading their machines, or “rigs”, in order to beat out their opponents. Keeping a powerful machine is almost a game in itself. It is a competition before any actual gaming competition has started.

Even if the hardware a PC Gamer has far exceeds system specs for any game on the market, the pressure is always on to make it better. A point of strength for the PC Gamer is their unparalleled understanding of how computers work. This is both in mechanical, as well as programming and software terms. Finding new ways to maximize their processing power is all part of the game.

When it comes to actually playing games, the peripherals used are just as important as the arsenal in game. PC Gamers tend to have specialty keyboards, gamepads or other accessories to give them the edge in whatever game they are playing. Though many games are single player, the PC Gamer is most concerned with competition. It is a test of their “rig”, as well as their skill. PC Gamers often laugh at their console playing counterparts, stating how underpowered and ineffective their hardware is for running today’s latest games. Most often, PC Gamers stick to RPGs and First Person Shooters. They argue a keyboard and mouse setup is far better for playing these types of games. DPI can be adjusted to near inhuman settings just in order to turn around that split second faster. Hot keys are used to quickly switch between items and spells in order to more safely take down any online foes encountered.

The typical PC Gamer has their room, or “den” in which they make their home. The room may be clean, or dirty, but the focus is always centered on the computer itself. A true PC Gamer rarely will place his tower underneath of his desk. It is more likely he will place it on top in order to show off the case and hardware. As well, ventilation tends to be better up top as things are not as cluttered. High end speakers and multiple monitors adorn the room. The “den” typically has the most work put into it out of the entire house. If there are any windows, blinds are usually kept up in order to minimize glare on the screen. PC gamers also typically will not leave the room, or house for that matter, unless there is a physical need to do so (bathroom, food etc..). Nowadays, PC Gamers have it even easier as many games are downloadable, and require no need to go to the store.

Getting more vitamin D than their PC counterparts, Arcade Gamers are the more active of the two. Arcade Gamers have to travel outside their home in order to play games. As a matter of fact, they prefer it. While their homes are sometimes decorated with memorabilia from their favorite games, Arcade Gamers like to spend their money on other things besides hardware and peripherals.

Just as PC Gamers are motivated by competition, so are Arcade Gamers. However, the way the go about finding it differs. Whereas PC Gamers stay inside, and utilize the internet to find competition, Arcade Gamers go out and find it face to face. Their “den” is the arcade. They play their games, attempting to get high scores for all to see. Though PC Gamers have leaderboards to track skill, Arcade Gamers crave a much more underground infamy. They want people to walk by the machine and see their name embedded in that arcade’s history.

The type of games played by Arcade Gamers tend to be on rails shooters, music/rhythm games, or fighting games. These games tend to have little to no storyline, and thus are far quicker to complete. It is the replay value of the game that brings Arcade Gamers back. They want to improve their skills, beat highs cores and defeat rivals. Arcade Gamers are the more “bohemian” of the two Gamer types. They enjoy hitting the street and throwing out challenges face to face. This is not to say PC Gamers are cowards or hermits by comparison. The competitor is just different.

One similarity between the two Gamers is their need for the most optimal hardware. Whereas many PC games can also be played on a console, so too can Arcade games. The difference lies in set up of peripherals and display. Why sit on your couch when you could go play the same game with better graphics, on a bigger screen, with a joystick instead of a controller? Of course, even if you have a joystick, big screen and console copy of the game, the atmosphere is not the same. Having challengers approach is an adrenaline filled experience. It becomes addictive. The community of Arcade Gamers is far more tightly knit. Regulars come and go to the arcade, and competition is always fierce.

There are competitive console Gamers as well. However, in comparison to these two types of competitive Gamers, they seem to be in a state of limbo. At least, that is what the PC and Arcade Gamers would argue. If you are going to excel at something, go all the way. So, what type of Gamer are you?