Chris Trottier on Nostr: Common myths about PC gaming: **“You need a $2,000 rig just to play games.”** PC ...
Common myths about PC gaming:
**“You need a $2,000 rig just to play games.”**
PC gaming can be as cheap or as expensive as you want. You can get a cheap box from a thrift store and run indie games. Or you can buy a crazy expensive rig to play AAA at ultra settings. Whatever your budget, there's an option for you.
**“PC games are all shooters and spreadsheets.”**
There's all kinds of genres on PC such as platformers, survival horror, JRPGs, and more. As well, PC is renowned for its indie scene where devs experiment with wild and imaginative mechanics. In reality, if you're looking for something truly weird, PC is an amazing platform.
**“I just want games to work.”**
Most modern games simply work on launch, no configuring needed. However, some people like to configure in order to optimize their hardware's capabilities. And what people want to optimize might be wildly different. Some people want more detail, others want higher frame rates. Regardless, you don't have to pay attention to these options if they don't matter.
**“PC isn’t portable or couch-friendly.”**
10 years ago, this used to be true. Portability wasn't an option, and couch gaming was a pain to set up. With the introduction of the Steam Deck, PC gaming can now truly be taken on the go. And with the introduction of the Steam Machine, couch gaming will be easier than ever.
“Graphics aren’t important. Gameplay matters.”
Oh, how times change. This is what PC gamers used to say about console games during the 80s when everyone was experiencing beautiful graphics with the NES while most computers were stuck with four colour CGA displays. But the truth is that graphics *do* affect gameplay because, at least, they change the immersion. At best, they may introduce totally new mechanics not feasible in the past.
PC gaming isn't necessarily for everyone. However, if you've always wanted to start PC gaming but have so far avoided it due to these old myths, perhaps it's time to dip your toe into the waters soon.
Published at
2026-02-10 21:53:17 UTCEvent JSON
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"content": "Common myths about PC gaming:\n\n**“You need a $2,000 rig just to play games.”**\n\nPC gaming can be as cheap or as expensive as you want. You can get a cheap box from a thrift store and run indie games. Or you can buy a crazy expensive rig to play AAA at ultra settings. Whatever your budget, there's an option for you. \n\n**“PC games are all shooters and spreadsheets.”**\n\nThere's all kinds of genres on PC such as platformers, survival horror, JRPGs, and more. As well, PC is renowned for its indie scene where devs experiment with wild and imaginative mechanics. In reality, if you're looking for something truly weird, PC is an amazing platform.\n\n**“I just want games to work.”**\n\nMost modern games simply work on launch, no configuring needed. However, some people like to configure in order to optimize their hardware's capabilities. And what people want to optimize might be wildly different. Some people want more detail, others want higher frame rates. Regardless, you don't have to pay attention to these options if they don't matter.\n\n**“PC isn’t portable or couch-friendly.”**\n\n10 years ago, this used to be true. Portability wasn't an option, and couch gaming was a pain to set up. With the introduction of the Steam Deck, PC gaming can now truly be taken on the go. And with the introduction of the Steam Machine, couch gaming will be easier than ever.\n\n“Graphics aren’t important. Gameplay matters.”\n\nOh, how times change. This is what PC gamers used to say about console games during the 80s when everyone was experiencing beautiful graphics with the NES while most computers were stuck with four colour CGA displays. But the truth is that graphics *do* affect gameplay because, at least, they change the immersion. At best, they may introduce totally new mechanics not feasible in the past. \n\nPC gaming isn't necessarily for everyone. However, if you've always wanted to start PC gaming but have so far avoided it due to these old myths, perhaps it's time to dip your toe into the waters soon.",
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