The biggest debate in the gaming world is often focused around what machine people game on. People love to act like the machine they use is far superior to all others. But no faction in the gaming world is more superior than PC gamers. They make fantastical claims about PC gaming. Saying it is the only true way to game and that it offers a gaming experience like no other.

But just how valid are these claims? Is PC gaming truly the superior format? Or has console gaming finally caught up and dethroned the supposed kings of gaming?

One of the main claims PC gamers make is the versatility offered by both the freedom to create a customized machine and the huge library of games available to them. And there is a lot to be said for both of these claims.

The Hardware

Let’s start with the hardware debate. There is no denying that PC gamers do have the potential to create gaming machines that far outpace even the latest generation of consoles. This means that PC gamers have the potential to run games at their maximum graphical capacity with uninterrupted frame rates.

But there is a huge downside to this. The cost. Building a high-end gaming PC is costly. You are looking at investing $1000 minimum for a machine that will last a few years. And that is another issue. PC’s require upgrades over time to keep up with the latest games requirements. Whereas a console gamer can enjoy their console until the next generation is released.

Gaming Library

Now let us turn to the catalog of games. And this one is indisputable. The library of PC games dwarves all other consoles. One of the biggest drawbacks of a console is they often aren’t backwards compatible with games from two or three generations ago. Meaning a lot of console gamers are often locked out of playing their favorite classic games. Whereas PC gamers can easily play an older title with minimum effort.

PC gamers also have access to one of the most underrated forms of gaming. Browser games. The beauty of browser games is that the designers aren’t looking to make a profit or appease investors. They are simply making fun games for the sake of it. And it is within browser gaming websites that you will find some of the most unique and wacky titles.

No matter what machine you play on you will have to deal with the issue of exclusive titles.. Games that are tied to a single machine. Sony is notorious for making titles that are exclusive to their consoles. While Xbox has been shifting towards a joint PC/Xbox library of games. PC gamers also get a lot of exclusive titles as well. Far more than any console gamer. So that is a huge point in their favor.

The Social Aspect

In the past PC gaming was the premier format for social games. It had the best online systems and most PC games didn’t require a subscription service to be utilized. Modern consoles have caught up in the social aspect now. With their online services being far more accessible and streamlined.

But it is the subscription costs that console gamers have to pay to use online features that hands this point to the PC gamers. Let’s use Elden Ring as an example. A PC player only has to pay for their internet connection and the game. Once they’ve done that they can enjoy the online features to their heart’s content. Whereas a console gamer has to pay both these costs as well as the subscription cost for their consoles online services.

PC gamers also have access to so many more social games. Both in the form of browser games like Habbo Hotel and in virtual reality games like VRChat. PC gamers are also lucky to have better integration for social apps like Discord or Twitch. Making it far easier for them to feel like part of a gaming community than console gamers.

The Result?

While it might be annoying to see PC gamers sprouting their superior claims we can’t deny the validity of them. If you have the means to soak up the initial investment for creating a powerful gaming PC then PC gaming is the truly superior format.

Arcades were a dying breed not too long ago. At the advent of video games arcades were the only place you could go try the latest titles. But the invention of gaming consoles slowly brought arcades into decline. That was until the release of functional virtual reality technology.

Virtual reality arcades are now all the rage. Most people can’t afford a VR headset for their own home. Or they simply lack the space to properly enjoy them. VR arcades offer a fully immersive VR experience for groups of friends or single players.

Running a VR arcade can be an extremely profitable and rewarding venture. But there are a lot of things you need to consider before you open to the public. This guide will help you better understand the complexities of running your own VR arcade.

The Right Equipment

We will assume that you have already secured a good location to run your VR arcade from. One with lots of space and multiple rooms so you can host multiple groups at once. After that the main thing you need to consider is the equipment.

Most VR arcades won’t use the mainstream VR headsets such as Meta Quest or the Oculus Rift. They are too expensive and often restrictive in what programs you can run. Varjo Aero is a great brand for VR arcades to use. They are comfortable, sturdy, and come with no annual subscriptions. Meaning you get access to all the necessary software.

You will also want a number of VR accessories as well to enhance the player experience. Alongside the standard controllers you might look at getting guitar controllers, gun controllers, and omni-directional treadmills. Haptic feedback jackets are also a great way to increase the player’s immersion.

Storage

VR arcades naturally need a lot of hardware to function. And you will also need to invest in a lot of backups as well. Breakages happen. So you need replacements on standby while you repair any broken bits of kit. To that end you will want to invest in proper external storage.

There are two reasons for that. First, security. VR arcades present a pretty target for thieves. So keeping a lot of your more expensive equipment offsite when not in use is ideal. Having an external storage unit will also make it easier for you to switch up the themes of your rooms.

Secondly, insurance. You will naturally need to take out business insurance and public storage insurance. But the business and public storage insurance cost will be significantly cheaper than trying to insure just your business. Business insurance firms will likely lower your premiums if you can guarantee your more expensive equipment is safely secured offsite.

Change Your Games

The biggest draw to a VR arcade is the ability to step into another world. To immerse oneself in a different reality. To that end you want to ensure you are offering your customers a wide range of games to play. Much like how an escape room company will often change the themes of their rooms, you should constantly be adding new environments and games for your customers to enjoy.

You can keep a few of your rooms consistent. The classic zombie survival VR experience is one that people love. But you should have a few rooms that switch games every few weeks. One week it could be a game room focused on exploring a fantasy dungeon. The next week it could be a team game about piloting a starship.

Social Media Marketing

VR technology is at the forefront of the digital age right now. And, as such, you will need to focus your marketing more in digital spaces. Social media is the most powerful tool at your disposal for this.

You should be creating content every few days to post to your social media pages. Videos of customers enjoying your kit. Advertisements for your new games. Reels highlighting what kit you are using. Consider parenting with the company you buy your kit from to create joint social media posts. This is a great way to boost relations with them while also bringing in new followers.