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[Sarcastico]

Sorry I haven't been responding to the people with valid suggestions.

My friend plays on the tablet and phone. He was playing SimCity on his tablet today. I haven't asked him why he lost interest in the PS3 but I'm sure I'll be able to bring it up next time we meet (over some coffee and hookah, not in a dark alleyway as some of you might love to imagine).

 

[LogicStep]

How about just run games at lower settings. It'll run at 60fps+ and it'll look like what he will be playing.

 

[ViviOggi]

Show him GANG BEASTS

 

[More_Badass]

Haha, I would rather play PC for Indy games. The last time I was impressed by PC was Operation Flashpoint 1 and F.E.A.R. From that moment on, we get 1080pness and 60 frames per suck. Seriously, what games deserve the powerful titan chips? I'm not waisting money on frames and res. I would pay good money for realistic interactivity.

I play indie games 99% of the time. Start with a average laptop or desktop. I've been fine with one for three years. If you're into indie games, you can play literally thousands on a laptop.

If you're interested, drop by the Indie Gaming threads. We're always happy to discuss indie stuff

 

[CybernatonEvolution]

I convinced my cousin to get a gaming PC (he probably isn't but he wants one) by showing him interesting games, mods and smooth 144fps gameplay.

He was totally sold on The Forest and similar survival/sandbox games, and he liked other unique games such as Platinum city XL. But he still hates the mouse/keyboard and having to fiddle around with ini files/graphics settings/modding.

 

[More_Badass]

Sorry I haven't been responding to the people with valid suggestions.

My friend plays on the tablet and phone. He was playing SimCity on his tablet today. I haven't asked him why he lost interest in the PS3 but I'm sure I'll be able to bring it up next time we meet (over some coffee and hookah, not in a dark alleyway as some of you might love to imagine).

He might like Prison Architect or Banished. Although Prison Architect is coming to iPad later this year

 

[Platy]

You will never win a mobile gamer with 60fps and antialiasing.

Show the amount of indie games on steam and how cheap they are. Show awesome free games like dota and tf2, show that it has 99% of the games avaliable in both ps4 AND xbone. Shows the minimum requirement of those games, not the maximum.

Show dolphin, show retroarch.

 

[SmokedMeat]

He still plays games.

Yeah, mobile games. Almost everyone plays mobile games. People with no interest in "gaming", play mobile games.

And why not? They already own a phone, it's free, loads of great time wasters, and a lot of them have heavy social aspects to compete with friends.

Playing on mobile doesn't indicate a desire to drop money on gaming platforms - especially if they did so in the past and lost interest. I have friends like yours OP, and I'm sure others do as well. People move on.

But listen; if your friend takes to it, then that's cool.

 

[Henrar]

If he lost interest in action games, which make the bulk of a game console's library, and wanted to try out something more relaxing, PC is the perfect place to find such games. I would suggest showing Steam to your friend and then telling him about games like Civ V, Euro Truck Simulator, Goat Simulator, as well as other games like Divinity Original Sin, management games like Anno or even some roguelikes that can offer the quick ten minute bursts of fun he might be looking for. Basically show him the incredible breadth of the platform in terms of games.

True, OP should show his friend GAMES AND GAMES ONLY. He shouldn't be talking about anti-aliasing, mods, 60FPS or any kind of technical stuff, because his friend obviously doesn't care about any of it (he wouldn't be playing mobile games otherwise). If it's console games fatigue - show him PC exclusives, stuff, you won't find anywhere else.

 

[Woo-Fu]

Buy him the best game you can think of that would hook him. If an awesome game can't sell him then there is no sale to be made.

 

[KnockOneOff]

I ventured back in last week for a short while, took me ages messing around with dolphin to get it running smooth.

Had to mess around with resident evil to get that running lag free

South Park I had to mess around with direct x and other Microsoft installs

Yeah never again for me lol

 

[IcyEyes]

True, OP should show his friend GAMES AND GAMES ONLY. He shouldn't be talking about anti-aliasing, mods, 60FPS or any kind of technical stuff, because his friend obviously doesn't care about any of it (he wouldn't be playing mobile games otherwise). If it's console games fatigue - show him PC exclusives, stuff, you won't find anywhere else.

A quote for you because I agree with you.

 

[More_Badass]

Yeah, mobile games. Almost everyone plays mobile games. People with no interest in "gaming", play mobile games.

And why not? They already own a phone, it's free, loads of great time wasters, and a lot of them have heavy social aspects to compete with friends.

Playing on mobile doesn't indicate a desire to drop money on gaming platforms - especially if they did so in the past and lost interest. I have friends like yours OP, and I'm sure others do as well. People move on.

But listen; if your friend takes to it, then that's cool.

Or maybe they just prefer portability? Not to mentioned that games like Papers Please and FTL are better on touch screens than PC

Again, I like this assumption that he must be a causal gamer if he plays mobile games

 

[outunderthestars]

Well, he clearly knows that games exist, but simply isn't interested. Not sure why you feel the need to convince him to build/buy a gaming PC.

 

[TylerDurden4321]

Sorry I haven't been responding to the people with valid suggestions.

My friend plays on the tablet and phone. He was playing SimCity on his tablet today. I haven't asked him why he lost interest in the PS3 but I'm sure I'll be able to bring it up next time we meet (over some coffee and hookah, not in a dark alleyway as some of you might love to imagine).

Seems like a lot of people here are "he has to want it on his own, it has to feel like *his* idea". I agree with the sentiment in general, but what if he just has the feeling that it's all too complicated and expensive to play PC games? Then I'd say, try to show him steam, show him some summer deals and show him games that are in his comfort zone.
If he likes SimCity, try Civilization 5 (Cities: Skylines looks good too, at least so far).

It will definitely fail if he plays games solely as a time-filler "I got 8 minutes here until my girlfriend is ready to go out". PCs just don't boot fast enough and you can't play on the train.

 

[LiquidMetal14]

Try this

The kid on the right is really strapped for the lord.

 

[Hellsing321]

Lot of hardcore games on mobile, you know

Between ports (FTL, Papers Please, XCOM, Stealth Inc, Space Chem, etc) and exclusive games (Penumbear, Hoplite, Ending, Dark Echo, Zero Age, Autumn Dynasty, etc.)

I like how people assume he must be a causal gamer if he plays mobile games.

I didn't mean there aren't complex or engaging games on phones. I meant it takes almost no effort to get them up and running.

 

[outunderthestars]

The kid on the right is really strapped for the lord.

They are even water cooled. They must be overclocking for the lord.

 

[Adriane23]

It sounds like he went from something that's convenient (console gaming) to something that's super convenient (mobile/tablet gaming). Without more info, I'd say he won't be that impressed with PC gaming. Also, does he like to put things together himself? Building a PC rig is easy to people that enjoy that kind of thing (i.e. me), but it might not be something he would want to take the time to do. Even if he goes the custom rig route, the power to cost ratio of a PC with comparable specs and features of a PS4 is still lower unless he's okay with getting second hand parts, or foregoing certain things.

 

[LiquidMetal14]

They are even water cooled. They must be overclocking for the lord.

Let us pray.

Spoiler

May I not be stricken by lightning

 

[DeaviL]

You should've really named this thread differently, the combination of convince and PC gaming makes people froth at the mouth.
That said PC gaming combined with lots of other words have the same effect.

Spoiler

It usually stinks of hypocrisy though (see graphics debates)

 

[Maxim726X]

Steam sales should be the only piece of encouragement you need.

Yeah, personally the absurdly cheap prices for games (Humble Bundles and Steam sales... Though not so much the latter over the last few years) convinced me to get started.

And honestly, if Steam boxes are sensible alternatives by the time the next generation of consoles come around, I may just roll with that.

 

[Venfayth]

This is part of why I think this PC Master Race shit is inherently negative. You have this community of people who joke about it, but really all you're doing is creating this weird semi-tangible barrier of alienation. It falsely leads some people to believe they're superior than others and that they've seen the light, and hand-in-hand you definitely see some people who are put off by it.

Then it comes to stuff like the OP which is almost proselytizing. If someone isn't drawn to playing PC games on their own, why on earth would you try to draw them into it? Especially if - like in the OPs scenario - this person isn't trying to get deeper into gaming.

I'm not accusing the OP of being anything other than a little silly, and I don't really think this is a serious issue in general, it's just a bit off-putting.

 

[Marceles]

Seems like his mind is made up, but I think most people think of League of Legends or Counter Strike or World of Warcraft when they think of PC nowadays. Hopefully he realizes it's not limited to those type of games and knows that there's multiplatform games at a cheap price, a ton of exclusives, and emulators that enhance classic games that'll make it worth while to get a PC.

 

[Kinthalis]

It sounds like he went from something that's convenient (console gaming) to something that's super convenient (mobile/tablet gaming). Without more info, I'd say he won't be that impressed with PC gaming. Also, does he like to put things together himself? Building a PC rig is easy to people that enjoy that kind of thing (i.e. me), but it might not be something he would want to take the time to do. Even if he goes the custom rig route, the power to cost ratio of a PC with comparable specs and features of a PS4 is still lower unless he's okay with getting second hand parts, or foregoing certain things.

Sure, but PC >>>>> box that only plays video games. A PC has inherent value in terms of the myriad things it also does. So it's relaly nto a straightforward comparison anyway you slice it.

 

[LJ11]

LOL

 

[Conkerkid11]

Steam sales should be the only piece of encouragement you need.

Steam sales are the worst now.

 

[Majanew]

Sure, but PC >>>>> box that only plays video games. A PC has inherent value in terms of the myriad things it also does. So it's relaly nto a straightforward comparison anyway you slice it.

Yeah, but this dude can play games, surf the web, make phone calls, send texts/voicemails/pictures all while on the go with his phone. He's also playing on a tablet so a laptop would be more up his alley for mobility, but he'll be spending more than he'd probably want to for gaming that he apparently gave up on. Oh, and a console does more than just "only plays video games".

 

[kitch9]

I agree to an extent. I upgraded my pc to an i5-4690k and gtx780 last year and for about a month found myself screwing with in-game graphic options/driver settings and watching frame rate counters much more than actually playing and enjoying the games.
I switched back to gaming exclusively on my ps4 and couldnt be happier.
I still use the pc occaisionally for elite dangerous but thats about it.
I just consider the ps4 to simpler/easier than pc gaming. Yeah you can get higher resolutions/better framerates/mods on pc but those advantages simply dont outweigh the simplicity of consoles (particulary ps4) for me.

Yup, framerate hitches, sound clicking, v sync that won't turn on, exe has stopped working, judders, mouse lag, server disconnects, graphics corruption and many more send you searching forums for hours to find others with the same problems and joining discussion to trial dozens of potential fixes that don't work.

 

[gafneo]

I play indie games 99% of the time. Start with a average laptop or desktop. I've been fine with one for three years. If you're into indie games, you can play literally thousands on a laptop.

If you're interested, drop by the Indie Gaming threads. We're always happy to discuss indie stuff

Sure thanks

 

[yuraya]

Its already been said in this thread by a couple people...

But yea just introduce your friend to Steam sales and explain to him how they work.

Gabe will do the rest.

 

[E.G.]

Dude it's video games. You don't have to force someone into something they don't have an interest in returning to.

That's not fair at all.

He's a friend. You like to share things you like with other human beings. There is nothing wrong with that. It's little different than wanting a friend to check out a TV show or a book so you can talk about it with them. Sharing media is part of our world. It's only if you become obbessive or overly aggressive about it that it is annoying.

OP: what kind of games does he like? If he's not a huge hardcore gamer, chances are an "entry" level PC/laptop would do him just fine and you could still game together. Maybe he doesn't game at top line specs but he could still play with you and you guys could have alot of fun. Later on, if he really gets into it, he could build a nice rig.

My advice: if he's interesting, help him pick out an entry level system, offer free "tech" support when he needs it and throw some interesting cheap but cool sale games at him now and then that you can play together.

 

[bj00rn_]

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.

He is not asking for advice on how to torture and murder some stranger. The guy is inviting his friend over to share about his hobby after they had a talk about eachothers gaming habits.

What is wrong with gaf these days..

 

[CornBurrito]

I didn't realise pointing out the pros of having a PC is offensive and degrading.

You listed potential pros. Not everyone has the money for a rig that can play stuff at ultra settings and 60fps.

 

[jstripes]

This is part of why I think this PC Master Race shit is inherently negative. You have this community of people who joke about it, but really all you're doing is creating this weird semi-tangible barrier of alienation. It falsely leads some people to believe they're superior than others and that they've seen the light, and hand-in-hand you definitely see some people who are put off by it.

Then it comes to stuff like the OP which is almost proselytizing. If someone isn't drawn to playing PC games on their own, why on earth would you try to draw them into it? Especially if - like in the OPs scenario - this person isn't trying to get deeper into gaming.

I'm not accusing the OP of being anything other than a little silly, and I don't really think this is a serious issue in general, it's just a bit off-putting.

Exactly this.

Suggest a few PC games if you want, but holy shit, it's not your mission to convert him.

 

[silvermember]

It is just a hobby OP let the person be. The are far more important things to worry about, life is too short.

 

[E.G.]

It is just a hobby OP let the person be. The are far more important things to worry about, life is too short.

There is the deepest of ironies in someone on a message board trying to convince a stranger that they shouldn't be convincing people of things because "life is too short."

 

[Majanew]

He is not asking for advice on how to torture and murder some stranger. The guy is inviting his friend over to share about his hobby after they had a talk about eachothers gaming habits.

What is wrong with gaf these days..

That thread title, man. "Convincing someone to be a PC gamer". He also wrote in the OP that his friend used to play on PS3 and has since given it up (no explanation given yet), but somehow, PC's anti-aliasing and 60fps is going to get him back in to that type of gaming... as if that's why he quit and went mobile in the first place. Mobile gaming's 60fps and AA?

 

[BLunted]

I suggested that my friend come over to take a look at my PC. He agreed. How is that forcing?

I think it was the way you worded your OP. It did sound an awfully lot like you were trying to coerce your friend, and is probably why you are getting the responses that you are.

It may have not have been your intent, but that's the way it came off.

 

[dark10x]

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?

I found this line to be odd as it suggests that he stopped console gaming due to those issues when that's likely not the case at all. He's playing mobile games! Do you really think all that matters to him?

 

[prudislav]

Yup, framerate hitches, sound clicking, v sync that won't turn on, exe has stopped working, judders, mouse lag, server disconnects, graphics corruption and many more send you searching forums for hours to find others with the same problems and joining discussion to trial dozens of potential fixes that don't work.

i guess i am lucky with those , didnt had these "problems" since 2010

 

[Lactose_Intolerant]

Don't just show him a fps. People that aren't use to using a keyboard and mouse for gaming will have a hard time. It might put him off.

Show him a game he's played before on console. Turn up the graphics and let him see the difference. Also show him indie games. Mention prices.

Then show him genres he's never played.

If all else fails

 

[Majanew]

Don't just show him a fps. People that aren't use to using a keyboard and mouse for gaming will have a hard time. It might put him off.

Show him a game he's played before on console. Turn up the graphics and let him see the difference. Also show him indie games. Mention prices.

Then show him genres he's never played.

If all else fails

He went from PS3 to a phone. I seriously doubt he gives a shit about maxed out graphics.

 

[TheAutomator]

So, GAF, what's your advice, what would you do in my situation?

I would leave him alone, because clearly he's a casual and doesn't want to get indulged in gaming.

 

[Daingurse]

Dude sounds like he's burned out on games in-general. If the freedom of choice that the PC platform doesn't interest him, then it doesn't interest him. No point to proselytize like PC gaming is some fucking religion. Go ahead and show him your highest fidelity shit. If that doesn't register, the interest just might not be there.

 

[Dr_LucienSanchez]

This is part of why I think this PC Master Race shit is inherently negative. You have this community of people who joke about it, but really all you're doing is creating this weird semi-tangible barrier of alienation. It falsely leads some people to believe they're superior than others and that they've seen the light, and hand-in-hand you definitely see some people who are put off by it.

Then it comes to stuff like the OP which is almost proselytizing. If someone isn't drawn to playing PC games on their own, why on earth would you try to draw them into it? Especially if - like in the OPs scenario - this person isn't trying to get deeper into gaming.

I'm not accusing the OP of being anything other than a little silly, and I don't really think this is a serious issue in general, it's just a bit off-putting.

This is very spot-on and stated much better than I'd be able to.

That's not fair at all.

He's a friend. You like to share things you like with other human beings. There is nothing wrong with that. It's little different than wanting a friend to check out a TV show or a book so you can talk about it with them. Sharing media is part of our world. It's only if you become obbessive or overly aggressive about it that it is annoying.

But this isn't just sharing interests. Again, I talk about things that I'm passionate about with my friends all the time, but I'd never worry about 'converting' them to like the things that I like, let alone create a forum thread about ways in which I could do said converting.

Then again, I think a fair amount of the issues here stem from how this is all worded. Particularly the title.

 

[DarthWalden]

Does he not have a laptop and/or computer? If he is into mobile game just introduce him to some MMOs or DOTA style games and see if he is into them. Also show him steam and the benefits to using that to buy and play games. He probably already has a computer that runs these things. If he is into them it should be easy to get him to build a PC.

If he is not interested in games on his ps3 then what makes you think he'll be interested in the same games on PC?

If he ain't into the whole gaming thing he probably won't be super blown away when you show him the graphical difference.

 

[Tigress]

You have to be pretty stupid to go console only.

And people wonder why people find PC elitists to be obnoxious (disclaimer, I'm talking about the elitists with attitudes like this, not all PC gamers. I've met plenty of respectable PC gamers). Just cause there are things you like about PC that is way better for *you* doesn't mean it's something everyone wants.

I personally don't miss dealing with wondering if the games are going to work on my PC or if I am going to get graphics even near what is advertised (since I don't have the ideal setup). Or having to worry about upgrading my computer every few years. I like being able to buy the game and when it says it works on my PS4, it works on there. And I can look at reviews to see if it really does run well... not wonder if the reviewers setup is close to mine to make a good comparison.

Also, the UI for windows is kinda sucky to use on a tv and I prefer to play on my couch (I barely use my "PC" for gaming and one reason is because for one I get distracted by internet if I'm on my computer). Nor do I have the money to have a PC for my computer and one for my TV (and no, I'm not going to use my computer on my tv for a monitor). Also, my PC is a mac and I don't want a windows PC (therefore, it's a horrible gaming pc but yes, there are games for it... still debating on Wastelands 2 since it is for PC/Mac only). And I certainly can't afford a Mac and a good gaming PC both. Oh, and before you say my problem is my PC is a Mac... PC and Mac have the same issues I dislike about PC gaming. Mac in fact is better for the stuff I dislike about PC gaming since there is less iterations of Macs around so you can get games that just say, "macs of this year and above can play it". Not just give me a graphics card and say figure out which one is equivelant to yours (and no, I'm not interested in hardware enough to bother with keeping up with the current tech of graphics cards and which are equal to which). And I still prefer console to it (admittedly both for that and for the fact you get a lot more selection . Besides, if i really wanted I could install Windows on my Mac).

I don't mind some compromise for graphics for the convenience a console gives me.

The only thing I'm jealous of PC for is mods for Bethesda games (and yes,that does make me jealous).

I'm not stupid for preferring consoles. I have different priorities than you. Quit being insulting cause not everyone has the same things they want out of gaming as you.

 

[blame space]

Leave him alone.

 

[KiteGr]

If you can't beat them, join them.

Swallow your pride and get a console!