"And PC Gaming as we know it is shrinking. From a developer standpoint I can easily understand why. Between designing a game for a buttload of variables in terms of each person's computer setup, to software piracy it's no wonder so many are turning to the console market. The last time I went into a EB or Gamestop the PC sections are getting smaller and smaller, and the pre-owned console section is getting bigger and bigger."

I totally disagree. There are not so many different PC config variables, that designing for the PC is just not worth the time/effort/investment. Infact, most PC gamers always go for the best tried and true rigs they can to get utmost performance.

ALOT of dough is from hardware sales. We have 2=TWO major vid card makers. So there are not too many vid cards for the devs to make sure the games will work with them.
As for software piracy, the only way to get rid of that would be to just not make software anymore.

I believe the reason PC games are coming in as a trickle these days is because of the rising costs of game design. All the small Indy designers can`t afford to make competitive product anymore. and I am sad to see this happen. Now we have way less choice at the store counters. It is pretty sad.

Now the big companies wow us with visuals from the new expensive engines. But when most games come, we will be hit with really beautiful visuals, but shallow regurged gameplay. That further suxors with the fact that now devs feel they just gotta spend 4 to 6 years delivering on the hype they threw at us. WTF wants to wait thru 4 to 6 years of hype after every new game announcement?? Not me. This may be another reason why some may turn to consoles.

As for console games? They are basically a fast cheap way to deliver LESS, and still make the same profit. Those used console game areas are getting bigger, because the games are sucking even worse. Why would you trade a game that rocked after all? IMHO console games biggest market is rentals. And IMHO the PC market is not shrinking as badly as you might imagine. And if it ever does go the way of the Dinos, it won`t be cause of lack of interest, but more cause the game Devs themselves are killing it.

Lastly.... there are ALOT of Clans/Regiments out there. Do you really think they will all just drop the PC and head to console land??? Not likely. But if.... IF the new consoles offered the EXACT same experience as PCs do, then maybe. Mouse Key configs, voice com. HUGE mp experiences just like the PC offers. When the console can deliver the SAME EXACT total experience that the PC offers, then consoles might be the way to go.