In the expansive world of game development, two terms that are often used interchangeably are “video games” and “computer games.” While the differences between these two types of games might seem minor at first glance, they represent distinct sectors within the gaming industry, particularly in terms of development processes, platforms, and design choices. Both video game companies and computer game companies contribute significantly to the gaming ecosystem, but their approaches and challenges can vary.
In this blog, we will dive into the key differences between video game companies and computer game companies in game development, focusing on how they design, develop, and deliver their games to players worldwide.
1. Platform Focus
One of the most significant differences between video game companies and computer game companies is the platform focus.
Video Game Companies
Video game companies primarily develop games for dedicated gaming consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. These consoles are specialized hardware systems designed specifically for gaming, offering a uniform platform for developers. Video game companies create their products with the console’s specific hardware and capabilities in mind, optimizing games for the set parameters of that platform.
Because consoles are more standardized, the development process for console games often involves building games that meet the hardware limitations, such as fixed processing power and graphics capabilities. Video game developers must also comply with platform-specific certifications and standards set by console manufacturers, such as Sony or Microsoft.
Computer Game Companies
On the other hand, computer game companies focus on developing games for personal computers (PCs), including Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. Unlike consoles, PCs have a wide variety of hardware configurations, from low-end laptops to high-performance gaming rigs. This diversity means that computer game companies must develop games that can scale across different hardware setups.
PC games often have more customizable settings than console games, allowing players to adjust graphics quality, resolution, and performance settings to suit their hardware. This flexibility allows computer game companies to cater to a broad audience with varying system capabilities, but it also presents unique challenges in terms of optimization and support.
2. Development Tools and Middleware
The tools and engines used for game development vary between video game companies and computer game companies, depending on the platform and the specific needs of the game.
Video Game Companies
When developing games for consoles, video game companies typically use game engines like Unreal Engine, Unity, or proprietary engines tailored specifically for console platforms. Console development often requires more stringent optimization for performance, as these platforms have fixed hardware that developers must account for.
Moreover, video game companies often use middleware solutions for features like physics, AI, and sound, which are optimized for console architecture. Developing games for consoles also involves using specific development kits (SDKs) provided by the console manufacturers, as well as testing hardware to ensure that the game performs seamlessly across different console models.
Computer Game Companies
Computer game companies also use game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity, but they often need to support a broader range of middleware and tools to accommodate the different hardware configurations of PCs. PC game developers need to consider compatibility with a variety of peripherals like keyboards, mice, and game controllers. They also integrate advanced graphics settings like ray tracing or ultra-wide monitor support, which are more common in PC gaming.
Additionally, PC games may include support for modding communities, where players can create and share custom content. This requires flexible development environments and support for community-driven content creation, which is less common in console game development.
3. Game Design and User Experience
The way games are designed and the user experience they deliver can also differ significantly between video game and computer game development, largely due to platform-specific expectations.
Video Game Companies
Video game companies typically design their games to be played with a game controller, resulting in user interfaces (UI) and gameplay mechanics that are tailored for this input method. Console games often emphasize couch co-op, split-screen multiplayer, and local gaming experiences, as many consoles are designed to be played on a television in a living room setting.
The limited range of hardware options for consoles allows developers to focus on creating a highly optimized experience. However, the closed nature of console ecosystems also limits flexibility—there is less room for customization or modding, and players generally have fewer options for tweaking in-game settings.
Computer Game Companies
PC games, in contrast, are often designed with a mouse and keyboard interface, which allows for more complex control schemes and user interfaces. Strategy games, simulations, and massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) are commonly developed for PCs because these genres benefit from the precision and flexibility that PC controls offer.
In addition, computer game companies can design games that support a wide variety of playstyles, including using gaming peripherals like joysticks, steering wheels, or VR headsets. The PC platform also allows for greater user control over in-game settings, such as frame rates, graphical fidelity, and control remapping, which enhances the overall user experience for players with high-performance systems.
4. Distribution Channels
Another critical difference between video game companies and computer game companies lies in the way their games are distributed to consumers.
Video Game Companies
For console games, the primary distribution channels are the digital stores maintained by the console manufacturers—PlayStation Store, Xbox Live, and Nintendo eShop. In addition, physical copies of games are still sold in retail stores, particularly for large AAA releases.
These distribution channels often come with strict approval processes and fees, as well as exclusive deals and partnerships with the console manufacturers. Video game companies must follow strict guidelines to get their games approved and distributed on console platforms, and there are fewer avenues for independent publishing.
Computer Game Companies
Computer game companies have a more diverse range of distribution options. Digital storefronts like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.com dominate the PC gaming landscape, offering developers a direct way to reach millions of players. Unlike consoles, there is often more flexibility and fewer restrictions in publishing games on PC platforms.
PC game companies can also experiment with early access models, where games are released in a pre-finished state, allowing developers to collect player feedback during development. This open ecosystem allows indie developers to publish their games more easily, creating a thriving market for smaller, experimental titles alongside the larger AAA games.
5. Monetization Strategies
Monetization strategies often differ between console and PC game development, primarily due to the different user behaviors on each platform.
Video Game Companies
Console games, particularly AAA titles, are often monetized through a combination of upfront purchases and downloadable content (DLC) or expansions. Season passes, which offer players access to a series of DLC releases, are also common in the console gaming world.
Some console games incorporate microtransactions, but these are usually implemented in multiplayer or live-service games. However, console gamers typically expect a complete product upon purchase, and excessive microtransactions or pay-to-win mechanics can face backlash.
Computer Game Companies
PC games, on the other hand, often offer more flexible monetization models. In addition to upfront purchases and DLC, PC games frequently incorporate microtransactions, in-game currencies, and cosmetic items. Live-service games, which offer continuous updates and new content over time, are particularly popular on PCs.
Additionally, many free-to-play games thrive on PC platforms, with monetization models that rely heavily on in-game purchases or ad-supported content.
Conclusion
While the line between video game companies and computer game companies may blur in some aspects, key differences remain in terms of platform focus, development tools, game design, distribution, and monetization strategies. These differences shape the way games are created and delivered to players, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities that each sector presents.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, both video game companies and computer game companies will play crucial roles in shaping the future of game development, offering innovative experiences for players across platforms.