- For information on this form of gaming in general, see computer and video games.
Personal computer games are games played on a personal computer. These games usually require a specific operating system such as Microsoft Windows. Mac versions of popular games are common and Linux versions are emerging.
Overview
A typical PC has a mouse, keyboard, speakers, and a display screen Most setups will include a keyboard and mouse. Computer games can employ dozens of keys to perform actions in a single stroke.
Games that require keyboard input favor PC implementations, including MUDs and other text-based games. Some games are more workable with a mouse, such as real-time strategy games and first-person shooters. Many mouse-driven games will still retain use of the keyboard with the free hand to take advantage of a large number of keys available for individual functions and shortcuts. But the keyboard and mouse are less suitable for other game types, such as fighting games.
Some players use additional input devices, such as joysticks and microphones (for voice chat). Computer games are usually playable with just keyboard and mouse so that the game is at least usable for those without other peripherals.
Computer monitors are intended to be viewed be one person at close range. As a result, most PC games are made for single-player or networked multiplayer play.
Hardware Dedicated graphics accelerator cards enable PC games to use high-resolution 3D graphics. There are many types of cards available at varying levels of performance and support for certain features. Most today are based on the DirectX and OpenGL graphics APIs. Computer game developers must spend time testing games with this variety of hardware in order to ensure the software functions on any combination of components.
Dedicated sound cards enable PC games to use digital sound and music, as well as participate in voice communication. Sound hardware has been sufficiently standardized that it seldom causes compatibility issues.
Multiplayer Support for networked multiplayer through internet or LAN connections has become a defacto requirement for many genres, like first person shooters, real-time strategy, and racing games. The internet has also allowed the creation of massively multiplayer games supporting hundreds to thousands of simultaneous players.
Cultural Many Japanese gamers view personal computers as a business tool, and that games are best on dedicated hardware. However, some genres like bishojo games are popular.
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