r/StopKillingGames • u/Little_666Nicky • Jul 09 '26
Question Guidance
EDIT:- THANK YOU! Everyone who commented I have enough much needed input to go on with more then I could have wished, sorry if missed anyone cant wait to be on board, I appreciate you all regardless
So following all the news in regards to DRM and how that affects me as a consumer had me decide to basically give any platform the 🖕🏼 going forward, which for me mainly playstation as have 1-5.
I decided to bite the bullet and ordered a PC build, in place of what would have been next gen playstation and accessories, at little more cost but savings should be made going forward I am led to believe, now does anyone know where I should go for future/existing games and what can I use to be able to use a controller, whilst attempting to relearn mouse and keyboard, painfully if at all 😂.
Rather is GoG the only Storefront where I am mainly safe from future removal, or is it safe for now to use that as well as steam/epic and can you link them in anyway to other platforms, sorry I do not understand well enough all the finer details with gaming on PC in regards to DRM and everything so hopefully someone who uses a PC and maybe a console too can help here.
I got specs to suit light gaming AMD Ryzen 7 8700f 8 core
A620M Motherboard
16GB+ DDR5 5200MHz
FAST 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
12GB Nvidia RTX 5070 Graphics
300mbps Wifi and Gb lan
and basic keyboard and mouse all the controllers I have from console just I do not know next steps, sub to psn cancel no renewal, and no more purchases of games going forward unless known as no risk of removal.
Please remove if this is not ok to ask, seemed right in regards to DRM though as helped make a tough decision, sooner than wished, but ensures will stick to my guns so to speak.
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u/ProjectionProjects Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
If you hate DRM I would recommend to buy your games from GOG. All of their games are DRM free. Itch.Io can also be nice if you want to play smaller indie games.
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 10 '26
Haha, nice ok I'd have never of known of NSFW games unless that's just way of saying violent graphic imagery, still another storefront and more options, a lot of promising in regards to GoG for a more assured long-term or higher priced purchase not ruling others out but good to have nore peace of mind too, thanks for link.
I hate what DRM would likely mean on what could be a closed ecosystem, and now I've invested in PC so irrelevant now 🤣 aint going back now..at least short term probably longer. Just another of many lost customers 🤷🏼♂️.
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u/_Solarriors_ Jul 09 '26
wrong sub man, go to pcmasterrace.
GOG, Zoom, Itch. Some Steam games are DRM-Free
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 10 '26
Sorry, I did add to remove if not and that due to it being in relation to DRM etc and that seemed fitting, isnt pcmasterrace more elitist I feel Asking there would have led to something like you need this and that for your rig rather than question in hand and out of touch with pc, but thanks all the same.
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u/_Solarriors_ Jul 10 '26
or build a pc
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 11 '26
I could and usually would but it would never be ready as would postpone or be ever upgrading 😂 but I favoured it being built as have peace of mind of everything being stress tested and having everything covered in warranty and no middle men always the same person whom built tested everything. No mes no fuss, simpler. That can come a few years later when warranty done unless I choose extensions depends at the time.
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u/Astraxis Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
So much disinformation here... Steam games can be DRM-free. The thing about GOG is EVERY game is guaranteed DRM-free, but it lacks newer games. That doesn't mean other platforms don't have DRM-free games. If you truly want to make sure your purchase has a long life, you need to do your research per-game.
Delisted games are not "removed" from your library, they simply stop showing up for sale, same way consoles work for the most part. Steam will not remove games from your library, period; hasn't happened in almost 20 years of service. The only platform that has in recent memory is itch.io, when credit cards threatened to stop sales over NSFW games (in that case people's purchased games were completely removed, not just delisted).
The hard truth is PC is consumer-friendly because of piracy. There's no shame in buying games that have DRM, just that when the publisher eventually hits the "fuck you" button or your account gets closed, there are workarounds (like unofficial servers or DLC unlockers) and ways to unofficially download games. That is what separates PC from consoles.
Finally, Steam isn't "buggy" and doesn't "break things", I'm convinced that comment is some sort of shill. Epic games has had a terrible user experience for well over 6 years now, and their launcher used to have issues eating resources for no reason (same with Discord right now btw, I recommend Dorion). The only thing Epic is good for, since you're a newcomer, is they give away free games every week, which you can grab here.
The main thing Steam offers is community tools; user game reviews (instead of paid reviewers who play for a couple hours and give meaningless 10/10's), detailed game update notes from developers, community discussions, mods with the Steam workshop, Early Access games that you can help shape the development of, etc etc. Steam is an ecosystem, not just a storefront.
For GOG and Epic, I would recommend the Heroic Launcher, its easy to use and better than GOG Galaxy and Epic Games Store launcher combined.
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 10 '26
Well! l thankyou for a breakdown and clarification and though things on any platforms or storefront can have bugs this was more an idea as to what was available obv the 3 that tend to circulate most be it good or bad are steam/epic/GoG I can understand many have their go to and it works for them but may not be the case for another, I respect this and take all input as is, I have definitely been more enlightened to what is available and fo their respective offerings old vs new indy etc..
plenty to go at and as I will use all that is available and that may include the free offerings I like the idea of being able to take advantage of PTS, I like the freedom and pc is good for prices because they know if price too high those who can will pirate unless it absolutely warrants it I guess, either way the pirates would be available to others, again thanks for the time put in to response I have jotred sites down I was aware that can all have drm free but some may be hard to know until know where or what to look for this Inwill get as time goes on, for now I have more clarity than anticipated, I appreciate it.
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Jul 10 '26 edited Aug 07 '26
[deleted]
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u/Astraxis Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26
I don't know if you're baiting me, but in case you aren't, that either means Epic is running in the background which it does by default when your start your computer (even if you don't "see" it and launch games from desktop icons), or just like Steam, the game you're trying to play didn't need a launcher open anyway.
Also saying Steam Input, which makes infinite games PLAYABLE with controller while pointing out the few edge cases where it interferes with native support, is a wild take. I don't know if you know this, but the devs for Arise CHOSE to use Steam Input API instead of xinput of SDL, that's on them, not a Steam problem nor is it "broken."
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 10 '26
I cant comment not being a user so to me I default to any software has or can get bugs some worse than others, treat as use by use basis, either way I still learn and will learn as I test the water so to speak with each which would likely boil down to offerings available at the time and preference, all this input helps to be more informed and even learn more fronts to look at so spoilt for choice, and I thought decideing what to play was hard now shopping 🤣
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u/SechsComic73130 Jul 10 '26
First off, hope you'll enjoy PC Gaming, a lot of the advice in here is good, but i think i can add a few things on as well:
The core pillars of your PC-Gaming library are likely going to be games from two platforms: Steam and GOG, they offer the largest selection of games overall, from classic to modern, indie to AAA, but there's more than one way to buy a game for either platform.
Stores like Humble Bundle, Fanatical and Green Man Gaming offer official Steam Keys for cheaper rates than the main store, the main thing i'd look out for would be Bundles, see what games you'd like, the sale price of them and then look for a Bundle that offers said game, check the other games in the bundle, see if they look interesting and pick it up if you find enough interesting ones, that's how you cvan get big savings (like for example, early this year, i picked up a bundle with Ultrakill, Haste and a few other games for less than just Ultrakill, there's great deals out there when you look), the website IsThereAnyDeal keeps track of various sites like that and shows you which one is the cheapest.
For Controllers, pick up something directly compatible with a Windows OS, since that's what you're most likely running, a PlayStation controller is a hassle to use (unless that GuliKit Hyperlink 2 just allows it to function as an X360 controller, if it does (haven't tested it on my own one since i use a XB1 controller), that'd be the best option to go for, since the PS controller just works like a standard 360 Controller then).
Don't limit yourself to whatever is on Steam though, if you're willing to go more experimental, Game Jams like the Game Maker's Toolkit Game Jam and the legendary Ludum Dare offer views into quick Proof-of-concepts, while archives like BlueMaxima's Flashpoint offer a view into the world of lowest-tier-PC-Gaming abck in the late 2000s and early 2010s, with a lot of Gems and a lot of shovelware.
In short, don't be afraid to experiment with what you find in terms of Games online, you might just find a new favourite out of something you didn't think you'd like.
(But also pick up the basics of legendary PC Games like Doom, Quake, Half-Life, Half-Life 2, Portal, Portal 2 (basically just the entire Valve Complete Pack, 80% of those games are bonified Legends at this point), Rollercoaster Tycoon, Sim City, etc.)
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 11 '26
Yes, this is good! I usually tend to look for bundles and deals, as they allow for more games from my savings. I also like trying new things, and with the abundance of options available now, these savings enable me to explore titles I may not have considered based purely on face value. For instance, some free games offered monthly are ones I initially overlooked, but I found myself enjoying them more than I thought I would. I have an eclectic taste and don't have a specific favorite; however, I do lean towards games that involve me giggling at exploding zombie heads—though maybe I am a secret maniac! 🤣 I probably still have a copy of Doom, Quake, and The Sims somewhere in storage, and I really enjoyed portal on PS, so I don't see why I wouldn't enjoy similar games now. At least now, accessing them is a matter of seconds, and everything has improved since they were first introduced. I wish I could say the same about myself, but deterioration is a thing! 🤣 I am sure I will experience more joy than the typical frustrations that can come with a PC at times. Here's hoping old muscle memory kicks in to resolve anything since I've been out of touch. If I did it once, I can do it again! I just got accustomed to the Start button on the bottom left and simpler run commands. I'm not entirely familiar with Windows 11, and my Linux skills will be rusty too, but it's not like I'm jumping back into coding—just gaming and light stuff. If that changes, I guess I'll eat my words! It's been over 20 years since I last had time on a PC, and it wasn't for long prior to that—closer to 30 years since I actually knew anything I can't rightly remember. I may just be down to not having or needing access to one, but at least if I wish, I can add to the games I run into the ground with light edits to saves. 😜 Thanks for your input; I will enjoy!
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u/BlueTemplar85 Jul 09 '26
Consider eventually buying directly from developer / publisher too, for instance (which still made boxed versions up until last year, but sadly stopped now).
But as someone new to PC, for now stick to the easier path of GoG (Galaxy), yeah, you will have a LOT to learn already...
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 09 '26
Thanks makes sense, I mean the low cost of constant sales on epic and possibly steam would be less of a worry if games were removed but as for higher costs or games I wish to own, I understand this is GOG, so thanks for clarification.
I feel eventually PC would have become necessary, just didn't think would be for gaming, if anything because of money sunk I wont now buy into next gen at least not for some years or good news from the movement here, still some years.
At least I will essentially be able to play some cool old games I used too long ago, the only sad part is leaving a lot of friends at least going forward that is.
Thanks for the link this will prove useful for disc variants, went with cd drive but have 7 usb ports so easily rectified.
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u/cardgamesareforplay Jul 09 '26
If you are being a reasonable actor rather then reactionary. You are safe on every platform the exception is certain publishers.
If you make informed choices like not supporting shitty f2p mills like unknown worlds or companies like Ubisoft then you can download games on systems for 25+ years.
Xbox Wii 3ds PS3 DSI all still have download servers up for digital games
Shitty physical games like rage and crew are taken offline, games like panzer Dragoon saga get lost to time because it was never preserved dispite being on disks there are very limited copies and they don't run on emulators.
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 10 '26
Hmm...I could probably fit both scenarios, though maybe not intentionally. I’d like to think I’m reasonable, but I’m sure there are cases where that could be challenged.
As for console, I don’t really engage much with F2P. I think that’s partly because I’ve already paid for a subscription, so I tend to have more of a ‘wanting my money’s worth’ mindset. I’d probably be more open to that route if subscriptions weren’t such a large part of the choices I was making.
That’s just my theory anyway 🤣
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u/victim2077 Jul 09 '26
As for GOG - it's safe from games disappearing as long as you have offline installers backed up (they can be downloaded directly from GOG webpage, or behind a couple of menus in GOG Galaxy app), if you'll rely on installing games through GOG Galaxy if for whatever GOG goes down and servers go down you'll only have access to games you had installed on your PC.
As for game apps/platforms, I recommend installing three from the start Steam, GOG Galaxy and Epic Games Store. Buy games either on GOG or Steam and just login on Epic every Thursday around 17 o'clock CEST to get 2 free games (I recommend buying them on either Steam or GOG if you end up liking them, just to be sure you'll have more "permanent" copy). If you don't play Fortnite, that's the only use for Epic Store (still games from Epic might disappear, but well they were actually free [not free because you're paying for a subscription, just free], so it's not like your money will be going down the drain.)
As for controller - from the sound of your post, you might have a DualShock 4 or Dual Sense lying around - the only thing you need to connect it to PC is USB cable with right end (Steam should translate it to all games). Or if you're PC has Bluetooth, you can use it (hold Share and PS buttons on the controller until it starts blinking and it should appear in BT devices on your PC). I also recommend downloading DS4Windows, as with it your PC can use every feature of DS4/Dual Sense wirelessly (normally for it you need to use it on cable). Overall, it will just work, though some games don't support PlayStation controllers, but thanks to Steam (or DS4Windows if you'll set it to Xinput) your controller will still work with them, but you'll have Xbox button symbols showing, so remember A=X, B=O, Y=∆, X=[]. For some games there might be mods that changed symbols. If you'll find it too annoying to live with, I recommend getting a GameSir or 8bitdo controller. I personally use DualShock 3 (PS3 controller), as that's my favourite shape (minus whatever the hell they've done with R2/L2), so you can use whatever controller you want to.
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 10 '26
This makes sense especially in regards to netting free games passively so there is something ti enjoy too and no cost no worries kinda warrants parting with cash. Thanks for controller inclusion, slipped my mind glad got a mention 🤣 no Bluetooth but have the option of plug and play amples of cables and every variant up to ps5 controller, I appreciate the feeedback. Dont look at buttons because of muscle memory so ok there. Thanks.
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u/Honest-Sundae-1039 Jul 10 '26
A PC pays for itself with a multitude of things a console simply can’t do:
- 144-600fps for most games.
- Modding community
- Free games/movies/DLCs via torrenting
- Dunno how party chat compares to Discord but switching and using applications simultaneously is so easy on PC
Just to name a few, if a console can do it a PC can do it better, with open source and a much wider range of options. (Minus PS/Xbox exclusives but they come out eventually)
For connecting a controller you can do it directly through steam or download “DS4Windows” and mess around with the inputs. I still use controller for some PVE and Fighting games however I would advise learning MnK. I went from PS4 to PC and played primarily FPS games, I am 10x better on MnK than I ever was on controller.
God speed and welcome to the master race.
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u/SechsComic73130 Jul 10 '26
For connecting a controller you can do it directly through steam or download “DS4Windows” and mess around with the inputs.
Or you just buy a controller that's directly compatible, like an Xbox controller
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 11 '26
I hope to learn M n K but will take time more so when played so much on console and when allover with games🤣 thanks for the welcome gonna have to reply to others later too tired been up beyond 36 hours 🤣, I understand the possibilities and potential of pc including the potential niggly driver ms shaders etc which is part or rather can be. Looking forward to it.
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u/Pleasant-Warning2056 Jul 10 '26
gog is 99% safe as most games have no drm and you can back up the installer files anywhere even burn them to discs if you want
steam i would say is generally very safe too because steam drm is easy to remove and some games have no drm anyway
you can also grab the free games from the epic games store every week too since a lot of them dont have drm either
really you just need to pay attention to online drm where you need to connect to a server like the crew of course. and pay attention to any third party drm like denuvo that one is very bad too
pc is very good otherwise its surprising how some games like baldurs gate 3 and palworld have no drm at all but some companies value thier customers. they just have no chance on playstation which has forced drm and wants you to pay for multiplayer etc
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 11 '26
Yeah funny you mentioned baldurs gate 3 and palword the latter was looking at as was mentioned by a friend akso ine gane unsure if would kike but dont know till you try the ither id wishlisted and as is the current situation, plan only investing where I have more freedom. I didn't get a rewriter installed but would consider if or rather when my collection becomes large and have many that I enjoy but become like a my current backlog 🤣 but have so every thing is plug and play via USB unless I upgrade anything which as of now would just be double ram first no rush as is suitable fir now as is. I never got thebcrew so was not affected and did however before 💩 hit the fan get GT7 but thats cos I got a steering wheel and cockpit as the rumble through the desk was too much, I dont want to look at accessories as will end up with just a really good rig wired up to some lamposts electric supply I see so much I dont need but do want and the prices wow! When you add it up its insane even though there is always suitable variety my eyecandy always somehow seems to be the one with all the bells and whistles and it was so difficult in purchasing a pc less than id have gotten but certainly better suited to current scenario and still more than comfortable parting with but not a loss rather an investment which is long term, I had it built as all stress tested and covered under warranty for everything, no worries on any mishaps 😁 so now its just wait and dip the toe here and there whilst transitioning more towards pc which as some friends are already considering switching now I didn't pressure either simply stated my reasons for not continuing with current platform, never said wouldn't game with them, though if it requires a sub then as of the end if current one I cant as will not be renewing so there is that I guess, oh well aint my fault and always have the select peer to peer games 😁
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u/blackSwordsman1310 Jul 10 '26
Ok first you have some good specs i do not know for how much this prebuiild was but fro these specs it's good and it could de power PS5 performance regardeing you drm issue here some solutions that use you steam on pc platform ever and sales and prices are good gog when you buy game on gog you own it forever also we have emulation you can emulate up PS4 games there many good emulator and sites you can use also if did not deside on os try Linux but have fuck and fuck ps also you can try diggitsing you own physical games can dumb the file inside to pc there is so Many tools you have freedom on pc do not get scared try stuff and do not try to restrict yourself
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 11 '26
Linux is consideration but has windows installed so that may be later, or maybe a dual boot, I have always got the options, tools for things such as digitising games is something I may consider should I desire kater down the line, the fact if the matter is I have access to these tools and more so at the end of day is a good choice, and as I have a huge collection across playstation Atari sega etc I have plenty to play whilst save funds for future upgrades which as of now would only be ram and thats onky in case of more intense sessions of high demand titles. I will certainly not restrict my self but will be cautious when choosing to download anything of the internet as would not want to mess my system up but of course the more you end up investing in something the more you want to look after it, same as i did my motorbikes that said I cherished them just wish my body allowed me to continue that but then I would be riding more not gaming 😁 and absolutely f sony.
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u/BigMikeXxxxX Jul 09 '26
I've never had a delisted steam game removed from my library. Not really sure why people think GOG is the only option here 😂
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Jul 09 '26
[deleted]
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u/BigMikeXxxxX Jul 09 '26
There's no law that stops you from privately backing up games btw. It's only the redistributing that is illegal.
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 10 '26
I don't think it is, just it as of this moment in time is well known for specifically that DRM free and or has had more media attention pushing that despite others offering this be it equally or much less as such I heard of it and play mainly console ither than very brief period when was younger.
This is based on my hearing of it not factual research or anything in depth, so far i have handful of fronts and I imagine hands on will enlighten me much more and can if anything check each out make choice based on experience but now wont troll through many site's that may be bad or risky so there is that I guess, thanks for response.
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u/Kaldaien2 Jul 09 '26
Epic has a large selection of DRM free games too, sadly they don't advertise this. So you'd be going into the store simply guessing :-\
GOG and Epic are both vastly superior to Steam, neither of them have the bloated required store software with all the bugs that Steam has. Their store software is very focused on just selling software and can't break things in other ways. They also have open source replacements like Heroic, again, because the store is focused on selling software and the replacement software has very little to do to replace it👍
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u/SechsComic73130 Jul 10 '26
GOG and Epic are both vastly superior to Steam
One of those statements is a blatant lie, and ot certainly isn't the one about GOG
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u/Kaldaien2 Jul 10 '26
Nah, Epic is a lot better than Steam too for software preservation. Valve has bricked 12 games in my library with their unwelcomed proprietary APIs. Some of them are implemented by client emulators, but Steam Input works no more correctly through a client emulator than it does the real Steam client. That API has killed so many games that would otherwise work.
It's Steam and Microsoft Store you want to watch out for, they're bloated with all kinds of proprietary APIs.
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u/SechsComic73130 Jul 10 '26
Do you have some examples? Because in my 10 years of using Steam, i've not come across a game broken as a cause of them pushing some API to a game, probably more of an edgecase.
Besides, i still think Epic Games is worse due to the anti-Linux stance of Tim Sweeney (alongside some of his other recent stances), which, if we're looking at Win11, is most likely where the bottom end of the market is headed, especially with all the AI cost things happening
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 11 '26
To me it is irrelevant as I have not used any storefronts available popular or otherwise, I also cant agree or deny, however I can take this response as fortifying GOG as a storefront and as it has been noted as fitting for my user case it will certainly get some attention, but I will still consider and use others albeit some with more caution than others, either way I have more than enough to go with, thanks.
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 09 '26
Ah right so better to avoid steam more for less bugs, nice ok so GoG and or cheap epic games, honestly at least now I can take part in PTS games prior to release, cant wait to just set it up and make my accounts and start library, old as I am I feel regretfoe money gone ( always will no matter cost ) but 💩 I am buzzed like a kid at Christmas waiting for delivery in couple days, I own exactly 0 games yet still 😂.
Now just need to avoid PC parts shops because much like when rode motorbikes it can become a very expensive hobby, I dont need anything more than sufficient for my play which is hopefully what have based on budget despite wanting more. I did say I would never get a PC, but here we are 😂. Can see comical events unfold as my fingers fumble blindy on the keyboard in search of w, a, s, d. I may remove keys surrounding them😂 not used a keyboard for umm! 30 or more years took me long enough on controller. Just wish could afford the extra £200+ to increase ram to 32gb but can do that later I guess not something that can do on a console 😂.
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u/SechsComic73130 Jul 10 '26
He's talking baloney, in terms of platforms for ownership, the best thing you can do with a PC is either have a Motherboard with integrated BT Support or pickup one of those GuliKit Hyperlink 2's (20€ or so from Amazon, can connect any mainstream controller of the past 10 years as an XInput controller) and then use these platforms in order:
- GOG
- Steam
- Epic Games
Epic Games is a reprehensible company for PC Gaming, they bought out exclusive rights to force people to use their half-arsed platform back in the day, luckily people didn't take the bait and it's now languishing as a Crypto Scam Paradise. Steam is vastly superior and GOG is better still for your usecase as they offer installers for the games you buy that you can backup elsewhere.
Also, make sure your MoBo has a bunch of SATA-Ports for expandability of various things, like a BD-Drive, more HDDs for Mass Storage, etc.
Also also, if you want to play the only relatively recent games worth playing from Epic Games, visit Oldunreal.
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u/Little_666Nicky Jul 11 '26
I haven’t used all of them myself, so I can’t really comment from personal experience, but I do think different platforms may suit different people. I’m happy to take on board everyone’s input and look into each option properly. For me, it will likely come down to the game, the price, and any restrictions, as well as what feels most convenient at the time. My PC setup seems suitable for now, and I can always expand things later if needed. I didn’t go for Bluetooth because I was planning to use USB, though I may pick it up later if it becomes useful for other things. Comfort matters too, as smaller controllers can be hard on my hands. GOG does seem like it could suit my use case well, but I’ll keep an open mind and explore all the options thank you for the input.
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u/Underlord_Oberon Jul 09 '26
In 2017, I made the decision to start my digital game library. I researched which would be the best platform to host it and ended up with GOG. Now I have about 1200 games and little to no regret. Despite the fact that I'm excluded from some titles, I have an extensive backlog of favorites to play as much as I like.