Do you count your PC games as a part of your collection?

[djbeatmongrel]

Do you count anything on a computer, DOS based and up, as a part of your collection? I think PC games, while versatile and do usually come on some sort media format, are not really collectable material. Theres literally no end to collecting them as long as you keep upgrading your computer. Collecting pc games is like collecting CDs or some DVDs, they keep making them and theres thousands being made everyday, its humanly impossible to do.

[hydr0x]

i have lots of pc games but there is one reason i don't count them as collection:

a pc game collection would not be finishable :(

[Speedy]

I do count them in my IGN list, but for the overall collection i don't count them. Once i "collected" PC games i liked, but since they came in DVD cases i switched to consoles (thank god :P ), but i still have them since they are worth shit and i can't just throw them away.

[wberdan]

only for the vintage computers like atari or commodore, mattel aquarius, etc..

my general rule is: if it goes to a computer and it is not a cartridge- it doesn't count.

willie

[Flack]

I don't get the whole, "you can't collect them because it's not finishable" standpoint. Please elaborate.

[Kejoriv]

I don't get the whole, "you can't collect them because it's not finishable" standpoint. Please elaborate.

I agree with this. Most people never finish a collection that they starte anyways

[robotriot]

I sort of do count them, and I don't have ambitions on ever owning a complete collection of PC games (which is impossible anyway). I don't collect them, I just buy the ones I like. But collector's value has decreased a lot lately as they switched to DVD boxes as mentioned above. But there's probably lots of rare very old PC games, like there were games which would boot and don't use DOS in the early 80ies. Those certainly should have a collector's value.

[Querjek]

I think he means that there are SO many that it would be unfinishable. And I have none in my collection because I don't have/want any.

[portnoyd]

I don't get the whole, "you can't collect them because it's not finishable" standpoint. Please elaborate.

You know how the PSX release list will never be complete, because the games keep trickling out? :D PC games comes out full strength every month. You could have them all one day, and then need 10 more the next.

I don't count them... never even thought to.

dave

[Flack]

So if it is impossible to collect ALL of something, then it is impossible to collect anything of that nature?

[hydr0x]

I don't get the whole, "you can't collect them because it's not finishable" standpoint. Please elaborate.

You know how the PSX release list will never be complete, because the games keep trickling out? :D PC games comes out full strength every month. You could have them all one day, and then need 10 more the next.

I don't count them... never even thought to.

dave

that's exactly what i meant, i'd guess there are a few ten thousand pc games (depends on what you count though), there are more games released per day (on average) then some "normal" gamers do own, even if you would already OWN all pc games released until now (which would take up a whole house i think) you'd have to buy several games per day to keep your collection up to date, and it would NEVER stop, that's what i mean with unfinishable

[hydr0x]

So if it is impossible to collect ALL of something, then it is impossible to collect anything of that nature?

YEAH, it's impossible to collect a whole if there is no whole

i never said you can't e.g. collect all Might&Magic games or whatever, but it's already impossible to collect all rpg's, or all cd-based games or anything beyond a game series

[jdc]

Well....I guess I count them as "owned" but I don't "collect" PC games. I like consoles. Just put the game in and play. No worry about requirements.

[link1110]

I have a few collectable Rares (Space Quest 1 in a EGA box but with a VGA sticker, Space Quest 3 with unpunched glasses,) but most of the PC stuff I have doesn't really count as "collectable."

[Ze_ro]

The only computer games that I really count are cartridges, but when it comes to computers, those died out long ago. A lot of the disk based games I have now only exist as back-up disks, or as data on a hard drive. It's hard to count that amung a collection.

In fact, I have a hard time counting CD's in a collection too. I'm not sure why that is, but cartridges just seem so much more "real" to me.

--Zero

[Arqueologia_Digital]

I have some boxed/sealed PC games, but i don´t count them...I go for carts!!!

[calthaer]

What kind of question is this? Of course the PC gamez count. Then again, I collect for quality and not necessarily for rarity / completeness...which is why the PC would have to be included. Too many quality gamez to NOT "count" it or collect for it.

[tholly]

I have them in my IGN list, but other than listing them there, I don't really care about them too much and I don't consider them part of my Video Game collection.

[zektor]

What kind of question is this? Of course the PC gamez count. Then again, I collect for quality and not necessarily for rarity / completeness...which is why the PC would have to be included. Too many quality gamez to NOT "count" it or collect for it.

I agree here. Just because you can't get every single PC game ever made does not make PC game collecting not count. There are one of a kind prototypes for many consoles that you will never get...does that make that specific console "not collectable"? If you have a bunch of great PC games they should by all means be included into any collection. Collecting is (to me) mostly about having great games to play, not hoarding every last one.

[tynstar]

I didnt even think about counting them or putting them on my IGN list until I saw this thread. So my vote was no. You could consider collecting them even though there is no "end to them". Any thing could be consider a collection if you had enough of them.

[tom]

Of course PC games count. PC games set standards (eg Kings Quest, FMV games, MPEG, SVGA, AdLib/SoundBlaster etc). The argument 'if it's not a cart, it doesn't count' does not apply, as PSX, Saturn, DC games don't come on carts either (CDs). If you want to be fickle about it, I do own PC games on cartridge as well as 5 1/2, 3 1/4, and CD.
As for completing, you are right you just can't. But you can collect the best ones for you. Just enjoy them.

One could argue that 5 1/2 and 3 1/4 games don't count as they are degradable (like old C-64 tapes) and can't be kept forever (although some CDs are already degraded, as recently stated in a professional music magazine).

[TomMage]

Yes, and not just IBM. The three most expensive games ever sold were computer games far as I know

$6000 Apple II game
$4100 Apple II game
$3600 VIC 20 game

Lot of valuable IBM PC games too........

Tom

[neuropolitique]

Yes, and not just IBM. The three most expensive games ever sold were computer games far as I know

$6000 Apple II game
$4100 Apple II game
$3600 VIC 20 game

Lot of valuable IBM PC games too........

Tom

Meh, a Gold NWC can go for about that. I voted no. PC games are just so common. Anyone can, and does it seems, develop games for the PC. And with no license agreements, the worst crap can be released.

[MonkeyWizard]

Theres literally no end to collecting them as long as you keep upgrading your computer. Collecting pc games is like collecting CDs or some DVDs, they keep making them and theres thousands being made everyday, its humanly impossible to do.

Couldn't you make the same argument about collectiong for consoles? There's literally no end to collecting them as long as you keep buying the latest systems!


only for the vintage computers like atari or commodore, mattel aquarius, etc..

my general rule is: if it goes to a computer and it is not a cartridge- it doesn't count.

willie

I don't understand this. So you're saying it's not collectable because it's not a cartridge? Like other's have said, does that mean you don't consider the PSOne or DC as part of a collection?



I don't get the whole, "you can't collect them because it's not finishable" standpoint. Please elaborate.

You know how the PSX release list will never be complete, because the games keep trickling out? :D PC games comes out full strength every month. You could have them all one day, and then need 10 more the next.

I don't count them... never even thought to.

dave

As long as you keep buying the games that come out, the collection is finishable, isn't it? It might be expensive, and hard, but it still seems possible.



So if it is impossible to collect ALL of something, then it is impossible to collect anything of that nature?

YEAH, it's impossible to collect a whole if there is no whole

i never said you can't e.g. collect all Might&Magic games or whatever, but it's already impossible to collect all rpg's, or all cd-based games or anything beyond a game series

Yeah, but there IS a whole, it may be hard to reach, and the number keeps changing rapidly, but it's still a whole.

[Griking]

Of course PC games count.

I don't understand the logic of saying that they shouldn't count because you can't own them all. Since when did this even become a requirement for a collection? Some people collect stamps, is it possible to own all of them?

I also don't understand why they don't count if they aren't on a cart. Do Playstation games count since they aren't carts? What about Turbo Grafix and Sega Master System card games, do they count?

[djbeatmongrel]

I see the point in saying that its still collectable even through its neverending. all points are completely valid argueing this.

I personally think pc games dont count since theres no exact requirements for the games since the computers capabilities are always changing. all other systems have certain thing to expect when you associate it the games with the system, like media format, graphical range, sound, etc.

it makes it easier for me to associate games with time periods and they seem to have more history to them. like you can always associate genesis carts with the early 16-bit era, being the catalyst for nintendo to release SNES. but its hard to associate and and some historical value to pc games like Diablo, Space Quest, or Doom. really, what are you going to sya, that they are part of the pc era? sure you can associate dates with them but thats it.

i dunno, they just dont seem right

[§ Gideon §]

I knew a guy once who collected handshakes...

[ClubNinja]

I don't count them because I don't "collect" them. I have well over 100 PC games, 98% of those being old DOS titles; however they don't count in my collection because I collect console games, not PC games. If I collected PC games, then they'd count. If you collect PC games, then they should count. If you don't, but just have them for fun or as leftovers or whatever, then you don't need to bother. Yes?

[Daria]

Obviously to some PC games count as a valid collection. Hell if I was passionate enough I could base a collection entirely on toothpicks.

Personally I don't count my PC games in with my video game collection. They generally do not retain their value due to piracy and the rate at which they become obsolete. There are so many older PC games I love but can't seem to run anymore and consequently I find that I don't value them anywhere near as much as I do my console games. I lose their cases/disks constantly and it really irks me how they never have a set standard for packaging. It's easy to group my playstation collection together but pc games come in boxes of all shapes and sizes, some in jewel cases or dvd cases or simply no cases at all. It's a complete pain in the ass.

I also pirate too many of them myself... I mean if I have no gurantee a specific game will even run on my computer it's alot easier and cost effective for me to download the game and try it out then it is for me to take a gamble on ebay.
________
LovelyWendie99 (http://www.lovelywendie99.com/)

[TomMage]

"Meh, a Gold NWC can go for about that. I voted no. PC games are just so common. Anyone can, and does it seems, develop games for the PC. And with no license agreements, the worst crap can be released"

What is a Gold NWC, I think I want one ;) As for computer games not being included, I'll feel really bad if they are not. As probably 75% of my collection by number is classic computer games. And probably 85% by value. But maybe I WON'T feel bad. If you looked at my "wish list" you probably noticed most of the games were classic computer games. So if "not collectable" everyone should sell 'em to me for CHEAP, heck might as well just give them to me (JK) ;) Or I will happily trade multiple "collectable" console games for some of the "non collectable" computer games I need!! One more thing, how do you do that quote thing so the previous post appears in red box, very nice!!

Thanks,
Tom

[calthaer]

PC games don't retain their value? I'm going to have to disagree. As with any console game, it largely depends on a combination of: a) the quality of the game, b) the rarity of the game, and c) the completeness / condition of the game. Go ahead and try to find the Quest for Glory Collection, or even just Quest for Glory V: Dragonfire - those two have either retained or tripled / quadrupled / are 10x their value now, depending on where you get it. Try to find Sid Meier's Alien Crossfire, or some of the original Ultimas or Might & Magic games - those have all retained their value or increased in value.

Sure, if a PC game was common-as-dirt back in the day, it's not going to be worth that much. I mean - has the original Super Mario Bros. retained its value?

[TomMage]

PC games don't retain their value? I'm going to have to disagree. As with any console game, it largely depends on a combination of: a) the quality of the game, b) the rarity of the game, and c) the completeness / condition of the game.

Maybe add "d", the demand for the game. There are some very rare games that are worth nothing as no one cares. But some "common" games are worth a decent amount as there is demand, such as the compilations, Sierra, RPG archives, Ultima etc.

Tom

[StrychNiNE]

I don't count PC games simply because they don't give me the same feel as videogames do. In the sense that they aren't tied to the hardware, there isn't the same nostalgia that you derive from physically handling a genesis controller that you do with a keyboard - plus all the work that you used to have to do to get PC games running, sucked a bit of the magic out.

As a rule I don't count PC games, however, there are a few games which I treasure more than the rest: Doom, Quake, Fallout 1/2, Crusader: No Remorse, Monkey Islands and Sam and Max. These games are ones where I will horde the box and treat the CD like its a fragile disc of pure gold. But still, I don't count them.

[calthaer]

Maybe add "d", the demand for the game. There are some very rare games that are worth nothing as no one cares. But some "common" games are worth a decent amount as there is demand, such as the compilations, Sierra, RPG archives, Ultima etc.
Tom

I would say that quality and / or condition are what fuels demand, hence I wouldn't add the separate category. Demand for high-quality games in good condition is high - games that are rare but sucky are ones that no one cares about, obviously.

[Daria]

Go ahead and try to find the Quest for Glory Collection

Well I still have them on my hard drive. :P Anyway I said generally... I realize that expensive and Rare PC games do exist. I just don't want to buy any of them.
________
mariaK (http://www.girlcamfriend.com/cam/mariaK/)

[Algol]

I count my PC games as part of my collection. The way I see it, if you collect anything for a hobby, whether it be console games, PC games, coins, stamps, or handshakes, you have a collection. You don't need to collect everyone ever made, or your collection to be worth anything.

[Mythik]

Wow, I never even thought of that.


...but no.

[tyranthraxus]

I'm glad you guys snub computer games and non-cartridge XE/64 games
because it keeps the prices low for me! Generally I don't really collect modern
PC games. I define modern as CD-ROM based games. I do make exceptions,
like Ultima 9 etc. but generally stick to the oldies.

While consoles I collect often just to experience the game on the system.
Computer games I am interested in for a variety of reasons. As a kid and
teenager I had C=64 and later 386. And I pirated tons of games, now
I find those games for a buck and often I am seeing the box for the very
first time. Often I discover a game I thought was crap need the instruction
sheet that use keyboard commands.

Computer RPGs are the best to collect. In addition to kicking linear console
RPG ass they usually have the best boxes and manuals. The Ultimas are
famous for the cloth maps and metal anks or coins. Sierra & Infocom
included various extras too. I have one game called Daemon's Gate that
comes with a VHS movie! Its a very cheesy & cheap fantasy video to
hype the game.

But most of the games are crap I admit, the difference is that I can pass
up those crappy Commodore budget titles but NES collectors end up
feeling the pressure to pick of every POS cranked out to 'complete'
the collection.

PC games aren't for everyone. I find that I get more enjoyment out of the
ownership of old PC games and not in playing them. Where consoles I am
motivated more to play an old classic than to simply collect.

[jhd7]

I don't count computer games, but understand how/why others might, and that's fine. It really doesn't have anything to do with value, numbers, or ability to complete a set, but with what you like and want. What are the odds someone might complete a PEZ collection? Or Matchbox cars? What's the value of swizzle sticks or beer coasters?

I'm content collecting for 5 consoles. Hopefully, that number won't grow, but you probably know that feeling.

Jeff D

[Oobgarm]

Sure I count my PC games as part of my collection.

But I'm not like "OMG you have to come see my PC collection!!!!!!1"

It's a tough call, and I only consider commercially released PC games as part of my collection--and no budget/shareware titles, either.