In the 1990s, the advent of personal computers transformed homes into digital playgrounds for a generation of children. While parents marveled at the potential for productivity, kids quickly discovered the joys of gaming. The mouse-and-keyboard setup proved ideal for genres like point-and-click adventures, flight simulations, and first-person shooters, flourishing as CD-ROM technology emerged, ushering in a new era of full-motion video games.
However, the landscape shifted dramatically in the 2000s. The narrative of PC gaming’s demise circulated widely, often fueled by publishers and developers who lamented rampant piracy. Cliff Bleszinski famously remarked in 2008 that “the PC is just in disarray,” while even indie developers like Mads Wibroe of Playdead attributed their game Limbo’s exclusivity to piracy concerns. Yet, the tide began to turn in 2011, as the PC Gaming Alliance’s Horizons Research report revealed a 15% profit increase, with .6 billion spent on PC gaming, largely driven by a burgeoning market in China, where consoles had been banned since 2000.
The open world genre peaks (and you can climb them)
The open-world genre found a natural home on PC, offering expansive landscapes that demanded impressive draw distances. The release of Skyrim in 2011 marked a significant moment for modding, with its vast world inviting players to explore and create. The game’s map was a tapestry of cities, dungeons, and hidden treasures, encouraging discovery over mere checklist completion.
2011 was not solely defined by Skyrim; Batman: Arkham City also made waves, presenting a unique take on the open-world formula. Players reveled in the fluidity of movement, seamlessly transitioning between mouse and keyboard or controller, which felt revolutionary at the time. The thrill of soaring through Gotham to collect Riddler trophies showcased the joy of exploration.
Meanwhile, Saints Row: The Third embraced absurdity, allowing players to engage in outrageous side activities, such as escorting a tiger that demanded attention in the most comical ways. Yet, the popularity of open-world games led to some titles, like L.A. Noire and Mafia 2, feeling bloated with unnecessary driving sequences that detracted from their narratives.
RPGs return (and briefly bring immersive sims with them)
The early 2000s had sparked fears that single-player RPGs were on the decline, overshadowed by the rise of MMORPGs. However, 2011 proved to be a renaissance for the genre. Skyrim dominated the conversation, but it was joined by Fallout: New Vegas, which saw a resurgence thanks to expansions and patches that addressed initial bugs. The narrative richness and expansive world of The Witcher 2 also captivated players, showcasing a branching storyline that offered varied experiences.
BioWare contributed to this revival with Dragon Age 2, which, despite its rushed development, provided memorable companions and a more engaging combat system on PC. The immersive sim genre made a notable return with Deus Ex: Human Revolution, blending RPG elements with physics-driven gameplay, albeit with some missteps in boss design.
Not only but also
Indie games flourished in 2011, filling niches often overlooked by larger studios. Titles like Bastion and Limbo captured attention, while SpaceChem laid the groundwork for programming puzzle games. Terraria expanded the survival crafting genre, and Magicka introduced chaotic multiplayer experiences that would influence future titles.
Strategy games also thrived, with Total War: Shogun 2 restoring faith in the franchise. The year was rich with notable releases, including Portal 2, which solidified 2011 as a landmark year for PC gaming. In retrospect, this period marked a significant resurgence for the platform, setting the stage for its future prominence in the gaming landscape.
