How customised PCs are elevating the immersive gaming experience

India has always been a market with a strong affinity for mobile gaming.

August 31, 2024 10:00 IST

This shift is not just about the games themselves but also about PCs' superior experience. (Image: Freepik)

By Vishal Parekh

Having closely witnessed the gaming industry’s growth over a decade, I can attest to the fact that in recent years, PC gaming has been witnessing a spike in interest, coming from both casual and competitive gamers. The rise of esports, the increasing interest in more immersive gaming have been key factors contributing to this shift. As the demands for gaming grow, so does the need for hardware that can keep pace. This is where customised PCs come into play, offering gamers and new-age gaming content creators the ability to tailor their systems to meet their specific needs, thus enhancing the overall gaming experience.

The resurgence of PC gaming in India

India has always been a market with a strong affinity for mobile gaming. Over the last few years, I have personally witnessed this transition of gamers from small screens to larger and more powerful PC setups & PC gaming has seen significant growth. This growth is driven by several factors: the affordability of gaming hardware, and the increasing number of games that require the superior performance only a PC can deliver, more acceptance and enthusiasm about gaming among others. New data from Valve shows that between 2019 and 2024, India saw a more than 150% increase in new Steam users. The data was disclosed at the Nordic Game 2024 Spring conference.

This shift is not just about the games themselves but also about PCs’ superior experience. From high-definition graphics to customizable controls, PCs are unparalleled in providing an immersive gaming experience. While off-the-shelf PCs can offer a decent performance, they often fall short when meeting the specific needs of more serious gamers. This is where customisation becomes essential.

The case for customised PCs

A customized PC is, at its core, a machine tailored to its user’s unique preferences and requirements. While pre-built systems provide a solid foundation, customizing allows gamers to select each component based on their personal preferences and specific gaming needs. This includes choosing processors, graphics cards, memory, storage, and peripherals such as monitors, keyboards, and mice.

But why is customisation so important for gaming? The answer lies in the nature of modern games and gamers’ diverse requirements. Today’s games demand high performance across various components, and the ability to fine-tune these components can make all the difference between a good gaming experience and an exceptional one.

Enhancing immersion with customisation

Immersive gaming is about creating an environment where the player feels entirely absorbed in the game world. This level of immersion requires a powerful machine and one that can be adapted to suit the specific demands of different games and gaming styles.

High-resolution graphics

One of the most significant aspects of immersive gaming is the visual experience. High-resolution graphics, smooth frame rates, and lifelike textures are crucial for drawing players into a game. Customised PCs allow gamers to choose the best graphics card and monitor setup. Whether it’s a 4K resolution for ultra-crisp visuals or a higher refresh rate for smoother gameplay, the ability to customise these elements ensures that the visual experience is as immersive as possible.

Audio experience

Sound plays an equally important role in creating an immersive gaming experience. High-quality audio can make the difference between hearing a footstep in a distant hallway and missing a crucial cue. With a customised PC, gamers can select sound cards, headsets, and speaker systems that deliver the best audio performance, tailored to their preferences.

Control and peripherals

The peripherals that accompany a gaming PC—such as a keyboard, mouse, etc — are more than just accessories; they are extensions of the gamer’s hands. A customised PC setup allows for selecting peripherals that match the gamer’s style, whether a mechanical keyboard with specific key switches for precise inputs or a mouse with adjustable DPI (dots per inch) settings for better control. These custom peripherals enhance the overall gaming experience by providing a more intuitive and responsive interface.

Performance tuning

Performance is the backbone of any gaming experience. A customised PC offers the ability to overclock CPUs, fine-tune GPU (graphics processing unit) settings, and manage cooling systems more effectively than a standard pre-built system. This not only ensures that games run smoothly but also allows for pushing the boundaries of what the hardware can achieve. This level of performance tuning is invaluable for gamers who play resource-intensive titles or engage in competitive gaming.

Meeting specific needs with customisation

While immersion is a key benefit, customisation also allows for meeting specific needs that go beyond the general gaming experience. For instance, streamers may require additional RAM and storage to handle game recording and broadcasting simultaneously. Content creators who also game might need a multi-monitor setup with a powerful GPU that can handle both gaming and editing workloads.

Moreover, as gaming becomes more inclusive, with more people from diverse backgrounds and abilities taking up the hobby, the need for customisation becomes even more apparent. Gamers with special needs, for instance, can benefit from custom-built PCs that cater to their specific needs, whether it’s custom key mappings, specialized input devices, or accessible interface options.

The future of gaming is customised

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the demand for customised PCs will only grow. Gamers are no longer satisfied with the generic, one-size-fits-all approach. They want machines that are as unique as their gaming styles, machines that can deliver the best possible experience no matter the game or the genre.