Has PC Gaming Become Unaffordably Expensive?

For over two decades, I’ve had a front-row seat to the ever-evolving world of PC gaming. From the pixelated delights of early titles to the photorealistic worlds we immerse ourselves in today, it’s been an incredible journey. One question that often pops up in my inbox, and one I’ve seen debated endlessly across forums, is this: Is PC gaming more expensive today than it was a decade ago?

It’s a fair question, and the answer, as with many things in tech, isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s a nuanced picture, shaped by hardware advancements, market dynamics, and changing gaming habits. Let’s dive in.

The Upfront Hardware Cost: A Shifting Landscape

When we talk about the expense of PC gaming, the immediate thought goes to the hardware. A decade ago, in 2014, building a respectable gaming PC for 1080p gaming might have set you back around $800-$1000 USD for a solid mid-range system. Fast forward to 2024, and a similar tier of performance, now often targeting 1440p or even entry-level 4K, can easily push past $1200, with high-end builds soaring to $2000-$3000+.

So, yes, the raw price tag for a performance-tier gaming PC has generally increased. Graphics cards, in particular, have seen significant price hikes, especially in the wake of recent supply chain issues and cryptocurrency mining booms (which, thankfully, have largely subsided for now).

However, my two decades of observation tell me that this isn’t the whole story.

• The Performance-Per-Dollar Equation: While the sticker price is higher, the sheer graphical fidelity, processing power, and overall gaming experience you get for your money today are leaps and bounds beyond what was possible a decade ago. A $1500 PC today offers a vastly superior experience compared to a $1000 PC in 2014. You’re not just paying more for the same thing; you’re paying more for a significant leap in capability.
• The “Good Enough” Zone: A common pitfall I’ve helped readers avoid over the years is the misconception that you need the absolute bleeding edge to enjoy PC gaming. That simply isn’t true. Today, you can still build a very capable 1080p gaming PC for around $700-$900 if you’re smart about component selection and don’t chase max settings on every new AAA title. This budget-friendly segment has actually become more accessible, offering excellent value.
• Pre-Builts Have Improved: While building your own PC often offers the best value, pre-built gaming PCs have become far more competitive and well-optimized than they were a decade ago. Reputable brands now offer solid configurations at various price points, making entry into PC gaming easier for those who aren’t comfortable with DIY.

The Software Side: More Games, More Options, Varying Costs

Beyond the hardware, the cost of games themselves has also seen shifts.

• AAA Game Prices: In 2014, a new AAA game often launched at $50-$60. Today, many new AAA titles are priced at $70 USD (and equivalent in other regions). This is a direct increase. However, adjusted for inflation over a decade, this increase isn’t as dramatic as it might seem on the surface.
• Digital Sales & Subscriptions Reign Supreme: Based on my experience with countless digital storefronts, the landscape for game purchasing has changed dramatically. Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and numerous other platforms offer frequent and deep discounts that were less common a decade ago. I’ve personally built a massive library over the years by patiently waiting for sales. Furthermore, subscription services like PC Game Pass offer incredible value, providing access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee – a concept that was embryonic or non-existent in 2014 for PC.
• The Indie Boom: The last decade has witnessed an explosion of high-quality indie games, many of which are priced very affordably ($10-$30) and offer hundreds of hours of entertainment. This vastly expands your gaming options without breaking the bank.
• Free-to-Play (F2P) and Live Service Games: While these existed a decade ago, their prevalence and quality have skyrocketed. Titles like Fortnite, Valorant, Apex Legends, and countless others offer compelling experiences at no upfront cost, relying on optional in-game purchases. This wasn’t nearly as dominant a factor in 2014.

The Long-Term View: Upgradability and Longevity

One of the enduring arguments for PC gaming, which I’ve championed for years, is its long-term value through upgradability.

• Strategic Upgrades: Unlike consoles, where you typically buy a whole new box every 5-7 years, a PC allows for incremental upgrades. You can replace just the graphics card, add more RAM, or get a faster SSD when needed, spreading out your investment over a longer period. This wasn’t new in 2014, but the modularity of PC components has only become more refined and user-friendly.
• Backward Compatibility: Having watched the evolution of operating systems and game engines for two decades, I can confidently say that PC gaming boasts unparalleled backward compatibility. Games from 10, 15, or even 20 years ago can often still be played on modern hardware with minimal fuss – a significant advantage over console generations where old titles often get left behind.

My Takeaway: It’s About Smart Choices

So, to directly answer the question: Yes, the cost of top-tier PC gaming hardware has certainly increased in raw numbers over the last decade. However, when you factor in the massive jump in performance, the wealth of affordable gaming options (sales, subscriptions, indie games, F2P), and the inherent upgradability of the platform, the picture becomes much more nuanced.

PC gaming today offers a wider spectrum of entry points than ever before. If you want the absolute best, you’ll pay a premium, perhaps more so than in 2014. But if you’re a savvy consumer, willing to research and make informed decisions, PC gaming can be remarkably cost-effective in the long run. It’s about finding that sweet spot that balances your budget with your gaming aspirations.

What are your thoughts on this, based on your own gaming journey? Have you found PC gaming to be more, or less, expensive over the years? Share your experiences in the comments below!