If you think of a rhythm game, any for that matter, PC is likely the last platform you’d expect to play it on. Right?
That’s my assumption at least, because when I think about the likes of the Rock Band or Dance Central franchises for example, my first thought is usually that they’re played in a living room, where there’s a lot of space for a bunch of people to jam out on instrument controllers, or break it down. A PC is usually tucked away in a bedroom or study – an environment that, in my mind, isn’t suited for such a genre.
That, and the platform just doesn’t seem to have many rhythm based games on it to begin with. If I think about it now, the only titles that come to mind are Audiosurf and Frets on Fire. There are more obviously, but there’s no denying that consoles have a much wider selection.
Harmonix, the company behind many a rhythm game, think that this is something that will change. Cian Rice, the company’s Associate Community Interaction Manager, believes that now is a great time for the rhythm genre burst onto PC. He said as much in an editorial on the company’s blog (via Polygon).
“Between new advances in tech like VR, streaming, and improved pipelines for user generated content, we live in an incredibly exciting time. One of these days there’ll be something really cool that wows the community, and I can’t wait for that day to come.”
Why does he believe that now though, is the time for PC? Yes, we have technological improvements like VR, which will really bring the whole experience to life, but what’s changed recently on PC that could really make the rhythm genre shine there?
“In my mind, the primary reason has to do with a little thing called Steam. Steam is a huge platform that has continuously grown over the years with new features to improve the community and player experience. One of these is Steam Workshop, which allows for a plethora of user generated content. Fans can reap the benefits of their dedication and talent by making and selling content for their favorite compatible games. Another important facet of this is Valve pushing for Steam to become a centerpiece of the living room experience with features like Big Picture mode.”
I agree completely with the Steam Workshop being a very important tool for the genre’s growth. PCs in living rooms though? I still can’t get my head around it. We’ve had media boxes and the like in circulation for years now. Will Valve really make a difference with Big Picture? I’m still not sold personally.
That’s just my view however. What’s yours? Will PC be the new home of rhythm games moving forward?
Last Updated: January 4, 2017
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 29, 2016 at 10:35
No thanks, I have all the rhythm of a brick thrown by someone in the midst of an epileptic fit.
Ryanza
February 29, 2016 at 10:39
They want to DRM rhythm now?
Rhythm is a dancer
It’s a soul companion
You can feel it everywhere
Lift your hands and voices
Free your mind and join us
Don’t Support DRM.
Ryanza
February 29, 2016 at 10:40
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 29, 2016 at 10:45
I’m getting flashbacks to the Zero Hour Zone. I’m so old.
AfricanTime
February 29, 2016 at 11:04
Nimrod is my favourite.. 🙂
Commander Admiral Chief
February 29, 2016 at 10:42
Hammersteyn
February 29, 2016 at 10:44
Played that on Kongregate, almost had a seizure
Commander Admiral Chief
February 29, 2016 at 10:51
Seconds I tell you, seconds.
Have you seen the world record? Something like 10 mins…
hairyknees
February 29, 2016 at 10:55
O_O
Commander Admiral Chief
February 29, 2016 at 10:57
Have you played this?
A REVIEW I SAY!
hairyknees
February 29, 2016 at 11:08
Good lawd xD I can’t review EVERYTHING. Perhaps I could do a WaW with it though 😉
Commander Admiral Chief
February 29, 2016 at 11:37
The game is quite short, so you could be done in a few minutes……that is, IF you can finish it
Mossel
February 29, 2016 at 12:02
There is only ONE rhythm game! Crypt of the NecroDancer!
http://store.steampowered.com/app/247080/
Viking Of Science
February 29, 2016 at 12:17
Has Everyone Forgotten about Frets on Fire? I Mean, that was Essentially Guitar Hero on PC…. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rxXJ5sfHXVw/maxresdefault.jpg