But where's Elite IV?!!! The game, that if done right, would do for Frontier what Baldur's Gate did for Bioware!

Another small sign, hidden away on a non gaming site, that shows how little regard is now given, if any at all, to the PC format when it comes to games. NEITHER of these experts even mention the fact that the PC version of GTA IV was released in December. Certainly, by not mentioning the PC version release both experts are disregarding the PC version's impact on sales numbers.

It is by these small signs, that I, a 20 year PC gamer, see the near end of PC gaming as a mainstream format.

Most of the games mentioned in this article are 5 plus years old. And the fact is that the further you go back, the more manuals were written with flair. And as to 'making the 20-30 page manuals more interesting' most manuals in the past were more likely to be 80+ pages! Explain how you go back to 80+ page manuals with DVD cases currently getting shorter in UK supermarkets, for example.

I would say that big boxes going to DVD cases and manuals (and games) become blander each year is one of the main reasons for PC gaming's decline. PC games have now the feeling of the grey suits now in charge of creating them! Is it any wonder retro is making a comeback and DOSBox, a free utility to play PC DOS games of the 80's/90's has now had over FIVE MILLION downloads!