There was an earlier thread discussing the implications of high minimum system requirements with regards to sales etc... At the other end of the spectrum, will weak minimum system requirements hurt your game distribution? Consider the following hypothetical situation. Suppose one had completed a new shareware game that is capable of being decently run on older systems, say something along the lines of a P1 MMX. Now, while the game can run (and is fun) on the old system, more features (such enhanced AI, more GFX) are can be used on a newer system. That being said, how likely is it that 'gamers' with a newer system will think (first impression) 'This game only needs a P1?!? I'm not going to even bother downloading it...'. If that is the case, is it better to falsely 'pump-up' the minimum required system specs? Please discuss, I'm interested in any opinions.

Put some screenshots showing off the great modern system gfx near the minimum system requirement txt and they will seduce the ultra cool system owner to download too :)

Seriously, I personally wouldnt not download a game just becouse the minimum requirements are low... maybe thats becouse I'm working on a game like you just described, but thats beside the point.

The way I look at it, the lower the requirements the more people can play your game. I don't think low system requirements deter people from downloading/playing a game. If it does, they don't deserve to play it.

I look at low system requirements and say to myself "Sweet, I have absolutely no worries about running this game. It should work great!"

Now if the developer leaves out some bells and whistles to bring the system requirements down, that's bull. Make the game the way it should be and then try to get the system requirements as far down as they can through optimizations and what not.

I think this is why so many games have both minimum and recommended requirements. The first appeals to those with low spec machines, while the second appeals to people looking for something that will make the most of their machine.

I don't think that would be a problem, a lot of people (if not most) doesn't even bother to look at the min req before downloading.
On the other hand I think a game with a too low min req in the form of it not being enough to play the game confortable (Unreal 2 with it's min req of GF2 MX comes in mind) might hurt a a game and give it a bad reputation.

Quote: Original post by Spearhawk
On the other hand I think a game with a too low min req in the form of it not being enough to play the game confortable (Unreal 2 with it's min req of GF2 MX comes in mind) might hurt a a game and give it a bad reputation.

Absolutely.

If it was a multiplayer game, I'd certainly look for something with lower system requirements, because me and my mates play LAN games frequently but not all of our PCs are up to scratch. I dont know how many people this situation would apply to though.

Quote: Original post by Anonymous Poster
The way I look at it, the lower the requirements the more people can play your game...

All the figures I have seen over the years indicate that the majority of game purchases are made by people with new machines. People spend more on a new hobby and those with the money/dedication to keep their machines up to date will also spend on new games. They also want those games to showcase how good their machine is. Those with older machines who aren't willing to spend money on them don't buy nearly as many games.

I think if it's a shareware game and it's one that's downloadable, then it's not going to hurt sales to have it more accessible.

With simpler games, I don't think you are exactly appealing to the hardcore gamer. Not knowing your audience will hurt sales more than what you are worried about.