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.

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.

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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.

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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.

Dan hit the nail on the head. If what Dan says is true, what will gamers pay attention to more (and what will affect their deceision making more) -

a) Minimum system requirements
or
b) Recommended system requirements

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Original post by Zefrieg 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.

It isn't an issue of hardcore or not hardcore - the point is that they still need to be activly supporting their hobby. A non-gamer who buys a PC today will have a pretty good spec. That person will also be buying software. Someone who bought their PC three years ago and no longer upgrades is unlikely to buy much software - as a business you should target the market that actually wants to spend money - be it active hardcore gamer or active non-hardcore.

The target machine should be whatever you can get for $1000 at your local PC warehouse. It wont be top of the line ubber machine but it will certainly be in the region on a P4 3 gig machine with probably 512 meg ram - That is the machine that a non-gamer, with little or no knowledge, will walk in a buy (because that is what the salesman will tell them they want).

The people who bought 7th Guest and Myst were not hardcore gamers but they did have top spec machines. Having bought a great new PC to "do work at home" Mr Average then wanted a game that would make his new machine look good.