Installing PC Games

sogs

Hi,

My son has grand theft auto IV pc game we are having problems installing this onto the laptop we did go to a computer shop for advice and were told laptops are not very good for pc games, we asked about a graphics card (not sure if that is the correct terminology) he said we would be better with a desktop computer for games and could have a card for about £40?? the other question is can this game be played as a single player without having to play with others on the social club? the reason I ask is my son is autistic and I wouldnt want him to be linking up online with strangers.

Sorry my post is iggly piggly but I hope someone understands and could advise.

thanks

LeChuck_2

It depends what laptop it is, what's the specifications?

nitr02007

GTA4 (like many other PC games) is hampered by really strict anti-piracy measures. It can be hard to install and get running. Its also a real resource hog i.e it will run slowly/jerkily unless you have a top notch PC.

Unless you're absolutely set on playing GTA4 on the PC then I'd recommend getting an Xbox 360 - its much easier to setup and the games run smoothly.

Personally I only play games on the PC but thats because I'm a PC enthusiast, but even I don't bother with the very latest graphically intensive games as I know playing them will be like watching a slideshow.

exup

laptops are generally not so good for games as even if they have decent hardware they will run hot - most gaming laptops would be expensive anyway (and still can be hot).
To run modern games you will need an up to date PC and again - gaming ones will be expensive - unless you build your own - which not everyone can do .
But a decent gaming PC may be cheaper than a gaming laptop.
the other option is like nitro said above - a console such as Wii, Xbox or PS2 (or PS3 if funds will stretch) may be better option.
Usually with most games you can choose whether to play offline or online

Just one thought about GTA4 though - as you say your son is autistic? do you know what sort of game it is? Even though at first glance it may seem like any driving game and it is a well known name - but it can be quite violent too

Strider590

GTA4 is an 18 rated game..... It's rated that way for very very good reasons.

Im assuming he's nowhere near 18 as you wouldn't be here sorting this out for him.

"it's only a game, what harm can it do?" doesn't wash as far as excuses go.... I was shot in the face my an 8(ish, cant remember) year old with a BB gun who proceeded to mimic quotes from "Karl" in GTA sanandrea's, a game which is tame by comparison.
Another child I know now 9, loved playing GTA3 using an M16 to "pop" the heads off pedestrians as they walk past, with a nice pretty fountain off bloody flowing upwards out of their now decapitated body.

GTA4 on Youtube

nitr02007

Surely they've seen the red 18 on the front of the box - they must think that its appropriate for their son.

Strider590

nitr02007 wrote: »

Surely they've seen the red 18 on the front of the box - they must think that its appropriate for their son.

Trouble these day's is the "it's only a game, what harm can it do?" approach is all too common, technophobic parents buying unsuitable games for children because they don't understand what they're buying.
Plus it's a modern days substitute for parenting, as "keeps them occupied".
This is why 6 year olds end up with these games and then even the parents with some common sense are coerced into buying a game because all their friends have it. I don't honestly think any decent parent is really going to want their child viewing that sort of material.