Why simulations continue to dominate on PC – and consoles are lagging behind...

When you look at the simulation genre, one pattern has stood out for years: PC is and remains the main platform. Many major titles start there first, are played there most intensively and – if at all – often only come to consoles significantly later.

There are several reasons for this, which are also easy for casual gamers to understand.

The first major point is hardware flexibility. Simulations often live from high object density, complex physics, dense map worlds and many systems running simultaneously. Especially games such as OMSI 2 or The Bus benefit massively from stronger CPU performance and adjustable graphics settings. This is exactly where PC traditionally has advantages.

The second, perhaps even more important point, is the modding ecosystem. Especially in the simulation genre, mods are not just a bonus, but often a central part of the gameplay experience. New maps, buses, repaints, sounds, scripts and add-ons often extend the lifespan of a game by years.

This can be seen particularly strongly in OMSI 2. Without the huge community around maps and vehicles, the game would probably no longer be nearly as relevant today.

It is similar with Euro Truck Simulator 2, where mods, map packs and Steam Workshop content have been a central part of the ecosystem for years.

A third point is the input devices. Steering wheels, pedals, gear shifters, joysticks and special controllers are a major factor in the simulation sector. On PC, these devices can be integrated and configured much more flexibly than on console.

Added to this is the typical long-term play behavior. Simulations are often not only played for a few weeks, but accompany players for years. DLCs, map updates and personal routines create a very high level of retention.

Market data also supports this trend: the PC and console market continues to grow, but both platforms are developing differently. For PC, stronger revenue growth is projected through 2028 than for consoles.

Especially in the simulation sector, PC remains the leading platform according to market analyses because performance, modding and long-term retention are particularly strongly developed there.

That does not mean consoles have no future in the genre. On the contrary: titles like The Bus show that consoles are becoming increasingly important.

But at the moment, my impression remains clear: simulations often work structurally better on PC.

Do you prefer playing simulators on PC or console? How important are mods to you? Do you use a steering wheel or controller?