Electronic Arts to Sell Crysis-branded PCs
Perhaps taking a page from the console world, massive game publisher Electronic Arts is exploring the possibility of selling machines that are purpose built to run a specific game title, and to run it well.
One of the biggest barriers of PC gaming is the link between the hardware and software. Usually the latest games require recent hardware, but whenever it comes time to upgrade, even savvy users may have a hard time making sense of system requirements.
EA is looking to knock down this barrier by providing the consumer with an instant hardware solution that should get gamers up and running in the easiest possible way yet. According to comments made by EA representatives at Comic-Con, recorded by Chris Remo, the game publisher is planning to market pre-built PCs purpose built for running Crysis Warhead – the follow-up to last year’s graphical showcase shooter.
The systems will likely range from $600 to $800, and will be differentiated by at which level of detail and special effects each will be able to run Crysis Warhead.

Such purpose-built computers will likely be overlooked by those who take the time to build their own machines – like those who frequent Tom’s Hardware – but for the mass market, a seemingly dedicated Crysis machine will hopefully make top-tier PC gaming as simple as it is on today’s consoles.
At $600 to $800, it’s twice as much as a modern games console – but imagine the owner’s delight when he or she discovers that any machine that can run Crysis at a respectable clip will also run every other PC game in history.
They'd probably sell more if they based one off of Madden it would be huge!
I agree completely. If anyone can make this happen it would be EA. They have the money to do it. The only problem would be with the cost of the PC when compared to consoles, like it said in the article. This is still a huge step for PC gaming. Kudos to EA even if we all don't agree with their other principles.
Anyways, I think its a great idea; but only if they stick to a good quality standard in //modern// components (NOT X STOCK), and ensure that expandability is available in the build.
It think it was touched on above but one key market angle EA could play would be having the power to upgrade instead of having to buy a new console. If they make upgrading very simple...like for example putting the video card in an easy to remove case to where you can just pull it out like a USB drive and replace it with a new one...and even perhaps getting some sort of credit back for your old one...they might be able to work it out. I wouldn't expect that much innovation to come out of EA's court however.
I'm just tired of seeing good games (or games who’s concept I like) going for consoles only. Allot of the "best" (read most hyped) shooters are now going for consoles only or at least leaving PC only titles in the dark (compared to games like Halo and GTA 4) with little attention. Witch brings me to also being tired of people saying PC gaming is dead.
I hope EA pulls it off and gets loads of attention while they're at it.
I hope this doesnt happen because i really liked Crysis (despite the terribly unoptimized engine) and i like Crytek's corporate vision, and the product they release. But this is really thin ice theyre walking on. Somehow, i suspect that EA will find a way to cut costs on the hardware which will result in the exact sort of blow-up that i described. I hope im wrong.
good laptop for Crysis, 8800m gts 512
comparitivly inexpensive, no bloatware, fairly decent specs, keyboard has realy good feel
http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529668070.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_D2lWKZRAU
but if you want something a little more powerful
http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529668159.php