I realize that for some, 5.1 gaming is the pinnacle of the gaming experience. And that's fine. But usually people that are PC gamers, nothing is ever good enough. Surround sound is great, and I'd never give it up in games, but all the analog cables is a hassle. If one goes DDL or DTS - Connect, they can still have real-time 5.1 gaming, but they tend to give up the environmental and spacial effects of games coded for EAX 3, 4, and 5.0.
I know the question of whether the hassle is worth it is subjecive. My real question is if people "in the know" are aware of any "standard" that will be in future PC games so we're not stuck buying Creative cards to get these special sound effects? I like hearing the sounds that the developers intended. It really adds to the game. But good lord, they have to come up with an open standard that can be dealt with in software mode. What wth dual-core and soon quad-core processors, the need for a dedicated sound card has GOT to be coming to an end.
Thoughts??
I know the question of whether the hassle is worth it is subjecive. My real question is if people "in the know" are aware of any "standard" that will be in future PC games so we're not stuck buying Creative cards to get these special sound effects? I like hearing the sounds that the developers intended. It really adds to the game. But good lord, they have to come up with an open standard that can be dealt with in software mode. What wth dual-core and soon quad-core processors, the need for a dedicated sound card has GOT to be coming to an end.
Thoughts??
