I've been making a bulky thread bit by bit and I just updated it recenetly due to some recent news. (I haven't actually posted it yet I want to flesh it out first).

One thing that I would really like to know from PC  gamers here is what do you think the PC as a platform mean to you?

I ask primarily  of PC gamers/enthusiasts over people who have the combo of a PC+console, but primarily play on console and are a NIntendo, Playstation or Xbox fan first, PC gamer second. Not to say I don't want the opinions of people who play I console.

Feel free to disclose your input as openly as possible from your persepective as a fan of your prefered platform as honestly as possible. I just find, in this instance, that a PC gamer's opinion is much more valuable because they are simply more involved in PC gaming. 

Short version at the bottom

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Does it simply mean to game on the PC and play from there or is it more complex than that? Does a certain operating systems such as Windows, Windows 10, Mac, Linux and the Linux based Steam OS mean much or anything to you when building a PC or purchasing games for it?

For example you have certain games that release on certain OS's. Some release earlier than others and some not at all.

Not the most best example I can think of but we have Batman Arkham Knight on that released in such a disrespectful way that they still haven't been able to fix it and they gave up on releasing on OS's like Mac and I beleive Linux. Again not the best example and this isn't what I'm going for here, more to the point: If something runs on a different OS do you consider that in your OS choice akin to a console platform 

What about features? Do different OS's compliment your gaming needs to the point that you would have a problem playing on another?

What about DRM policies and support? 

Would stuff like dual booting be a means to make these issues irrelevant? Or does its own complications make you stick to an OS as well?

 What about the places to buy games such as Steam, GOG, Origin and so on? Do you think of these as platforms when you purchase games? Does the service and deals provided in one place generally stick to one place specifically? Do certain devs vasttly different approaches such as Ubisoft(DRM and junk) and CD Projekt Red (purchase from site itself with a deal) affect your opinion? Does it simply act like a digital retailer, an equivielant to the likes of Gamestop and Best Buy?

Is it ultimately a platform to you such as XB1, Wii U, and PS4 where everything else is incredulously superfluous?

I know I'm asking a lot and am probably making this more complex than it needs to be, but I think its really interesting to hear your opinion on this.

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Short version:

Are different OS's like Windows and Linux and/or a online store like Steam and GoG a big decision in your PC gaming, like choosing a console, or is it irrelavent

I see myself as a gamer. I own a kickass sexy pc, and I game on consoles too. Not sure how to answer your questions cuz i don't let anything hold me back. 

Windows 10 all the way

I'm not just a PC gamer, I'm a PC user as well ...

A computer is just a way for me to connect with the digital world ...

PC is an open platform. it lets the user customize it to fit their individual tastes and needs. i just see it as a console alternative if you want more options for controllers and graphical settings

Hmm, I'll try to edit the thread. I was afraid it may be to long and convoluted

Feel free to disclose your input as openly as possible from your persepective as a fan of your prefered platform as honestly as possible. I just find, in this instance, that a PC gamer's opinion is much more valuable because they are simply more involved in PC gaming. I was asking if you think things like Windows 10 as a seperate platform to another OS or simply think PC altogether is one thing and consoles and are the only seperate platform.

I really don't know what you mean by this but I'll chalk it up to me being unclear myself

Doesn't mean anything to me. PC is just a means to get what I want. I also don't care about  the platform. If there is a game I want to play that's only available on a certain client I will install Origin, Uplay, Battle.net or whatever.

I do however love new and cutting edge technology, which is why I was really excited about Windows 10 and my new GPU and Monitors. And that excitement will return once Pascal is released and I get to build a new PC from scratch :)

It means i don't want to pay to play online anymore. Also that i like cheaper games, better graphics, mods and getting most games because of the silly "console exclusive" war between ps4 and X1.

With smart phones, tablets, PCs, macs, linux, windows, OSX and everything else under the sun, I don't know how "PC" can be considered a platform. It seems way too divided and segmented for one label.

For me PC gaming is all about emulators, the best way to play old games I missed in past generations

To me it PC feels open. Nobody owns it. It's open to all.
I don't like the current console climate in which two or three companies have the market arbitrarily divided into several privately owned formats. That's not a dynamic that's kept alive for the consumer's benefit, but for theirs.
When advocating for a system in which there is only one format used by everyone and everybody gets access to all the games is often scoffed at with the argument "That would be a monopoly!"
That's why it important that if there were only one format, that it not be owned by anyone.
For now, I get my taste of that from PC.