Exciting Times

Phew, it's been a while since this page has been updated. Is anybody still around? It's an exciting time for gaming with the PS4 and the Xbox One coming, not to mention more powerful phones, tablets and devices like the Nvdia Shield and Ouya promoting Android and iOS gaming. Then there's the Oculus Rift 3D immersion to enhance gaming, increase in power and games of the Vita and 3DS, streaming through the Shield and Steam Machine.

Speaking of the Steam Machine, gaming might possibly move on to Linux and PC gaming into the living room. There is so much to keep track of, and we haven't even touched on the new games which probably will be better graphically due to next gen, and best thing is, innovation will not be stifled because of the shift in focus towards indie.

Are you having fun yet? It'll probably cost a bomb to keep up with all these; already, I'm wishing I were much richer. I'm feeling like a kid at a toy store ogling at the toys. What are you excited for? Are you getting any of the new consoles at launch? Me? I'm first going to need to rob a bank...

The Real Cost of Next Gen

Finally, we've enough information on the next generation consoles, the PS4 and the next Xbox (I know it's the Xbox One, but that's what the first Xbox is being referred to as). There was a lot of rumours and backlash with regards to used games for both systems, but now the companies have come out and assured us that there will be no restrictions with regards to that (for now). The rate at which policies and decisions are made and change makes it uncertain whether this stand will be taken throughout the console lifespan, or just for launch to get people into the market. But whatever it is, gamers have won (again, for now).

The issue of used games is a tricky one, because for one, devolopers don't get money from sales of these games, and the profit goes to the retailers. There are arguments for developers, and there are arguments for us, the consumers and we definitely know the savings we can get, but is it fair for retailers to make all the money?

Well, we're hearing of GameStop getting into a bit of a pinch, and brick and mortar stores seem to be struggling more and more, so is selling new games really profitable for them? If it isn't, then is it fair for them then that they have to work with such a small profit margin? And if it isn't, then shouldn't they get to profit from used games? Perhaps then, to make it fair, publishers should drop the price for retailers so they make more money, and retailers should share the profit from used games. But then, development studios are closing down as well, which makes me wonder if the games industry is really sustainable, and will it be even worse with higher graphical fidelity expected of them in the new generation of consoles?

Have we reached a stage where only the popular games will survive and new IP that don't perform to the standard of the Call Of Duty's will be axed and their studios closed? Will new IP be such a major risk that we'll only see creativity from Indies? Such a scenario is a scary thought, and might spell the death of even major publishers when the franchise they've been milking finally dies.

Could us gamers then stop picking on graphics and instead give more focus on gameplay and game mechanics, as well as creativity and storytelling? Perhaps then, game development costs can come down and retailers, publishes, developers can survive, and probably bring the savings to consumers as well. We are already getting less and less from our game boxes - no more thick manuals and little collectibles, and games are getting shorter in favour of better graphics. Perhaps it is time to look at new methods of game development...

New Consoles

The PS4 has been announced, and we're awaiting Microsoft to give more details. Having already gotten our hands on the Wii U and also hearing about the Steam box and PS4, the new age of consoles is upon us.

 

However, will the consoles be able to rid through the tough initial period where the lack of games will hinder the adoption rate of consumers? That and the lack of backwards compatibility of the PS4 (streaming PS3 games is not ideal) and most likely the next Xbox will definitely be a factor as well. The wise console maker will actually embrace this if they want to draw gamers from the other camp into their family because gamers who do not own a PS3 and missed out on the PS3 exclusives will be glad too pick up a PS4 early to play those games if there was backwards compatibility. As it stands, there's little to no reason to pick up a PS3 now and if the next Xbox were released at approximately the same time as the PS4, they might still stick to Microsoft.

 

There is no news as of yet if Sony will charge a mandatory subscription fee for online access, but if they do, it will not sit well with the gamers. Seeing how gaming companies like money (who doesn't?) over consumer goodwill, it is not impossible that they will go this route. I don't know if brains are needed to run a company, but I guess not since companies tend to cancel out all the good that they do pretty quickly, apologize, try to fix it, and then going back to screwing themselves and their consumers over.

 

We're moving into the next generation and actually do have more of a choice in our consoles this time (including a PC console-wannabe) so we probably should see what the console makers are up to before settling for one. Take into consideration the online sub and also whether they are punishing you, their consumers by banning used games and such. Vote with your wallet and perhaps, they will take notice.

 

On a side note, here's an abridged version of the PS4 conference that everyone should watch.