I genuinely think Microsoft are out of the running

[XT inc]

Pc Gaming would rule if it was to be unified like consoles are, I just don't think there has ever been a pc game that has just run like a console game. Even with good equipment there's always some random issue like it's not clocked right or your motherboard is slightly wrong, or the game can't deal with quad core cpus, or games that by all definition are way under your max setting requirements you have to run on lower settings.

Having said this Xbox is by no means going to lose this one, Ps3 is hard to develop for, The Wii is from what I can tell run by the least progressive thinking people in the world I mean The games on that thing are by in large shovelware. Sure it's 8 bucks a month to play xbox live, but it works flawlessly and from what I've heard its the console the multiplatformers shoot for before branching onto the other consoles.

I will make the assumption now that the next xbox will wait a little bit until the ps4 comes out and make tweaks. The only think it has lost so far is the hddvd bluray format war. Once they hash out bluray with the power of you know Microsoft. Then you've got a bluray playing system devs love to program on with more power.

 

[Palademon]

Just to point out why I disagree, I'll bring up my argument that I put to any PS3 owner that tells me the 360 is crap. You may have to pay for Live, but there's good things about the 360 that can't be measured. Like how I think it feels more friendly in it, and how I feel more part of a community, and I like the videos of people who work for Xbox Live. On the Wii and PS3 I feel isolated and that there isn't much point in me using the internet, as it's usually just some random person to play LittleBigPlanet with, who seems to be mentally disabled. And there is all of 2 people I could play with online amungst my friends. Even the graphics of a PS3 aren't that great for games. They run standardly on 720P and I can make my Xbox do 1080i and I wouldn't be able unless my TV could handle it anyway.

The X360 library is in no way superior to the PS3.
And I speak as an owner of all the consoles. I rarely buy anything for my 360 that isn't a shooter or a racer.

I think that argument just shot itself in the foot. "It's not a great library since I only like 2 of it's genres."

 

[Alexander Cron]

Microsoft is a long way from dead and I hope they can bury the disgusting Apple.

I agree, Apple is for mindless sheep and artsy people who have no idea what a computer actually needs. People will buy anything that has the Apple logo on it, without even realizing that all Apple is doing is selling them products that were developed years ago by lesser known companies. I mean most Apple products don't even support flash. Flash is a HUGE component for the interwebs. They don't support flash because it would remove their monopoly over selling software, as people would be able to purchase items through flash based programs, instead of Apple's overpriced music and application store. iPads are not laptop killers, they are more of a laptop for technically inept people. And thus concludes my rant against the evil, greedy corporation that is Apple.

 

[Gizmo007666]

The PS3 definitely has the most potential for technical marvels, and I predict that if Sony can stay afloat in the gaming market (and get some better exclusives...FF13 sucked rocks), their system can last probably a couple years into the next generation easily.
Of course, the trick is getting programmers and designers with the kind of experience to exploit that before the cost monster eats up Sony's market.

Whats wrong with the PS3 exclusives? Depending on the genre of gaming you're interested in theres Uncharted series, Resistance, Infamous, Ratchet and Clank, Killzone, LBP, Demon's Souls, Disgaea, Metal Gear Solid, etc.

Sorry for making a list and all but as far as I can tell there are plenty of decent ps3 exclusives and as far as I can tell it's the 360 that ought to be having some sort of difficulty as, and admittedly my knowledge in this area is limited, their exclusives contain Halo, Gears of War, Alan Wake and Mass Effect 1 (since 2 is coming to the ps3 in january).
There could well be a mass of amazing 360 exclusives out there that I don't know about but as far as I'm aware it seems to me that their catalogue of games has balanced with the ps3 or possibly even switched from their initial positions.

 

[JordanMillward_1]

1) Microsoft is still kicking ass in sales (I think that it's second behind Wii and closing fast)

In the last lot of US figures (covering November), the 360 was first on 1.37M November sales, with the Wii second on 1.27M. From the figures I can find, the 360 has been No. 1 in sales for the last few months.

 

[Wintermoot]

Microsoft is a long way from dead and I hope they can bury the disgusting Apple.

I agree, Apple is for mindless sheep and artsy people who have no idea what a computer actually needs. People will buy anything that has the Apple logo on it, without even realizing that all Apple is doing is selling them products that were developed years ago by lesser known companies. I mean most Apple products don't even support flash. Flash is a HUGE component for the interwebs. They don't support flash because it would remove their monopoly over selling software, as people would be able to purchase items through flash based programs, instead of Apple's overpriced music and application store. iPads are not laptop killers, they are more of a laptop for technically inept people. And thus concludes my rant against the evil, greedy corporation that is Apple.

but they look pretty, its kinda like a trophy wife it looks pretty but doesnt realy do anything besides wasting money

 

[Erecting a Sentry]

I'd be fucking pissed since i just got a 360

 

[Dexiro]

I don't think MS are out of the running just yet but they won't last forever on their current business plan.

They seem to put an emphasis on getting a head start. Their construction of the 360 was shoddy to begin with, but it lowered the price and more people bought it. Then they buy temporary exclusivity on as many titles as they can and mask it as the permanent exclusivity that you get with other consoles. And they put too much emphasis on marketing rather than genuine quality.

Are people going to stick with them once they learn all of this?

I think the PS3 and Wii each have a pretty firm market. Considering the Xbox's only real selling point is better online play, once the other consoles catch up or PC gaming becomes more accessible they're not gonna last.

 

[Worgen]

You think that Sony and Nintendo are going to release a 'next generation' console any time soon? looooooooool.

Ill bet money that nintendo will start talking about a new console next year and will have one out sometime in 12, the wii is nice but its very under powered... but then again with the 3ds coming out next year that might extend the wii's life a bit since the 3ds is going to print money and nintendo might be a bit too distracted by that to really develop a new home console so soon

 

[Sevenfest]

Honestly, I see motion controls in general just being a technology stopgap, much in the same way 3d is in the cinemas and tv's. Watching Tron recently, the effects are great but by the end my eyes wanted to tell me to fuck off and die. It's not a solution, it's a temporary 'change of perspective' if you will.

I don't see Microsoft or any of the gaming companies as being fucked at all (Though Nintendo are going to need something HD this time around). We aren't going to have a single format for a while and it seems cloud gaming won't become the standard just yet. We probably have another run of 'conventional' consoles before that happens.

What I do see is options. On the one hand you're going to be running and jumping around with the Kinect.. on the other you'll be using voice commands to control your team Endwar style whiel you're walking around in first/third person. You'll be warning your team about threats, leaning forward to 'lean' around a corner. With the Move you'd be able to do similar things and it also has that multi array microphone.. when Nintendo bring out their next gen I can see them having similar ideas. There will obviously be more applications for it than wargames; say for example sports games where you tell the other players (AI or human) where you want them to run to make a play. Telling your caddy you need the 9 iron for this shot. It's going to be the little things that make a bigger difference.

We're in a transition period - I've been working in games retail for 5 years now and gaming for the last 23 years and honestly I've never seen so much of a stalemate between companies. It's definitely not Nintendo vs Sega anymore. Everyones trying to find their way and decide ultimately what, long term, they want to use their products for.



The tl;dr version is "no. they're not fucked."

 

[Polaris19]

Some good points but here's my take:

Point #1: The Kinect hasn't impressed me either, but keep in mind it is a brand new piece of technology for Microsoft. It isn't perfect, no. But I think in time the Kinect will find a way to be an important piece of the Xbox gaming experience. Some of the rumored titles intrigue me, and there's defiantly some interesting places Microsoft could go with it. The launch lineup is meant to be a jumping off point, but it could be every bit as popular as the Wii, if Microsoft handles it right.

Point #2: The Opposite is true here. Despite the fact that you have to pay, the fact is that Xbox LIVE is still the way to do gaming online. The experience is much better on LIVE than elsewhere, lots of DLC is offered, the party system is built in, and while a pain sometimes, allows you to stay connected with your friends while your all playing most other games. Not to mention all the extra stuff that comes with your LIVE subscription. Yes, money is the great equalizer, but the fact is that people are still paying for it and have no real issues with that. As long as you get the bang for your buck, you won;t mind shelling out the fees. Though Microsoft needs to quit their archaic way of handling patches...

Point #3 ????
The Microsoft points system (while a bit confusing) is just as easy to understand as having your money. IF you don't have x number of points you can't buy this. Same with cash. Yes you do have to buy the points with money, but it's just the way it is. It works the same way as money works. They just replaced cash with MS points. Not to mention they carry over to their Windows Live service as well (though there's not much around in that regard...)


Now here's some other things to consider:

1. Nintendo is actually in a bit of an odd place right now. The Wii has stopped being a big player in the games market for a bit now. Not because of the console, because of the games. The games have really just not been quality as of late. Some with promise have fallen short of their expectations while others...well....

2. Sony has only just started diggin itself out of the massive hole it had been digging. I give them points, they have really turned the mess with the PS3 around, but it still needs work. Particulerly the online elements. Yes, free is nice, but you get what you pay for. Lack of party chat systems is a big issue for me, and the fact that a lot of DLC hits weeks or even months after it hits on the 360 doesn't help.

3. Neither the Wii or the PS3 have even close to the depth of the 360's games library. This includes singleplayer games. The 360 doesn't just have more games, it has more quality games. While the scales of balance have slowly started to bring the 360 and PS3 even, many of the 360's backcatalog games are still incredible, and many of the PS3 and Wii's titles just haven't fared as well.

and finally

4. Microsoft is a big player in the game world now. It's time to just face facts. Right now, they have done the best job this time around. While the PS3 and Wii have had their moments, the 360 has consistently put out hit games, and has offered a better online service overall. Despite a failure rate higher than either other console Microsoft has been able to keep gamers coming back (as well as fix most of the issues).

Sorry but Microsoft is FAR from out of the running. That's just how it is. Though there are issues that need to be fixed (let us have ALL OF THE TF2 UPDATES YOU BASTARADS!!!!), it still offers an unparalleled online gaming experience, and it's deep catalog of games ensures that there's a lot to go back and buy. The extra services are also a big part of the LIVE subscription.

 

[Alexander Cron]

Microsoft is a long way from dead and I hope they can bury the disgusting Apple.

I agree, Apple is for mindless sheep and artsy people who have no idea what a computer actually needs. People will buy anything that has the Apple logo on it, without even realizing that all Apple is doing is selling them products that were developed years ago by lesser known companies. I mean most Apple products don't even support flash. Flash is a HUGE component for the interwebs. They don't support flash because it would remove their monopoly over selling software, as people would be able to purchase items through flash based programs, instead of Apple's overpriced music and application store. iPads are not laptop killers, they are more of a laptop for technically inept people. And thus concludes my rant against the evil, greedy corporation that is Apple.

but they look pretty, its kinda like a trophy wife it looks pretty but doesnt realy do anything besides wasting money

I agree, people will buy anything that has a nice shiny coat.

 

[FaceFaceFace]

The second nail in Microsoft's proverbial coffin is X-Box Live. Which, unless they fix some stuff, will continue being the worst of the bunch. Think about it: PC gaming - online in games is free. Wii online - free. PS3 online - free. 360 online - monthly fee. So already they're behind.

Wii online may be free, but it might as well be nonexistent. Friend codes? Really? Yeah Sony beats Microsoft here, but Nintendo is definitely the user in this category for more or less not having an online feature.

 

[skennedy929]

I stopped reading after you said Xbox Live was the weakest of the bunch. You obviously have no fucking clue what the hell you are talking about.

 

[Goldeneye103X2]

Well, admittedly Microsoft do seem to be aiding those who went and bought kinect, leaving out the kinect-less (i.e. me and a couple of my friends). They're doing very well though, regardless of kinect. However, the PS3 is largely gaining ground on the 360. It's getting a shitload of exclusives next year, as well as that Shadow of the colossus/Ico HD remake. I personally think that sony are pulling the right move(pun not intended)by releasing these HD remakes. Essentially it's a big glaring moneymaking scheme, but who cares? Anyone up for Prince of Persia or Sly Cooper?

Actually, Once sony HD-ify the Ratchet and Clank Quadrilogy, THAT'S when microsoft are fucked.

 

[Tarlane]

...or maybe PC's are dying. Maybe people will start using consoles to go on the internet, check email, etc... from their couch. With HDTV's and wireless accessories there is nothing preventing a console from becoming a full fledged PC. In fact, right now you can plug your PC into an HDTV via VGA or HDMI. There is no doubt that in the future console will become more like PC's.

That's what I'm suggesting, that eventually they stuff so many bits and bobs in the console that it IS a PC, just with a different control scheme.

You're suggesting that people will buy a PC because the consoles are just PC's in a different shell. I am suggesting the opposite, that people will buy the console since it is cheaper, more user friendly and does all that a PC does.

I believe what they were actually saying is that a console is becoming a PC, as in other than the input/output method there is quickly becoming no difference between the two.

I can see this, hell at the moment I play my console games on my comp monitor and use a 360 controller to play half my PC games. Each of the two platforms has things they are better for but each generation brings them closer together.

 

[Natdaprat]

Doesn't bother me. PC gaming is where it is at, and always will be.

 

[Atmos Duality]

Whats wrong with the PS3 exclusives? Depending on the genre of gaming you're interested in theres Uncharted series, Resistance, Infamous, Ratchet and Clank, Killzone, LBP, Demon's Souls, Disgaea, Metal Gear Solid, etc.

I've already addressed that briefly in my latest post.
Even among those on the list, there are alternatives for several of them on the 360.
Just as an example, Killzone and Resistance have nothing special or extraordinary about them to be honest; although they are pretty good games in their own right.
The point is, when I can find an alternative on a another system, it takes away some of that "exclusive punch".
Especially if the core system costs more than my competition's; and that's where the 360's strength has been. The market will favor the cheaper system in a multi-platform launch (assuming it's actually the same product, unlike The Force Unleashed).

Sorry for making a list and all but as far as I can tell there are plenty of decent ps3 exclusives and as far as I can tell it's the 360 that ought to be having some sort of difficulty as, and admittedly my knowledge in this area is limited, their exclusives contain Halo, Gears of War, Alan Wake and Mass Effect 1 (since 2 is coming to the ps3 in january).
There could well be a mass of amazing 360 exclusives out there that I don't know about but as far as I'm aware it seems to me that their catalogue of games has balanced with the ps3 or possibly even switched from their initial positions.

Off the top of my head, I can think of several great indie titles XBLA, while I cannot think of even one for the PS3.
You can also chock any future Bethesda mega-games up to being 360 preferred if not exclusive just due to the sheer ineptitude of Bethesda's engine design (hopefully this new engine they're supposedly using will fix that, but so far it's only been advertised as being "Shinier"). Fallout 3 had serious issues running on the PS3 and it took Bethesda a solid year to even begin supporting it at all.

It's also likely that other titles could jump off the "Exclusive" bandwagon in the future like FF13 did (I saw the Xbox 360 version while shopping last week. Good grief, it must come on like 3 DVDs). Keep in mind; Sony's antics in this last year has been pissing off developers and customers alike.

So from my point of view, they aren't switched yet I'm afraid. At best, the PS3 might match the 360, but just due to market stagnation I doubt they will ever definitively overtake Microsoft. Certainly not in the 'States (Japan, well, it seems that they hate non-domestic/imports by nature. Funny how they love to sell us their stuff though.)

Then again, perhaps the Kinect and Move will prove once and for all that it doesn't matter who takes 1st; Nintendo will still be curb stomping the both of them and now they're in the best position to launch the next generation of consoles.

 

[AtmaPhil]

MS is far from out of the running but rather I think console wars are about to end.
Compared to the old days now it seems like every game are released multiplatformed and MS has been losing more and more of its exclusives to sony and vice versa.
I wouldn't be supprised if next gen outside of the diffrence in motion control gimmick all consoles end up with the same library.

 

[MorganL4]

I'd say console gaming is dying out as a whole.

You see what the current consoles can do now. Watch movies, surf the internet, check youtube... eventually people are going to realise, "Hey! This isn't a console anymore! This is a PC!"

Then I shall appear before the new PC users and lead them to the Promised Land of PC gaming as their savior! And there shall be free cookies every Sunday!

Okay, maybe not the last bit there, but can someone give me free cookies every Sunday anyway?

I do like that I can watch netflix instantly on my TV with my xbox ( of course I could just put a TV tuner in my computer and hook it up to a tv and vwalla) and for certain types of games ( IMO FPS) work better with a controller; likewise others ( RTS) work better on computer. In other words I feel that they each have their own place.......... And then you have people that own MACs if they want to play a game then ( unless its WoW) they are going to need a console.