It seems the console maker who’s trailing in sales typically says how great competition is and how it’s great for the consumer. Sony’s not leading the console race, as of now, and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe president David Reeves stated in a recent interview:
The winner, he said, is the consumer. “That’s why we are not going to slag off Microsoft or Nintendo at all,” he said, “because again it’s rather like the trainer market: one year it’s Reebok, next year it’s Nike, and then suddenly it’s Adidas; it’s cyclical, but in the end everyone wins in five to ten years.”
Sony continues to speak towards their “10 year plan” and how they’re increasing momentum in the market. They’re not winning in sales but with a ten years to go, this is just the beginning. Had this statement come from Microsoft it would be a chance to worry, but Sony has proof to backup their statements.
The PlayStation 2 is going strong as a nine year-old and doesn’t seem to be letting up in game releases. Sony’s press conferences always cover the PlayStation 2 in their talks with the PSP and PlayStation 3 for three big reasons: it’s worth bragging about, it distracts from lower PS3 sales and it separates them from the competition.
Where is the GameCube or classic Xbox in Nintendo and Microsoft’s press conferences and number crunch reports? The fact is, the companies have given up on both products retiring them as “last generation” (translation: poor sales). What better reason to buy a PlayStation 3 than knowing the company is in the game for the long haul?
It might be bit cheaper to buy an Xbox 360 but who’s to say Microsoft isn’t going to announce their next generation console tomorrow and kill off the Xbox 360? Obviously, Microsoft will deny those claims but there will always be doubt without a proven track record.
On the other hand, Microsoft hasn’t seen the success in the classic Xbox and Nintendo hasn’t seen nearly the fervor over the GameCube as compared to their current generation consoles. So, that begs the question, why would they halt all that for new console announcements?
Until they’ve had more time in the market, we cannot be 100% certain what Nintendo and Microsoft are going to do when it comes to next-generation announcements while Sony’s been very clear in each press conference. As Kaz Hirai said to Eurogamer earlier:
“We certainly don’t do the consumer the disservice of basically saying that the consoles have gone by the wayside because we have a new one. Right now, a prime example? PS2 is nine years into it. Where’s the Xbox? Where’s the GameCube?”
If one console maker is looking for a way to stand out and explain their slow sales figures, Sony’s got the PS2 and its long history in their back pocket.
Now, if we could only get those game designers to continue to take it seriously and not put all their eggs into the PS3 basket.
If you’re into Rock Band and love the songs you’ve played, you may want to migrate them into Rock Band 2, correct? For the price of 400 Microsoft points ($4.99) you’re now able to download an export “patch” to allow exporting of 55 Rock Band songs into the next version of Rock Band.
@Call of Duty: Elite for Black Ops 2 will be free
What does that service bring anyway? Seriously, besides bragging rights? I get it when you get DLC for free or at a discount, due to being a member but still, the service itself … 😐
Then again, I’m the guy that is not sure whether to play or not free-mium games, so …
@Metro: Last Light dumping multiplayer
That’s not actually a bad thing. The strong point of the first Metro 2033 was the story, so I don’t see this as a disappointment. So sure, focus on what you do best. STALKER has multiplayer, but I never bothered with it.
To follow the off-topic, if a game has Co-Op and other MP modes, I would usually focus on Co-Op. And I’m not the only one: if you look at the server browser for the first Serious Sam games (First Encounter and Second Encounter) most servers with people in it are Co-Op. That’s gotta say something.
@Microsoft banning PEGI 18 apps from Windows 8 Store
Well, what can I say, they own the store so they can rule it as they want.
CroTeam’s pink scorpion: I like that sort of copy protection! Devs should do that more.
QOTW: I remember now! “Zombie Nation”.
The game has no zombies in it. You are a flying giant head, spitting … spit and eyeballs at your enemies. I liked the game, but the title … it just sets your expectations in the wrong direction.
*DING* You’ve got hate mail!
Dear Paul,
Stop asking for hate mail and then inflating your ego after Jonah tells you that the fans love you. Stop saying ‘I blame the parents’ when it doesn’t even fit the context. Don’t hate or love someone just because they like to play a certain game, it shows how biased you are. Finally, something for Jonah as well, stop interrupting somebody when you don’t agree with their point/opinion.
*DING*
In all seriousness, I didn’t have anything of value to comment this week.
@attempting hate mail
Dear Paul
You are annoying. I hope that when you are driving a car, you will crash into a schoolbus full of children and you will survive and they will all die in a horrible fire and that will haunt you for the rest of your life.
\hate mail
@Elite and Premium
Is it me or is COD trying to copy Battlefield because it’s subscription was more successful? I play Battlefield but never bought premium. That’s because I received one of it’s DLC as a pre-order bonus. That reduced the value of the package for me. Talk about catering for long time supporters.
@Kickstarter UK
I agree with Jordan. Never even knew it wasn’t available outside of US. In many ways it’s a good thing, because the UK government strangles all local creativity. They tax creators so much, that a large percentage of local stuff (like cartoons) are made abroad. Maybe removing the publisher will allow game developers to operate more easily.
@A single-player Metro
I hate it when they tack on multiplayer in otherwise good single-player games. Darkness is a great example. It’s usually bad unless they invest a lot of effort into it. Which takes manpower, time and money. Which makes single player worse off. They either have to balance well or concentrate on just one.
@Why do we even care. 99% of content on Windows 8 will be pirated anyway. I don’t think anyone will even know there is a store.
Microsoft should just integrate Piratebay into their core system. That and Steam.
@QOTW
Wish Metal Gear Solid: Revengance was already out. My spellcheck crashes every time I type that word. From the games I know, “Big Mutha Truckers: Truck Me Harder” comes to mind.
@Obsidian Project Eternity game:
Well Project Eternity has gotten over 4M and completed it’s Kickstarting funding. I am excited for this game, a call back to Isometric RPG games which I haven’t seen in a long time. I hope this not only helps Kickstarter become a more reputable option but also show that games other then FPS can not only make a profit but deserved to be made.
I really like one of the companions you’ll be getting a Cipher (Psychic) Detective, which seems very outside the norm of Wizard/Fighter/Thief/Cleric type classes.
Love the show keep up the good work guys.
@Metro: Last Light dumping multiplayer:
i hope they launch it as a free DLC if everything else fails on MP in “launchday”
@Microsoft banning PEGI 18 apps from Windows 8 Store:
if they dont like money, i can take some off their hands! and with the podcast kickstarter up and running, i know my 1st spending of this fictional huge sum of money i’ll soon have :3
no, but seriously, i can give this as a real ansewr to this issue: “they should not forbid steaks for everyone just because a baby can’t chew it” – mark twain
@QOTW:
Space Pirates and Zombies. i know, it is a good game and the name matches the gameplay, but it is still an awesome and weird name!
as of the time i am writing this feedback, it is monday and i was at college a few moments ago. i could not be drunk, but when i’m inhibriated by alcoholic beverages, i’ll give you guys a heads up
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/417021624/td-gaming-podcast