How Online Services Will Shape the Console War

Next Generation has a piece looking at the role online services will play in this round in the console Wars. With Microsoft's Xbox Live already in the field and both Nintendo and Sony working on plans for their own online environments, there would seem to be quite a bit to talk about. Despite that, the article offers up a pessimistic view of the competition. From the article: "The short glib answer is that online games will probably be a more important feature for console systems over the next several years, but once again the traditional retail model is likely to be the dominant driving factor when it comes to how the new game systems build an installed base."

Comments

Online Services May Be Huge

[Covetous Knight]

The article talks a bit about what motivates a consumer. I just wanted to comment that XBox live has motivated me. I'm a Microsoft hater, yet here I am an Xbox 360 owner due to my curiosity in Xbox Live. I'm pretty pleased with the service. I wish there was a little more, a news browser or something maybe. Sometimes you get done playing a game and still want to use the XBOx but not want to play a game, or download a game trailer, or whatever. But really it's slick. Being able to download a demo or trailer for nearly every game is pretty brilliant, and I think the achivements system for each game - and how it keeps track for each player is pretty innovative.

I really hope the PS2 and Nintendo systems can compete. Xbox live marketplace has a lot of overpriced junk on there. Hopefully Sony / Nintendo can offer better products for less money. Should be an interesting couple of years.

Re:A plea to developers

[casualsax3]

Thank you - I'm glad to see someone else shares my opinion of the overall importance of online play. The types of games I really enjoy - Resident Evil 4 is a great example, or more recently Shaddow of the Colussus - moving any portion of the game online would really take away from it. Online gaming will never be the main draw of gaming - it's just an entertaining sideshow.

what are you talking about?

[Frag-A-Muffin]

... and both Nintendo and Sony working on plans for their own online environments, ...


(Emphasis mine.)

I think we're getting a very good glimpse of what Nintendo's going to be offering. I play on the DS wifi network every day. It's amazingly simple, fast to connect, and no lag to speak of. I think it's a pretty darn good preview.

Gaming for COUPLES still not adequately addressed.

[ClioCJS]

Sure, I can play split-screen against my wife.... But.... Can we both go online split-screen? Nooooooooooo.

So I never play online because I never play alone. Apparantly this really IS for people with no friends. But my wife plays video games with me, and damnit, it would be nice if we could both go online.

I also didn't like having to purchase three copies of Quake3, so that us-and-a-guest could go online and play. We're one family, one set of income(s), having to pay thrice did not sit well with me.

However, at least it is possible for us to join a Q3 server on both of our computers. What are we supposed to do for the consoles, however? Buy another Xbox? Buy another PS2s? (Both of mine are modded so the 2nd ones would need to be too, probably... Even more money, but I do enjoy playing Atari 2600 games on my Xbox! But I digress...)