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

Re:Missing comparison

[metamatic]

More important than in the past. Which is pretty obvious, and also not saying much, as the proportion of people caring to go online at all via console is something like 6-10%.

I've used my PS2 online, but only to download cheat codes... I've played several games which had online capability, but none of the online functionality was interesting to me. They need to fix that problem before they start building grand schemes to charge subscription fees.

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...)