An article on Fox News has predicted that we may be on the cusp of doomsday for the traditional console gaming industry. New markets have opened for devices like Apple’s iPhone and OnLive streaming service and consumers may be perfectly happy with the content they can find on those platforms.
“I actually think consoles are a thing of the past. Why pay $50-60 for sequels of the same games on $300 machines when I can play newer experiences elsewhere in a lot less time -- and for a lot less money -- on devices I already use more?” gamer Mark Ormond told Fox.
Production consultant Keith Fuller believes that services like Gmail or Netflix Instant Streaming have made users more comfortable with consuming content that they don’t necessarily have a physical copy of.
“Every time someone uses Gmail, Netflix Instant, or Amazon’s Cloud Player, they’re already buying into the concept of using a service without physically owning or installing something,” said Fuller. “A few great titles and a few intriguing incentives is all it will take for gaming as a service to gain momentum. Imagine if you saw a TV advertisement for the next Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty on something unexpected? It could happen within a few years.”
Nintendo and Sony weighed in as well. Sony is open to the idea, with a stronger focus on content than hardware, but Nintendo believes consoles are here to stay. Nintendo’s next console is already scheduled to be revealed at this year’s E3, with “Nintendo Stream” already rumored as a possible retail moniker.
“The definition of console gaming is quickly becoming more a discussion about content and experiences than form factor,” said John Koller, director of hardware marketing for Sony’s PlayStation branch.
“Consoles display games on the biggest screen in the house,” said Marc Franklin, Nintendo’s director of public relations. “No other game device can match their impact. No other type of gaming brings people together in the same way.”
Are you ready to give up your consoles gamers?
