Category Archives: IndustryGamers

Valve: Biggest threat to the next generation?

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Chris steamboxMorris argues that a Steam Box could make life difficult for Microsoft and Sony in the next couple years

With Nintendo having launched its next generation system and Microsoft and Sony waiting in the wings, plenty of analysts, observers and thumb-suckers are rubbing their worry beads about the impact of mobile and tablet gaming.

The PC is mentioned in passing, though few believe it will be a viable threat, due to the challenges that come with different hardware specifications. They also note that things like driver updates and the perception of more frequent component updates can be intimidating for the mass audience. But if the recent whispers of Valve’s plans to launch a game hardware system prove true, that could upend the playing field.

Read more at GamesIndustry.biz

Ubisoft’s Guillemot on evolving audiences, Wii U, and possibly buying THQ

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Among third-party publishers, you aren’t likely to find a bigger Wii U booster than Ubisoft chairman and CEO Yves Guillemot.

That’s hardly surprising, given his company’s big bet on the system (it has 10 games in the Wii U’s “launch window,” including six day one titles). But even Guillemot has some things he’d like to see Nintendo doing differently.

Specifically: He’s not a big fan of the console’s price.

Read more at GamesIndustry.biz

PS3 Super Slim Could Be A Super Stumble

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Just a few short weeks ago, it seemed pretty clear how this holiday season was going to shake out for the video game industry – on a few fronts at least.

The long drought of mediocre titles would be replaced with a steady stream of AAA hits. Nintendo would roll out the first next-generation console system. And Microsoft and Sony would battle the Wii U with the best tool at their disposal: A price cut.

Then came Wednesday’s pre-TGS Sony press conference – and all hell broke loose.

Read more at GamesIndustry.biz

Sony Interview: Jack Tretton Defends Vita, Dedicated Consoles

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The SCEA boss remains optimistic about consoles, says social and free-to-play are just “an additive diversion”

There are a lot of people looking to bury the PS Vita these days. Sales haven’t exactly been blockbuster and the software lineup to date has been so-so, at best.

Even Sony itself has sent some mixed signals. At its pre-E3 press conference in June, the company promised 60 new Vita games this year – then only showcased three over the next hour-and-a-half. Despite that, Sony is telling investors it expects to sell 10 million units this fiscal year (which ends March 31, 2013), largely on the strength of its holiday lineup (which includes PlayStation All Stars: Battle Royale, Assassin’s Creed 3: Liberation and Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified).

Read more at GamesIndustry.biz

Ouya: Panacea For Console Biz or The Next Phantom?

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Veteran journalist Chris Morris tackles the major reasons why Ouya could be a revolution or a mere footnote

Any time a start-up makes $4.5 million in four days through crowdsourcing, it’s bound to raise a few eyebrows. And Ouya has certainly done that.

Enthusiasts are dreaming of a dark horse console that will bring gaming back to its roots, ending the cycle of sequel-itis and injecting some fresh new game mechanics into the industry. Skeptics, meanwhile, say those Kickstarter supporters could be throwing their money away on a product that will never find a significant audience.

Ironically, they could both be right.

Read more at GamesIndustry.biz

Wii U: Dissecting Nintendo’s Biggest Quotes

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Veteran journalist Chris Morris examines some key statements from Nintendo’s execs.

There are good E3 performances and there are great E3 performances. In 2012, Nintendo had neither.

While it will be a few months before the public gets its say about the Wii U, few (including Nintendo) would argue that the company showed off the console in the best light possible at this year’s industry trade show.

Read more at GamesIndustry.biz

Xbox 360 at $99: How It Could Change The Industry, Or Fail Miserably

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It’s hard to keep a secret in the video game world.

Microsoft’s confirmation this week that it will offer the Xbox 360 for just $99 (with a $15 per month Xbox Live subscription) was a bit anti-climatic after the news leaked last week. But spoiled surprises don’t necessarily negate a move’s impact.

Read more at GamesIndustry.biz

PlayStation Orbis and Next Xbox: Why Used Games Aren’t Going Away

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Veteran journalist Chris Morris tackles six reasons why the next-gen systems won’t kill used gaming

There’s a lot of talk making the rounds these days about used games and the next generation.

The popular theory is the next Xbox or PlayStation 4/”Orbis” might altogether block people from playing previously owned games – something that has the core gamer base feeling a bit backstabbed. But the shock of seeing these reports seems to be causing those same people to lose perspective.

Read more at Industry Gamers

Next Xbox No-Show: Why Microsoft’s Keeping Durango Under Wraps

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Veteran journalist Chris Morris explains what a no-show for the next Xbox at E3 means

With Microsoft’s announcement that it has no plans to even mention its next generation console system at this year’s E3, the annual video game trade show has gotten a bit less interesting.

It is, in some ways, a confusing decision. While no one expected the next Xbox to come out this year, publishers traditionally begin beating the drum for new systems about 18 months out – and there’s no indication Microsoft has pushed the system to 2014. Also, with the company talking to developers now, the specs for the device have leaked out faster than water through a colander.

Read more at Games Industry Biz

Wii U: What Nintendo Should and Shouldn’t Do

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It might seem that there aren’t a lot of mysteries remaining about the Wii U, Nintendo’s first step into the high definition marketplace and the kickoff of the next generation console wars. But initial appearances can be deceiving.

While we’ll likely learn everything there is to know at E3, there’s still time for the company to tweak its new system to get the most out of it when it comes to retail. Just as we did with the next generation Xbox and the PlayStation 4, we’ve got a few humble suggestions about what Nintendo should – and shouldn’t – do with its next console.

Read more at Industry Gamers