Thoughts on innovation during the next console generation

[dsheinem]

When I say that the SNES is superior to the Xbox 360, it has nothing to do with "nostalgia" and everything to do with the fact that the hardware was much more durable and the software library much more exciting.

More durable hardware? Sure, though it was also much less complex.

A more exciting library? Purely subjective.

[BoneSnapDeez]

When I say that the SNES is superior to the Xbox 360, it has nothing to do with "nostalgia" and everything to do with the fact that the hardware was much more durable and the software library much more exciting.

More durable hardware? Sure, though it was also much less complex.

A more exciting library? Purely subjective.

I know it's subjective... but I'm posting in a thread where the OP is asking for our opinions. Again, I'm not sure why you thing it's wrong for a person to say "X video games are better than Y video games".

[dsheinem]

Again, I'm not sure why you thing it's wrong for a person to say "X video games are better than Y video games".

Because X and Y are entire decades, and those kinds of claims can't be substantiated in any way that would even approach some level of consensus. "I prefer" is fine and defensible. "Are better" is neither.

Pointless thread is pointless.

[Erik_Twice]

I dont think that quirky/unique/innovative titles like that should be pushed aside and sold as downloadable arcade titles just because they dont have as much content as sandbox and online games.

They shouldn't, it's a bad bussiness model and a bad way of reaching the audience. Similarly, I think that selling arcade games as if they were a minor work is similarly bad for everyone involved.

The industry suffers greatly from blockbuster or niche mentality, they don't understand that you can compete in several markets, they are stuck with Pareto's principle in mind and think it's not worthwhile to do anything but blockbusters.

With out motion control gimmick games that appeal to people who wouldnt normally play video games and big name Nintendo franchises that loyal fans will buy out of obligation, where do you think the Nintendo Wii would stand right now?

I would not call motion controls a gimmick, for they are one of the basic features of the system, very much like DDR doesn't have a "dance pad gimmick". I wouldn't call it nostalgic, either, given than any early effort I can think of was experimental and tried by only a select few.

I don't think any new Nintendo game can be called outdated or lazy anymore than any classic Disney film can be called so. If there's a word for those games, it's conservative, not lazy.

I mean what has PC got besides MMORPGs and RTS games nowadays?

I think you are begging the question.

its only a matter of time before next generation PC/console hybrid that comes equipped with a keyboard becomes the main platform for the remaining PC genres like strategy games, MMORPGs and other games that require a keyboard and a mouse.

That will never happen because you need a hard surface to play and consoles are designed to be plugged to a television and played in a couch. There's also a quite clear opposition to mouses as they don't want to alienate the fanbases they have with a change in controllers.

The framework, bussiness model and existing communities also oppose this.


Just my two cents.

[J T]

Because X and Y are entire decades, and those kinds of claims can't be substantiated in any way that would even approach some level of consensus. "I prefer" is fine and defensible. "Are better" is neither.

The games I like are better than the ones you prefer.

[Erik_Twice]

The games I like are better than the ones you prefer.

That's only like, your opinion, man!

[dsheinem]

Those of you claiming that "the industry" only turns out blockbusters and sequels, that innovation is dead, and that niche games have no market are completely and entirely on crack.

There has NEVER been a time in gaming history with a more profitable market for indie games.

There are a TON of new IPs by major development houses that have had blockbuster success and a slew of sequels (Dead Space, Dragon Age, Uncharted, Mass Effect, Resistance, Motorstorm, Demon's Souls, Gears of War, etc.).

There has never been a more import-friendly environment (region free releases, region free consoles, etc.)

None of the criticisms in this thread or countless others we've had on the forum about the "sorry state" of modern gaming makes ANY FUCKING SENSE. All I can do is chock it up to nostalgia or some kind of defense of personal identity as tied to a particular era/console/etc.

[Erik_Twice]

and that niche games have no market are completely and entirely on crack.

No one in this thread has claimed otherwise.

None of the criticisms in this thread or countless others we've had on the forum about the "sorry state" of modern gaming makes ANY FUCKING SENSE.

Mate, instead of yeling how wrong we are, I think you should focus on arguing back and if it isn't worth your time, don't bother at all. Really, I know it's rude to call you out on this, but...

[sabrage]

Honestly, if they didn't churn out these sequels, people would ask where they were. They can't win.

[dsheinem]

and that niche games have no market are completely and entirely on crack.

No one in this thread has claimed otherwise.

None of the criticisms in this thread or countless others we've had on the forum about the "sorry state" of modern gaming makes ANY FUCKING SENSE.

Mate, instead of yeling how wrong we are, I think you should focus on arguing back and if it isn't worth your time, don't bother at all. Really, I know it's rude to call you out on this, but...

It's not just this thread (or you), it is several of them over time that have slogged on contemporary gaming as being shit for, essentially, not being exactly like gaming "used to be" in some "ancient time of purity and glory" or some such. This one just happened to catch my ire because I am in a pissy mood today...

But the point stands that the tenor of the OP's post and several of the others was that, compared to the now-mythical past, there are some major problems with innovation, imagination, variety, etc. in the contemporary gaming industry. It's bollocks.