• 28Aug 08

  Is the Wii the deathbringer of the hardcore video game industry?

  In my personal, and most humble opinion, it may indeed become it.

  First of all, I want to clarify two things. I do not hate the Wii in any way. It's the first time after three generations that Nintendo is actually making bucks from its hardware product that isn't bigger than 8 inches. They needed the break after the disastrous N64, and the short-lived Gamecube.

  Second, although I recently decided to stop investing in Microsoft and Nintendo, and follow Sony's PS3, I do not consider me a fanboy in any way, and still hope that one day, the awesome Mass Effect will come to the PS3 as well, just like Bioshock. So what you are about to read isn't a PS3 fanboy's ranting, but rather, the concern of a hardcore gamer who is afraid that the hardcore viideo game industry may be blown to hell.

  Even if the console war of this generation has been up for only two years, the Wii has already been crowned as the absolute victor. This happened due to two factors: it's low price, and its unique appeal to the casual gamer. The Wii has something that all other consoles lack: uniqueness. No matter what the quality, this alone guaranteed success. If you have on a table three meals with spaghetti and one with french fries for sale, it is sure that the french fries are going to achieve the biggest sales, mainly because the spaghetti lovers will be divided between the three spaghetti courses, while all french fires lovers are going to choose the *single* french frie dish.

  However, in terms of profit, what does that mean for the other companies? In my opinion, history has shown that, time and again, a good idea will be ripped-off. We have seen this in everyday life, as well as video gaming. So when the casual gamer gives a company more money than a hardcore gamer, the company will start paying attention to the casual gamer as well.

  Microsoft already hinted through Halo 4 that is already planning its next system. And if we're to give the comments on E3 any credit, it's safe to assume that they will rip-off the Wii. It's what Bill Gates does best. He ripps off the most successful console of the previous generation.

  So what happens if Sony and Microsoft decide to make Wii-k-alikes? Aside from the occasional game for the hardcore gamer, most games will be about swinging your arms left and right like an idiot, with questionable quality products swarming the industry. It is obvious from sites and critics that 65% of the Wii's titles are complete and utter crap, and a cheap ticket to a quick buck for many developing teams. Sure there will be quality titles, but these will be the exception, not the rule.

  I'm afraid that the hardcore gamer's era maybe slowly dying, just like the 2D games died. Who knows what will happen, but I willing to bet that Microsoft is going to play ball and follow the hen with the golden egg.

  Perhaps the PS3 will end up being the last console I ever bought. We'll see

  • Posted Aug 28, 2008 2:55 am GMT
  • Category: Games
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