• 30May 07

  Innovation - The new graphics.

  When I was younger, there seemed to be one thing that was important in a video-game console - graphics.  Children didn't understand all the tech verbiage that programmers may have used to describe a console.  For me, and for my friends...it was "bit".  The Nintendo was 7 bit (I think).  The Genesis was 16 bit.  The first playstation was 32 bit.  It was all about the graphics.  It was all about how pretty the game looked.

  Today it's very different.  Graphics are still important...but just as important as most all other features of a game.  What stands out and shines for games and CONSOLES today (in my mind) is innovation.  Games, like movies, are growing older and so is their target market.  Older teens and adults are screaming for the next game to be very different from the last that they played...and they want a system that can deliver.

  Everyone assumes that Nintendo is offering the most innovation and I would have to agree.  When it came to designing the next-generation consoles Nintendo was one the forefront of innovation.  Trying to create games that couldn't be played on other consoles because of the player's new interaction with the system and games.  Obviously, Nintendo is surpassing Sony and Microsoft in sales both on the home consoles and also on the handheld (true...Microsoft isn't yet in this race, though.)

  I'm eagerly awaiting Microsoft and Sony to "bounce back" in the arena of innovation.  But I'm curious...what will they do? 

  Personally, I believe that Sony COULD take their new technology for their new EYE and run with it.  I'm sure that RPGs, FPS, strategy games and many others could be played through an EYE camera device instead of a controller....but is that the future of gaming for Sony?

  How about Microsoft?  They seem to be doing well by focusing on innovating gameplay through online functionality....but Sony will be catching up in the fall...and for FREE!  If you had a 360 for 5 years you will spend $250 on subscription fees...That is more than the difference of price between the 360 and PS3.

  What do you think?  What is the future of innovation for our consoles.  I expect each will grow and try new things...but who will be successful?  Who will offer games that nobody else can duplicate?  What will those games be like?

  • Posted May 30, 2007 8:16 am PT
  • Category: Games
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