The Next-Generation Video Game Industry

Hello, everybody and thank you for checking out my video game lens on "the Next-Generation Video Game Industry! I've written a couple articles on this subject online already, and due to some recommendations and feedback, I decided that perhaps I'll start a lens and offer my video-game expertise to the world! I will try to keep this updated as often as possible, offering my tips and advice to this site and hope to recieve as much feedback as possible!

Jonel Cordero

Here is my theory on why the Xbox 360 has been conquering the online gaming world among its direct competitors and will improve upon for the years to come.

The first thing that people need to first accept is that Online Gaming is now a big industry that deserves some attention. Why do people play online is like asking why people like to interact. Sure people still do love to play their 1-player games, role-playing type games would have been a perfect example of that, a couple of years ago that is. Even those have started to become an online phenomenon with the advent of games such as the World of Warcraft, Everquest and Final Fantasy 11. When a popular satirical show, such as South Park, which is based on some of the hottest current events, makes a show about Online Gaming, then it should be a no-brainer that this is one industry with almost unlimited financial possibilities.

All of the three big shots, Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony, have taken some strides in someway to improve their online gaming systems. Whether it be a past, present, or 'Next Generation' console.

However here is the only reason you will almost ever need to understand why the Xbox has been dominating the online gaming world and will continue to do so. It's called Microsoft.

With such a backing of computer and online resources, my argument I think is feasible enough. The term Microsoft can basically be considered a tipping point itself of why the Xbox 360 has the edge over the Wii and the Playstation3 in terms of online capabilities and with systems becoming more and more integrated with the Internet, Microsoft's Xbox 360 is by far the 'safest' route if you wish to stay on the road to the super information highway and all of its wonders.

For the best Online Gaming Experience possible now and in the future, purchase an Xbox 360.

So are you one of those people that are still looking for that evasive Wii? Well here's your lucky day and this is not a sales pitch or anything. See I work at Toys R Us and got my Wii the day it went out. Here's where am heading:

In every Toys R Us around the country, there are about 20-30 Wiis sitting in their storeroom, (not to mention about 30 Nintendo DS of each color if you've been looking for that also). They're having a big sale release on Nintendo Products this Sunday, March 4th, 2007. This is no secret or anything like that, it's just a matter of fact. Gamers don't really care to look into stores like Toys R Us because they don't really have as large of enough influence in the video game market in comparison to stores such as GameStop or Electronic Boutique. In fact, as a gamer myself, I wouldn't really think about heading to Toys R Us as my first choice for a Nintendo Wii quite honestly. Happy Shopping!

P.S. Also there are Wii Remotes currently available at Toys R Us' since Wednesday!

The News: Sony has recently announced that the Playstation 3 for the European release will have limited playback features, i.e. the incapability to play older games for its older systems (Playstation 1 and 2). The reason being is that Sony decided to cut back on some manufacturing costs by removing the chip that allowed basically full playback capability. The reactions have been mixed.

My Response: Personally I like the idea that Sony is going after with this, although I do not think the results will show any immediate affect, it will most certainly show some long term effect. Let's think about this. A normal chip like that probably costs the consumer and Sony and extra $50-$100 in manufacturing fees in order to be in place (this is a guess). If one of Playstation 3's largest P.R. problems is being seen as extravagantly expensive then I believe this was an extremely smart move. Not only will this make the PS3 more competitive with the other Next-Gen Systems, in terms of price, it also shows that Sony is indeed taking strides in order to come back as the head honcho in the Gaming Industry. Quite personally, I don't really care for the playback feature, I could quickly whip out the PS2 or even PS1 for that. The theme for the PS3 is "Play Beyond" anyway, not Play Behind. Kudos to Sony on this first step.

Recently, there has been a lot of hoopla on the so-called "Next-Gen Console Wars" (Next Generation Consoles) which have driven many unsuspecting Mothers into a frenzy. The purpose of this article is to bring those with limited amount of video game experience into the light.

1) Microsoft Corporation's XBOX 360

The XBOX 360, in comparison to the other Next-Gen Consoles, has been released for quite some time now. With that in mind, this console boosts a larger library of games at this moment in time then the other consoles.

Its XBOX Live enhancement can be considered a strong component to the appeal of the 360 for it allows players to interact and play online with fellow XBOX Live members (a field which is rather weak for the other consoles).

There are 2 different bundles at the moment in which the XBOX 360 can be purchased, one being the XBOX 360 Core and the other the XBOX 360 Platinum. The Core rings up at $299 while the Platinum at $399. It may seem to most parents that the Core would be the better investment but I would say it is not. Included in the Platinum version, that is not in the Core, is a Hard Drive needed for online game play and as well act as the only memory card you will ever need. All the cables needed are also included as well as a wireless controller which in the end if you decide to buy a Core system will cost about $100 just for the Hard Drive.

Also, Microsoft has recently announced measures to improve the 360's capabilities, one being a system similar to that of TiVo.

With the future of gaming surrounding the idea of consoles acting as a focal point for all multimedia type activities, Microsoft has certainly taken measures to stay a strong participant of the console war.

2) Sony's Playstation 3

The Playstation 3 offers the consumer the highest quality of graphics on the market at the moment. Though that may seem to be strength, it can also be seen as a weakness which I will explain momentarily.

The Playstation 3 uses a new-type of disc called Blu-Ray which holds a larger amount of memory in comparison to DVDs. A problem that may be seen is that the DVD companies have just released HD (High Definition) DVDs which, though still not as elaborate as Blu-Ray, still provides consoles the necessary tools for games. Within 2 years, Blu-Ray will more then likely replace DVDs, however that is still a lengthy amount of time.

There are 2 different bundles for the Playstation 3, a 20 GB version and a 60 GB version. The 20 GB rings up at $499 while the 60 GB rings up at $599. The reason to purchase the 60 GB rather then the 20 GB is similar in nature to the XBOX. 40 more GB for $100 is an extreme worthwhile investment. However the price is now $599 which is a rather hefty price to pay for the average person.

There is not a doubt in my mind the Playstation 3 probably carries the longest life in comparison to the other systems with all of it's "Next-Gen" qualities. The problem is, with the best "Next-Gen" qualities, come the best "Next-Gen" Price.

3) Nintendo's Wii

The Nintendo Wii when pitted against the 360 and PS3, in terms of graphics, rates the lowest. Where in graphics, they are the lowest, the Wii rates on par or higher in almost every almost other area imaginable.

The first which can be considered is the affordable price of the Wii. The Wii rings up at $250, basically half the amount it costs to purchase a PS3.

Nintendo also implements to the mainstream a new type of game play which is completely interactive. Using sensor remotes, Wii places the player further into the game creating a totally different gaming experience for all types of players.

The Wii is becoming the center of many social gatherings as will as family gatherings. "Whether a experienced player, or brand new to the gaming scene, Wii offers an enjoyable experience to all".

I hope that this article has shed more light on all the struggling parents out their thinking to purchase a "Next-Gen" console.

Ever wondered why at the local Toys R Us, the Nintendo Wii still sells out in 15 minutes even though a shipment of 20 or so come in every other week? Why the Playstation3 was sold for over $4,000, on eBay, more then 6 times its value? Or why Microsoft is adding seemingly irrelevant upgrades to its Xbox 360?

Well here's the answer, the Future of Gaming is here.

What people must realize is that the Video Game Industry is no longer a baby, or even a high school student. If you take in consideration of early consoles, such as the original Nintendo NES's release in 1985, then the Video Game Industry is like every ambitious and young, recently graduated 22-year old college student looking to a buck in the world; and this is exactly what is happening.

The original generation of gamers, who grew up loving classic games such as Pong and Pac-Man, are now the generation that currently populate the world, no longer needing to listen to their parents of how a Sega Genesis is way too expensive, let alone a $599 60-MB Playstation3. Instead of just appealing to the younger generation like before, the video game industry now has twice the audience to appeal. Twice the audience equals twice the size of the market which means big $$$ for Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony.

If you wondered why a big hot shot company like Microsoft spends so much time in a seemingly small industry or why Nintendo Corp's stock doubled within the past year, you now have the answer. Before the dream of video game makers was for it to become one of America's pastimes, well now it's not only America's, but it is also for many other countries' kids, teens, young and middle adults today. Come dip into video game industry investments, the water is fine.

Why does it seem that Nintendo's Wii system is become more and more popular over Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's Playstation3?

It's the appeal factor.

Okay, well that is obvious, but in the words of Malcolm Gladwell, what exactly makes the Nintendo Wii "tip" over the other next-generation systems.

First, let's go over the cost appeal. The Nintendo Wii sells for $249.99. Not bad, especially when the Microsoft's Xbox 360 Platinum Package sells for $399.99 and Sony's 60 MB Playstation3 sells at $599.99. With this price, Nintendo targets a larger crowd, in terms of affordability, in comparison to the other game companies, which every conservative parent and gamer comes to appreciate. Next-generation system at a past-generation system price.

Now there is the creative playing appeal. What's hard for stock investors to understand is that the video game industry is evolving. Nintendo has helped with this revolution (for those who didn't know, Nintendo's original name for the Wii console was the Revolution) by offering the video gaming audience a totally different way to experience gaming. People love interaction and that is what exactly what Nintendo gives through the Wii. I consider the Wii as not a hardcore gaming console for the experience gamer, it is more so a new gaming console with a totally different dimension of play.

Cost of system; check. New creative way of playing; check. Last, the appeal of the Wii in general. Who would have thought that grandmothers would stay at home and bowl with their grandchildren? Who would have thought that instead of having Halo (popular first person shooter for the Xbox) tournaments, teens would be having tennis tournaments on the Wii. Who would of thought that family nights would start focusing on the Wii. The difference is this; Videogames tend to have almost an intimidation factor to them to the inexperienced gamer, especially ones as advanced as on the Playstation3 and Xbox 360. The Nintendo Wii was made with every single type of person's interests in mind. It was not made for you, or for me... it was made for "Wii".