Will the next-next gen end the console wars?

[Spongedaddy]

I was thinking about how popular downloadable content is becomming (and the plan for companies moving ahead) and can't help but wonder if the next round of gaming will be geared towards this trend. If that happens me may see the end of console wars as developers will want the most bang for the buck and exclusives do not offer the best ROI. We may still see different companies selling machines, but it might be for the same format.

I for one hope this happens so that people have access to all kinds of games. From a 3rd party point of view, it would help cut costs by needing one development team for one format. It also would give the greatest amount of exposure. One of the foolish things about the new BR/HD-DVD wars is that five years from now direct downloading of movies will make them obsolete.

Any thoughts?

[TruFunkSoldier]

Re: Will the next-next gen end the console wars?

One of the foolish things about the new BR/HD-DVD wars is that five years from now direct downloading of movies will make them obsolete.

I agree, and it would eliminate having to wait for shipping or going to the store. And games would never be sold out!

I just wonder if we'll have Hard drives large enough for everything esp. since Blu ray games could be 50gb in size. And if downloading takes as long as it currently does on LIVE then its no good. Also MS or Sony or Nintendo would charge Max prices for every game and we wouldn't get the deals we sometimes get at Best buy or CC.

[Blzer]

Re: Will the next-next gen end the console wars?

Where was that long article that was posted a long time ago that pretty much stated the future of console video gaming is doomed? That was a very good and interesting article.

[gschwendt]

Re: Will the next-next gen end the console wars?

I just wonder if we'll have Hard drives large enough for everything esp. since Blu ray games could be 50gb in size.

Either of these would help in that regard
1TB Drive in 1Q 2007 for $400
300TB drives by 2010

[Scoop_Brady]

Re: Will the next-next gen end the console wars?

Until we get the bandwidth, downloading games won't become the norm. If it's taking 12+ hours to download the 7gb Superman Returns in HD how long do you think it would take to download a 40+ gb game? If the market shifts towards downloadable games the whole industry will drastically change. You won't see full games anymore, you'll see little installments of a bigger game. I sure hope the industry doesn't go in that direction because I don't want to play 4-levels of Halo 4 or Metal Gear Solid 6 and have to wait 6 months for more.

[Rodster]

Re: Will the next-next gen end the console wars?

Until we get the bandwidth, downloading games won't become the norm. If it's taking 12+ hours to download the 7gb Superman Returns in HD how long do you think it would take to download a 40+ gb game? If the market shifts towards downloadable games the whole industry will drastically change. You won't see full games anymore, you'll see little installments of a bigger game. I sure hope the industry doesn't go in that direction because I don't want to play 4-levels of Halo 4 or Metal Gear Solid 6 and have to wait 6 months for more.

I don't remember where I read this from IGN?, 1up.com?, but it was mentioned how we might buy games in the future. It mentioned that it might be possible to buy games via digital distribution where you download enough of the game onto your hard drive and in essence you are playing off of a server. The drawback is you are only paying for the license to the game and you don't own a physical copy.

OTOH this method doesn't require massive amounts of disk space. It's an interesting concept.

[bball_1523]

Re: Will the next-next gen end the console wars?

I don't remember where I read this from IGN?, 1up.com?, but it was mentioned how we might buy games in the future. It mentioned that it might be possible to buy games via digital distribution where you download enough of the game onto your hard drive and in essence you are playing off of a server. The drawback is you are only paying for the license to the game and you don't own a physical copy.

OTOH this method doesn't require massive amounts of disk space. It's an interesting concept.

that would be a TERRIBLE idea IMO. It is just like DRM protected mp3's with licenses. I am so against DRM and all those dirty mp3s that these corporates shove at us. If we buy it, we should be able to completely OWN it. No hidden licenses or whatever.

even if that did happen, the crackers and hackers would still benefit.

[thmst30]

Re: Will the next-next gen end the console wars?

I truly believe that the next wave will be all digital. However I would MUCH rather it be downloaded to a hard drive, then to play my games off of a server. Hell if there's ever any server issues you can't play your games. I hope that doesn't happen.

[plasticbeast]

Re: Will the next-next gen end the console wars?

I truly believe that the next wave will be all digital. However I would MUCH rather it be downloaded to a hard drive, then to play my games off of a server. Hell if there's ever any server issues you can't play your games. I hope that doesn't happen.

YEah, your playing would always be depended on your connection to someone else. That would not go over well.