Media-Minded: Will Game Consoles Rule the Living Room?
Media-Minded is our column charting how technology’s opportunities and challenges transform traditional media and entertainment, for better or for worse.
Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO go and several other on-demand video services have found a market of viewers eager to watch their content. most people, however, want to watch on a screen bigger than their laptops or smartphones, paving the way for a new market of digital streaming boxes that connect directly to viewer’s televisions.
Apple TV, Roku and Vizio’s new Stream Player are just a few of the options for users to use digital video services on their televisions. but a funny thing happened as digital video services evolved: video game consoles have emerged as a viable outlet for their distribution, and they could be customers’ best option moving forward.
Microsoft & Sony Ramp up Streaming Video Options
One of the things that will set streaming boxes apart from competition is the selection of content, and the Xbox 360 has a ton of it.
Microsoft has been incredibly hands-on and proactive in bringing video content to its system. In addition to its own video marketplace that allows users to rent both new and cataloged titles, it offers apps for HBO, MLB, TMZ, UFC, NBC Today, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Netflix, Vudu and others. Comcast also has a deal with Microsoft, allowing its customers to access its video-on-demand services through their Xbox 360 consoles.
Several of these apps, like HBO, require subscriptions to the individual services for users to gain access, while others are free downloads from the Microsoft’s app store for customers with an Xbox Live subscription. While much of the content offered on the 360 is found elsewhere, Microsoft hopes to differentiate itself with exclusive arrangements. The company’s deal with Comcast is unique to the Xbox 360 and its ESPN content also cannot be found on competitors’ devices.
Sony’s PlayStation 3 provides similar options for its users. Netflix, Hulu, MLB and Vudu are all present, but the system has its own standouts such as an app for NFL Sunday Ticket subscribers and the Amazon Instant service. Sony is taking on Microsoft head-to-head in the streaming-console market as the two companies fight to offer the most impressive selection of digital video services.
Don’t Get a Cable Box — Get a Xbox
Microsoft and Sony are both in interesting positions with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The companies designed both consoles from the ground up to play games when they launched them in 2005 and 2006 respectively, but they were in the right place at the right time as digital video services took off, emerging as legitimate streaming options for millions of people who already owned these systems.
As a result, customers can consider what Microsoft and Sony are doing in the digital video space as a test run for even more streaming content on the consoles in the future. Analysts expect both companies to launch the successor to their current generation consoles within the next two years, and they will likely be marketed more as new hubs for all living room entertainment than dedicated systems meant only for gamers.
The current prices of the Xbox 360 and PS3, combined with the fact that they are designed to play games, mean they’re not an option for those looking for only a digital streaming box, even if they do offer access to some of the best content. The Roku and Apple TV can both be purchased for half the price of the consoles. but Microsoft and Sony know the best way to add value to their future-generation consoles is to move beyond gaming and into the areas of entertainment that interest the masses.
New consoles will still be about gaming, but both companies expect to make their systems worth a purchase for those who never plan to play a single game title. Redesigned and easy-to-navigate user interfaces, deals for even more video content and packages that bundle services together are all part of Microsoft and Sony’s plans to completely take over customers’ living rooms and bring their sales to whole new level.
The console makers aim to make their next systems the home entertainment device no one turns off — and if Microsoft and Sony execute their plans properly, users never will.
Media-Minded: Will Game Consoles Rule the Living Room?
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Categories: Technology Tags: amp, laptops, smartphones, video options, Xbox
Do We Really Need a New PlayStation Video Game Console?
Last week was pretty significant for PlayStation 4 rumours as Kotaku posted up a bunch of stuff they apparently learned from some guy. but it got me thinking; is it really time for a new PlayStation?
PlayStation 3 was arguably way ahead of it’s time when it first launched back in 2006. Blu-Ray was a new format and has proved to be a superior choice for home theatre lovers (compared to DVD or digital download). Likewise, PlayStation 3′s “Cell” processor has proven to be as expandable as Sony promised all those years ago.
But for all it’s technological leaps ahead of the competition, the feeling that developers are slow to adopt and exploit that power is ever prevalent. Games such as Uncharted 3 and Gran Turismo 5 show off what PlayStation 3 should be, but for the vast majority of games, the console seems to have become an expensive Xbox 360.
PlayStation 3 has been on the market for 6 years, though. Despite it’s slow start, the console is going well and has become a legitimate console platform for both consumers and developers alike. It’s currently lacking most in big blockbuster exclusive titles that can only take advantage of the console’s features, so perhaps Sony should focus on that before dipping into a new generation.
Of course, it’s silly to discount a new console without it being announced. the problem is, though, that the new console will have to be radically different; and sadly innovation isn’t Sony’s strong suit. Their main focus in other generations has been brute power, but there’s an issue with upping the PlayStation 3′s power today.
It’s no secret that PC hardware has come a long way since 2006. Nvidia’s GTX 680 is proof alone. but consoles aren’t PC’s – they belong in the living room, hooked up to a TV and a kick arse sound system. there are certain limitations and other factors need to be considered.
Lots of people today own high definition TV’s – but the PlayStation 3 already does HD gaming. Is upping the graphical capabilities enough to get people to buy a PlayStation 4? Probably not – it would be a hard sell. there are emerging technologies like Quad Full High Definition which is 4x the resolution as 1080p, but those TV’s wont see market penetration until the end of 2013 and even then they will be probably too expensive and much too large in size (the smallest is looking to be 55 inches) to be a huge runaway success at first. 3D gaming should take off as more and more TV’s get the capability, but again, PlayStation 3 already has that functionality.
Sony need to really make a splash with PlayStation 4 to remain relevant. Nintendo’s Wii U’s extra screen will probably prove to be popular, much like the Nintendo DS which used a similar tactic. Simply beefing up graphics might look great on paper, but it doesn’t add anything in terms of entertainment. and Kotaku’s rumour mongering has done nothing to suggest that Sony is preparing a super innovative console.
Do we really need a new PlayStation right now? Does Sony need to beef up the graphics, or should they be focusing on getting the most out of the current console? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.
Do We Really Need a New PlayStation Video Game Console?
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Categories: Technology Tags: consumers, developers, playstation, playstation 3, Xbox, xbox 360
Xbox 720 may have been discussed in London
We are continuing to see a variety of rumors and speculation emerging about the next game consoles from Microsoft and Sony. Whether its job listings or new patents awarded to the companies that may lead to new features for future devices, it seems work is well underway. Today we can tell you that the Xbox 720 may have been discussed in London.
Earlier this month we told you that the next Xbox from Microsoft was rumored to have the codename Durango. this was compared to the Project Natal name that was first used for the hugely successful Kinect motion sensor, and Durango uses the same South American origin.
Now according to an article on SlashGear Crytek developer Sean Tracy may have let sip a secret developers meeting in London via Twitter. the tweet was quickly pulled but Tracy mentioned he was “enjoying the Durango developer’s summit”. he continued by saying some revealing talks were taking place, it has been claimed by some sources that Crytek were currently working on a TimeSplitters 4 title as one of the first titles coming on the next gen hardware.
There continues to be talk that the next Xbox will be first showcased at this year’s E3 event during the summer, even though this has been previously denied. Yesterday we told you the news that Bethesda had begun hiring for the next gen hardware, with the first title thought to be Fallout 4, and now even more job listings point to new consoles on route.
Now according to an article over at Electric Pig the development team behind the Fable franchise is looking for new staff. the job listing is for a lead programmer to work on hardware that is not yet available, and for an unannounced title. It also states that the candidate will need to have experience working with DirectX 11, which isn’t used on either the Sony PlayStation 3 or Microsoft Xbox 360.
This is technology that has been rumored previously to be coming on the next Xbox though, and with all these recent job listings must mean that next gen hardware technology is already known by developers.
Do you think we will see any new hardware showcased by Sony or Microsoft this year?
Xbox 720 may have been discussed in London
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Categories: Technology Tags: developers, timesplitters, Xbox
Re-imagined XCOM: Enemy Unknown revealed
Not content with one new XCOM game, 2K (via Game Informer) has lifted the lid on a re-imagining of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, coming to PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
Development is being handled by trusted Civilization studio Firaxis Games and we’re promised a full-on strategy game that puts players in command of a global team fighting aliens.
"It’s been a dream of ours to recreate X-COM with our unique creative vision. We’re huge fans of the original game and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to re-envision a game that is as beloved as X-COM," said Steve Martin, president of Firaxis Games. "we were careful to keep XCOM: Enemy Unknown true to the elements that made X-COM such a revered game while delivering an entirely new story and gameplay experience for both die-hard X-COM fans and newcomers to the franchise."
Turn-based gameplay is confirmed, as is a real-time strategic view and destructible environments. More details will be found in the February issue of Game Informer.
VideoGamer.com Analysis
The more action orientated XCOM slipped from its March date and is now set for release between April 2012 and March 2013. given the autumn date for Enemy Unknown, we expect XCOM to hit stores in the springtime or even miss 2012 altogether.
Re-imagined XCOM: Enemy Unknown revealed
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Categories: iPod, iPhone, Xbox 360 Tags: autumn, game informer, global team, Xbox, xbox 360
Xbox 360 Game Tester – Discover How to Make Money While Testing the Latest Releases on Your Console
Did you know that game design companies will pay you money to become a video game tester. perhaps you even wish to specialize and become solely an Xbox 360 game tester these companies spend literally millions of dollars a year, tweaking and perfecting new video games and therefore require willing testers prior to release.
So what exactly does being an Xbox 360 game tester involve? you will be required to play new games from home and provide feedback. this may involve testing the same level on a game for hours on end, trying to spot any glitches. Your feedback may involve discussing certain features of the new games in a focus group. this will also give you the opportunity to hear what like minded people think as well.
So how much do you get paid as an Xbox 360 game tester? Firstly steer clear of any websites or job opportunities claiming that you will earn thousands of dollars an hour Yes, being a video game tester can be a very lucrative career, but remember you are starting at the bottom. Secondly if you are merely testing games on Xbox 360, you are limiting the amount of work you may get. Don’t forget all the different Nintendo and Playstation consoles out there
The average salary for a video game tester last year was approximately a shade under $40,000. Depending on experience, many testers earned well in excess of $70,000. however, when you are first starting out don’t expect to be paid more than $10-$20 an hour. Additionally, as you are new to the industry, also don’t expect to be inundated with offers of work everyday.
Being an Xbox 360 game tester requires a lot of hard work as well as building your reputation and networking with like minded and relevant industry people. however, once you have your foot on the ladder you now have a job can offer lifetime satisfaction, both financially and emotionally
Xbox 360 Game Tester – Discover How to Make Money While Testing the Latest Releases on Your Console
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Categories: iPod, iPhone, Xbox 360 Tags: job opportunities, new games, thousands of dollars, Xbox
