10/06 Update: Since we no longer write for the Edmond Sun, this section is temporarily housing our podcast links for our iTunes feed. All of the columns are in the archives menu if you feel like exploring.

These columns (as well as the 'releases') come from weekly content that we write for the Edmond Sun, out of Edmond, OK (though we live in Chicago). This page contains the archives for said column, many of which are in their pre-published, unedited state. Some titles and editing by Brendan Sinclair.

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Rampant speculation, conjecture on gaming's future
Friday, October 08, 2004

With the talk of next-generation systems increasing to a more fervid rate by the hour, I can't help but put in my 900 cents. And while I'd rather not discuss such a distant, hazy future whilst on the eve of the best fall gaming this generation, I'd rather have my say now and not have to worry about it further until E3 (next May, where they'll be unveiling a codenamed trio of consoles, the Sony PS3, Microsoft Xenon, and Nintendo Revolution). That, and it's really not so distant. Microsoft certainly has it's work cut out for it as far as coming out on top the next time around, and are apparently shooting for a release as soon as Fall 2005. You can also bet Sony will be in tow within a year, with Nintendo heading up the rear, taking their time to truly "revolutionize" gaming. So, in the spirit of speculation and suggestion, here's my take on what the big three need to keep in mind the next time around, whenever that may be.

Microsoft might not have come out anywhere close to the top this generation with the XBox, but they certainly seem to have the strongest momentum going into the next. It helps to have a near-infinite source of money to throw at a problem or situation, but they've also made some some savvy business moves and acquired the right along the way. They got online gaming completely right, they gained the elusive "cool" status with consumers and irrelevant celebrities alike, and they bought some of the best talent in the business with Bungie and Rare (even if the latter is only showing their skills this generation next spring, it's still taken some fire away from Nintendo). A big problem of theirs earlier in the XBox life cycle was miniscule Japanese support, but with game development having shifted dramatically to the West in the last couple of years, that problem has all but been quarantined. Microsoft mainly needs to keep doing what they're doing, only with more talent and marketing muscle than ever. They need to stay on top of technology as it comes about as well, as that is what's now expected of them. And while XNA (their recent initiative to streamline software development) is certainly a step in the right direction, they need to be sure to keep computer integration to a minimum. You've gained respect in the console market guys, let's keep it that way.

While Sony more or less dominated the market with the PS2, it faces some distinctly different, more serious obstacles for the future. Being first out of the gate the last time around turned out to be a bigger head-start than anyone could have anticipated, but with significant graphical advantages quickly becoming a thing of the past (nevermind that all three next-gen consoles are having IBM develop their respective graphic chips), the timing of the PS3 needs to revolve more around having a plethora of high-quality, exclusive titles ready than being the first to demonstrate new technology. And while consumers will certainly devour copies of Socom 3 and Gran Turismo 5 by the millions, keeping Square-Enix and other important third-party companies close to their side is just as important as before, if not more so. The EyeToy could also be a big thing for them, especially if the next iteration is well-supported and marketed right; similar innovations need to be a highlight of their portfolio, as does avoiding such good-intentioned failures like the severely underutilized Hard Disc Drive. Sony would be smart to focus their attention on the American market while they still have it, whatever that entails. They need that, and flawless, broadband, centralized online play right out of the box.

For all their stubbornness and recent relative failure, Nintendo seems perched right where they want to be - on the cusp of true innovation. They've stretched their memorable mascots as far as they can go in some respects, and though newer franchises like Pikmin keep the dream alive, they need something big. They don't seem to think that the answer lies in online play or cutting-edge graphics, and I can't help but admire their cause. So what will the answer be? I'll let your imagination wander, as I'm sure the Nintendo R&D guys are doing right now. I really don't think it will be simply about competing the next time for them, since they seem to be so intent on providing something new. Godspeed Nintendo, and if I'm stomping Koopa Troopas inside my frontal lobe in five years, I won't be disappointed.

What about more the general issues for everyone, such as whether to include a hard drive, provide DVD and other media playback, and incorporate backwards compatibility? In short, a hard drive would be amazing if used well, media playback would be more than welcome as an additional option (and, frankly, is expected by now), and backwards compatibility is a must as long as it keeps hardware prices reasonable. And while I'm sure all of the systems will have their various quirks and bursts of greatness, it will end up coming down to the games more than ever before. With much higher development costs and longer development times, I'm hoping that way fewer titles will be thrown together and shoved out the door. Quality over quantity will definitely be the order of the day, and that's good for the gamer regardless; for each big gaming house, it's going to be about securing the best of these titles, and providing the hardware innovations to give the developers room to work. It should be an interesting if not brilliantly fun time for all involved on the consumer end, so start saving now.

- Nick


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