With regards to Natal and PS Move discussion recently on the show, it has occurred to me what we see happening here, and it is no different from what was happening with Atari 2600 and Intellivision around 30 years ago.
We have Atari who release something new and innovative with the 2600. Then they go make tonnes of money out of a market which previously didn’t exist. So other companies see this as a money making scheme. Activision decided to make games for the system. Whereas Mattel thought they could emulate the success Atari had be producing the Intellivision. The machine was rated highly by critics and sold in the hundreds of thousands.
So now you’re wondering how this relates. Well, consider Nintendo Wii to be the Atari 2600 of the 21st Century being new and innovative, and Microsoft and Sony are looking to take a slice of the cake. The critics have been giving some high praise to Natal and Move, and they will most likely sell in the hundreds of thousands.
The thing is, what we see happening here in the video games industry, I don’t think it is directly aimed at us, the as gamers. It applies more to those who have PS3 or 360 already and want to experience the same entertainment and fun people get from the Wii. I would also go as far to say that this is what people have been waiting for, for the PS3 or 360 so that they can have an all in one machine. Features such as video playback whether it be DVD, Blu Ray and digital file, internet access which is clearer and you can use a mouse if you want and ultimately video gaming (with great graphics)
In summary Move and Natal are concepts designed to take a slice of Nintendo’s cake, I don’t think these devices are aimed at gamers.
Personally, I think both ideas are bollocks and would not buy either.
The show was great, keep up the great work.