State of online console gaming

[sjsharky]

Here is a link to a good editorial piece on the state of online console gaming.

http://www.gamesarefun.com/features/editorials/online.php

This article gives some good insight into just what is going on and what needs to get done in the future for online console gaming.

My thoughts are that he makes some valid points, but seeing as how bringing online gaming to the masses via console is still in its infancy, I feel that what is out right now is pretty damn good. I can only hope some of the issues brought up, patching, fees, extra mods, and dedicated servers, is addressed in the future.

[joquito]

Someone doesn't seem to like Xbox Live, from reading that column. There is a small article in PC magazine this month that is shorter but more insightful. Yet neither comment on cheaters and hacking online.

[Tappy_Tibbons]

slow BB saturation and ignorance: those are the only 2 things holding online console gaming back.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Eventhough I haven't played games online, I really don't have a problem with online console gaming.....yet. As soon as the majority of the console games become "online-only", that's when I will have a problem.

[meagher72]

Finally getting broadband next month (YEAH!!) now that the price has dropped to a reasonable $27.00 a month, and I will at last get a chance to play online via my PS2. (Did I say YEAH!!! already?)

Haven't read the article yet, but i do realize some of the problems in online gaming and/or world/enviroment creation and mantinence due to the fact I have MUDed quit a bit (If any of you know what a MUD is ;) )

My biggest fear atm is the cheating rumors...... cheaters could kill everything. :(

I hope it is not as bad as rumored and/or online game compinies are taking serious steps to squash it.

I too agree that games should not go ALL online or have offline modes in the futre that resemble today's two player modes where there may be fun to be had but the guts of the game is usally in the 1 player mode.

For the near future any games with content soley aimed at online play would be a mistake as there are many, many people still out there without the needed access or bandwidth to play online.

Just think of the future possiblites though!!!!

Games might finally come full circle again..... wherein the point of the game is not nescerally beating or wining the game, but rather what lessons can you take from the game that can be applied to real life while at the same time still being fun to play!

Serious though.... if we keep a mind to and an eye upon where we step next and not just let the capitialistic philosophy only, completely profit driven to the point where no other idea can penatrate thier thought process, narrow visioned people within the industry drive us... the future is so bright we would all have to wear shades!

[no.1gamer]

I think the main factor that is preventing online console gaming from becoming the "next big thing" is the mass appeal factor. First and foremost console gamers and PC gamers are a different breed. I would suspect that most console gamers are "casual gamers" and are not familiar with the terms IP address, lag or routers (much less would they like to be). Many of my console gaming friends do not even own a computer. PC gamers spend hundreds of dollars on video cards and the like to upgrade their computers that cost thousands of dollars to begin with. Console gamers spend a few hundred every few years. PC gamers are willing to do whatever it takes to fully "experience" their video games. Most console gamers play on their several years old 21" televisions with the stock 15 watt speakers that sound like $hit.

The second most important factor is that the PC is already on the internet therefore online gaming on it is free. You can usually just click an icon in the game menu! Console gaming costs a lot of money relative to what the customer spent on his gaming setup to begin with. I agree with the author of this article in that online console gaming will not become mainstream in the foreseeable future.

[vagrantscout]

I disagree. I beleive that online console games provide more of a mass appeal factor for the sole fact that they arent as complex as PCs. I do understand that most online gamers on consoles are a bit more "casual" and wont know a greater amount of the technical jargon; but the systems are less expensive, the network adapters arent too much of an added burden and as long as a person understands what broadband internet is and can find the cable and plug it in they are online and able to talk to other players if they plug in a usb headset.

As far as it being a cost system, Sony Playstation 2 online is free and has probably the most highly regarded online game to come out recently in SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs. In only 2 days after the release this past Tuesday over 22 THOUSAND people had registered online to play SOCOM II with a spike of over 7-8 thousand simultaneous players. That is A LOT of people playing a console game online after only two days of the game being available. I would argee that online console gaming is very strong and will only continue to get better.

vagrantscout

"If faith is just a silent tribute ... mine is just a desperate act ... holding on."
r. joey cape

[E.T.]

<div class=\"smallfont\">Finally getting broadband next month (YEAH!!) now that the price has dropped to a reasonable $27.00 a month, and I will at last get a chance to play online via my PS2. (Did I say YEAH!!! already?)</div>

Just curious, where did you find broadband for $27 mo?
I've seen a few introductry offers for $30 mo for first 3 months, then it jumps to $39-$49 monthly.

[meagher72]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

Just curious, where did you find broadband for $27 mo?
I've seen a few introductry offers for $30 mo for first 3 months, then it jumps to $39-$49 monthly.</div>

SBC is offering broadband at a $27.00 rate through Yahoo.

Have not checked into it throughly as of yet.

I hope that is not just an intro offer. :(