Diversity in game publishing is about to deliver even more richer and exciting experiences.
Whether it is PlayStation, Xbox or Wii, it is not anymore just about playing games. The new developments in Nintendo games prompt user to socialize. It is known for its handheld game consoles. Now, it also provides features such as touch screen or camera. Xbox will enable to record videos or track other players. It will also have glasses that can integrate real and digital world with tablets that can access games.
Through SmartGlass’ device, videos and games can be shared with other devices. SmartGlass also allows to share content between tablets, mobiles, and TV. The glasses are going to use augmented reality, 4G-enabled. Images of augmented 3D reality will be displayed on walls while playing. This innovation is called ‘Fortaleza’ that also involves glasses. The new console Xbox 720 will require glasses, but they can also be used on their own. In this way, consoles become more of a media center.
Nintendo offers GamePad that enable players to interact. It is not as much about efficiency or speed but how much fun consoles can deliver. Despite its luckless beginnings, it later became popular winning many fans.
Major publishers are Activision, Electronic Arts and Ubisoft. They release games for PCs, consoles, and handhelds. Some experiences become adopted across all consoles, such as the ability to be used online. Xbox can also connect online games.
Highly desired PlayStation hasn’t entirely annihilated Xbox that has been hugely successful in the US and UK. It hasn’t won popularity though in places where gamers remain loyal to their local brands, such as Japan’s PlayStation. The new PlayStation 4 creates a new gaming experience that relies heavily on social interaction. There is also a new controller for the system, the DualShock4 that allows for sharing and also identifying other players. It is also to incorporate augmented reality in video games.
The new trend in game production involves more moderate prices, but greater emphasis on a unique experience. The same approach is shared by other console makers. They think that the appearance and price are not as prominent as experience and content that they deliver. Performance is the most essential thing.
Another emerging trend, microconsoles are to be relatively inexpensive with equally inexpensive games that can be played on television. Their advantage is that they tend to be more content orientated rather than hardware orientated. One such console is Ouya that is an Android based.
Despite the surge in popularity of less expensive games, new consoles are about more exciting features that can heighten their popularity. The last two years were difficult for console publishers, but with the new generation consoles released by Sony and Microsoft they will thrive despite the competition from mobile devices.
Despite the emergence of tablets competing through more affordable pricing, consoles maintain an advantage because of their quality content. The higher cost gives a better experience along with better technology. High quality content is now something all game publishers pursue.
Consoles integrate other experiences into gaming. Xbox is to add tablets to its existing technology. It is also about connecting even more with the user. Wireless technology will be more integrated to beat the competition with games that allow playing through touching the screen.
The mixture of genres will coincide with mixed platforms, and some PC based games will be accessible on other platforms as well.