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[-viper-]

I have difficulty reconciling the obviously liberal slant of GAF (politically) with its apparent love for massive, conglomerated corporations (in gaming). To an extent I assume it's simply a different set of people, but many times I've seen the same people decrying massive corporate interests like "big oil" or "big pharm" in PoliGAF come over here and clearly revel in the amount of money "big media" is willing to spend on their interests. And in the most extreme cases -- such as this one -- even actively hoping that two of the largest companies in the world will merge their products to make it an even more massive corporate endeavor.

I'm not saying either of those positions is wrong (socialist or corporatist), nor am I saying every single person engages in this behavior. Instead, I'm saying that when I see both positions put forward by a single poster, I find these positions hard to reconcile.

A joint console by Sony and Microsoft would mean I would need to spend less money.

It would mean I have access to exclusive games from both publishers.

Can't see anything bad in that.

 

[daoster]

Once again

Complete. Living room. Domination. Complete digital lifestyle domination. (if they can get around apple with convergence)

Tvs with windows built in, with Skype, with kinect cameras (windows 8 interface anyone?) with media center support... IPTV capable, Wifi, Bluetooth, hd streaming capable. (for support with windows phones for everything) xbox would be seen as the "gaming" component for casual windows users

Smart devices wired into your tv like receivers, Blu-Ray players, etc

Microsoft would then also be a PC manufacturer, a phone manufacturer, and more. They'd have a majority control over the gaming industry. They could use Sony pictures as leverage for their gaming counterpart to bring IPs to a broader audience - xbox live would become an everything service as opposed to strictly gaming (a broader live, if you will)

There's a little overlap on the gaming side, support services, etc but it would be a massive win for MS going forward. Would have potential to make Microsoft a more powerful juggernaut than they have EVER been. From workstations to playstations... Microsoft would be there. Also would help to build their consumer brand which they have been slowly building since xbox came out

If I was a Microsoft Shareholder, I'd wonder why the hell Microsoft would want to get into the movie business or the music business...or the TV business...or the PC manufacturing business...not to mention all the dead weight subsidiaries that Sony has lying around.

Why would I want Microsoft to dominate the digital living space when they're losing ground on the desktop space, are just about a non-starter in the tablet space, and to date, their Windows Mobile platform has yet to make a significant dent on either iOS or Android? Take care of the your shrinking OS base, give me a decent tablet plan, and show me that Mango will take a chunk off Apple and/or Google.

Not to mention that clashing company culture these two would inevitably have.

That $50 billion in cash would be better used on increasing dividends or buying back shares.. or acquiring companies that would help them grow. Acquiring another megacorp like Sony is just not the smartest move.

 

[clashfan]

I have difficulty reconciling the obviously liberal slant of GAF (politically) with its apparent love for massive, conglomerated corporations (in gaming). To an extent I assume it's simply a different set of people, but many times I've seen the same people decrying massive corporate interests like "big oil" or "big pharm" in PoliGAF come over here and clearly revel in the amount of money "big media" is willing to spend on their interests. And in the most extreme cases -- such as this one -- even actively hoping that two of the largest companies in the world will merge their products to make it an even more massive corporate endeavor.

I'm not saying either of those positions is wrong (socialist or corporatist), nor am I saying every single person engages in this behavior. Instead, I'm saying that when I see both positions put forward by a single poster, I find these positions hard to reconcile.

Idealism is great until it encroaches on your lifestyle...

 

[Vinci]

Uh...you said

Their profitability - the one thing that matters - has remained consistent and has actually increased this generation. So no, I don't see a lot of impact beyond details.

A joint console by Sony and Microsoft would mean I would need to spend less money.

It would mean I have access to exclusive games from both publishers.

Can't see anything bad in that.

At that point, I'd hope that Apple or Google would get involved. I think having the three companies jockeying for the crown has led to great innovations and improvements for the industry as a whole.

 

[FyreWulff]

I would personally like to see games become like DVD. Everyone builds games against a universal standard. The Big 3 can continue to make their own boxes if they wish with certain features (different services, built in HDD or not, etc). It would not get rid of competition. Smaller titles would be able to have shelf space, even.


Because seriously, it's kind of fucking stupid that multiplatform releases like Madden have to be duplicated in the same shelving area three times over for each console when you really think about it. You don't see 3 different versions of a book duplicated across shelves in a library, and there isn't 3 different shelving areas for the same movie in the DVD/BluRay section.

At minimum, I'd like to see a universal game disc format that works on all 3 proprietary systems out of the box.

The current setup is neat and dramatically interesting, but it still shows how immature the video games industry is. We need to get a universal protocol for controllers too so stuff like Rock Band doesn't need to run 3 separate manufacturing lines for the same game. It'd reduce the risk and losses for the smaller companies for sure.

 

[Emitan]

I would personally like to see games become like DVD. Everyone builds games against a universal standard. The Big 3 can continue to make their own boxes if they wish. It would not get rid of competition. Smaller titles would be able to have shelf space, even.


Because seriously, it's kind of fucking stupid that multiplatform releases like Madden have to be duplicated in the same shelving area three times over for each console when you really think about it. You don't see 3 different versions of a book duplicated across shelves in a library, and there isn't 3 different shelving areas for the same movie in the DVD/BluRay section.

At minimum, I'd like to see a universal game disc format that works on all 3 proprietary systems out of the box.

The current setup is neat and dramatically interesting, but it still shows how immature the video games industry is.

You should build a PC.

 

[Gravijah]

Well jeez, they could have just went with something simple like Mony.

 

[Vinci]

You should build a PC.

That's what I was thinking...

 

[FyreWulff]

You should build a PC.

I'm not really sure where you're going with that, but a) I've already built a PC and b) PCs would obviously be able to play the universal format.

Being a PC gamer doesn't change the fact that we're still duplicating a game's shelf space 3 times over in retail stores because it has to be available to whatever system people own.

 

[Hyuga]

People said that when Sony and MS joined the console race. Hasn't seemed to impact things much over there..

 

[StevieP]

I'm not really sure where you're going with that, but a) I've already built a PC and b) PCs would obviously be able to play the universal format.

Being a PC gamer doesn't change the fact that we're still duplicating a game's shelf space 3 times over in retail stores because it has to be available to whatever system people own.

A PC is exactly the type of catchall "box" you're talking about.

http://cache.ohinternet.com/images/9/9e/HA_HA_HA,_OH_WOW.jpg

Anyone want to post the chart about who's made how much money since the 80's in videogames? (MS, Sony, Nintendo)

 

[crimzonflame]

Finally no more splitting up of online communities.

 

[scar tissue]

i'd pay 600$ for a powerful microsoft/sony console if it had the strengths of both and the weaknesses of neither of their current gen consoles

 

[brotkasten]

It can't be for Sony Ericsson phones, I mean, Sony never used the actual Sony brand for that, why would Microsoft leave the Ericsson out of it.

Perhaps it's a new phone division specific for Windows Phone while Sony Ericsson is for Android.

edit:

It might be Microsoft-SE after all:

That prototype is a year old and was canned.

 

[Seraphinianus]

They're announcing a truce and an end to all console wars for the future of human kind.

 

[FyreWulff]

A PC is exactly the type of catchall "box" you're talking about.

I don't think you understand what I'm saying here.

It's a universal format.

You build a game, put it on ONE disc, and no matter if you put in a PC, a Nintendo, or a Panasonic version of a "player" (or one inside your PC tower) that meets and understands this universal format, the game boots up and you play it. It takes up ONE slot on the shelf and isn't duplicated 3-4 times over in the shelf space just so all potential customers can use it.

PCs are just another platform for a game to be built for and played on. It does not have all games on it. PC game discs are not universal.

 

[snoopeasystreet]

It's a network crossover because bungie's MMO will offer cross platform multiplayer.

 

[ElRenoRaven]

Honest question, how many of you would crap your pants if Microsoft and Sony announced a merger of their video game departments?

Obviously this wont happen but still lol

I won't lie pants would be shat if I had any on.

He's a huge proponent of a one console future. I think he spent an entire 1up Yours talking about the issue.

And that's one of the only things I agree with him on. Bring on the one console future I say. It will happen. It's just a matter of when.

I would personally like to see games become like DVD. Everyone builds games against a universal standard. The Big 3 can continue to make their own boxes if they wish with certain features (different services, built in HDD or not, etc). It would not get rid of competition. Smaller titles would be able to have shelf space, even.


Because seriously, it's kind of fucking stupid that multiplatform releases like Madden have to be duplicated in the same shelving area three times over for each console when you really think about it. You don't see 3 different versions of a book duplicated across shelves in a library, and there isn't 3 different shelving areas for the same movie in the DVD/BluRay section.

At minimum, I'd like to see a universal game disc format that works on all 3 proprietary systems out of the box.

The current setup is neat and dramatically interesting, but it still shows how immature the video games industry is. We need to get a universal protocol for controllers too so stuff like Rock Band doesn't need to run 3 separate manufacturing lines for the same game. It'd reduce the risk and losses for the smaller companies for sure.

Great minds think alike. That's exactly what I picture. We'll see games come to a universal format eventually.

 

[Emitan]

I don't think you understand what I'm saying here.

It's a universal format.

You build a game, put it on ONE disc, and no matter if you put in a PC, a Nintendo, or a Panasonic version of a "player" (or one inside your PC tower) that meets and understands this universal format, the game boots up and you play it. It takes up ONE slot on the shelf and isn't duplicated 3-4 times over in the shelf space just so all potential customers can use it.

PCs are just another platform for a game to be built for and played on. It does not have all games on it. PC game discs are not universal.

You're just asking for the PC platform which confuses us because you are obviously already aware of it.

 

[FyreWulff]

You're just asking for the PC platform which confuses us because you are obviously already aware of it.

Great, I'll just pick up Mario Galaxy 3 on PC when it releases.

Once again, "Universal Format". Just because the PC gets ports of most 360/PS3 titles doesn't mean it's a universal platform.


this guy gets it

VVVVVVV

 

[Vorg]

You're just asking for the PC platform which confuses us because you are obviously already aware of it.

No, he's asking for an open standard that the whole industry uses. Like the music industry relies on cd players and the movie industry on dvd players. a game player if you will.

 

[Vinci]

Anyone want to post the chart about who's made how much money since the 80's in videogames? (MS, Sony, Nintendo)

Exactly. It's actually surprising how little Sony made even during its dominance.

 

[kinoki]

I don't think you understand what I'm saying here.

It's a universal format.

You build a game, put it on ONE disc, and no matter if you put in a PC, a Nintendo, or a Panasonic version of a "player" (or one inside your PC tower) that meets and understands this universal format, the game boots up and you play it. It takes up ONE slot on the shelf and isn't duplicated 3-4 times over in the shelf space just so all potential customers can use it.

PCs are just another platform for a game to be built for and played on. It does not have all games on it. PC game discs are not universal.

I'd like that. I'd like that very much. Don't force bros to take sides.

 

[Jokeropia]

Anyone want to post the chart about who's made how much money since the 80's in videogames? (MS, Sony, Nintendo)

 

[StevieP]

Great, I'll just pick up Mario Galaxy 3 on PC when it releases.

I'm not really sure you understand the definition of "Universal Format".

Nintendo will never allow itself to become a third party. Aside from Nintendo, you can get the majority of this generation's top 3rd party games on PC already. And they look and play better, often with dedicated servers (free) for online multiplayer. It's the closest thing we have to a "universal" box.

No, he's asking for an open standard that the whole industry uses. Like the music industry relies on cd players and the movie industry on dvd players. a game player if you will.

MS and Sony creating one console is not going to bring you any closer to an open standard like that. As I said, PC gaming will be as close as it gets for the foreseeable future.

Edit: yes, thank you. Have a look at that chart, people.

 

[Vinci]

I'd like that. I'd like that very much. Don't force bros to take sides.

Nintendo would never go for it. They'd never allow their games to appear on others' platforms.

 

[Krakatoa]

So it's confimed.

MS hacked Sony's Online (PSN) to bring down the share price. Once it was low enough they swoop in and buy.

okay I kid...I wonder what is could be? Maybe a sony music marketplace.

 

[Dead Man Typing]

Random prediction: A two in one box console sold at a premium price. Not for next gen, but for now.

A machine that can play PS3 and Xbox 360 games, sign in to both online networks and use wireless peripherals for both machines.

The PS360 - believe.

It's probably just going to be an I'm a PC, I'm a PC ad campaign, though. And that makes me sad.

 

[Gravijah]

Nintendo would never go for it. They'd never allow their games to appear on others' platforms.

Why would they agree to something that makes them less money, anyway?

 

[Emitan]

No, he's asking for an open standard that the whole industry uses. Like the music industry relies on cd players and the movie industry on dvd players. a game player if you will.

That's what the PC is. Just because everyone doesn't support it doesn't make it an open standard. Sony makes Windows PCs. Dell makes Windows PCs. Samsung makes Windows PCs. All of these are capable of running the same games.

 

[ElRenoRaven]

Nintendo will never allow itself to become a third party. Aside from Nintendo, you can get the majority of this generation's top 3rd party games on PC already. And they look and play better, often with dedicated servers (free) for online multiplayer. It's the closest thing we have to a "universal" box.



MS and Sony creating one console is not going to bring you any closer to an open standard like that. As I said, PC gaming will be as close as it gets for the foreseeable future.

Edit: yes, thank you. Have a look at that chart, people.

You guys really don't understand what he's saying do you? Nobody would go third party. They would all just agree on a format for their games. It would be like how you can play a dvd on any dvd player out there currently. You'd be able to buy a Nintendo game and play it on your xbox, Playstation, Nintendo, or pc.

 

[Lagspike_exe]

Thinking more about this, this could be something regarding Xperia Win7 phones or Sony designed TVs with future Win OS, which could get extremely interesting. Imagine Sony & MS vs. Samsung & Apple smart TV battle. That would be epic.

 

[Vinci]

Thinking more about this, this could be something regarding Xperia Win7 phones or Sony designed TVs with future Win OS, which could get extremely interesting. Imagine Sony & MS vs. Samsung & Apple smart TV battle. That would be epic.

A touchscreen Windows 8 TV for example?

 

[vantastic]

Why would I want Microsoft to dominate the digital living space when they're losing ground on the desktop space

wait, what? losing ground to who? linux? osx? lol

 

[Emitan]

wait, what? losing ground to who? linux? osx? lol

Tablets.

 

[ElRenoRaven]

Tablets.

ROFLMAO. You know what those tablets are running on right?

 

[fanboi]

All I could think of!

 

[JimmyBoy]

Tablets.

I think more importantly they're losing market share in the Internet Browser space to Chrome/Firefox, etc. Considering browsers are the way we're accessing tons (most?) content and even "apps", the actual OS is almost less of a problem.

 

[Krakatoa]

I think more importantly they're losing market share in the Internet Browser space to Chrome/Firefox, etc. Considering browsers are the way we're accessing tons (most?) content and even "apps", the actual OS is almost less of a problem.

True and thats what windows 8 will address.

 

[Cornbread78]

Halo x Killzone crossover.

Dude, how sick with this be.... really?

Master Chief/Sev co-opp story on a mission to take down a rogue Rico, who is trying to dominate the world confirmed.

 

[StevieP]

I think more importantly they're losing market share in the Internet Browser space to Chrome/Firefox, etc. Considering browsers are the way we're accessing tons (most?) content and even "apps", the actual OS is almost less of a problem.

I posted this in another thread, and it seems strangely appropriate here:

I'm too busy implementing ipads in replacement of all the computers and laptops at my company, sorry. And installing the newest version of Microsoft Office onto everyone's Android phones so that they can touch-type their thousand-word reports. Much more efficient that way.

I can't wait to get home and play Starcraft 2 on my Blackberry.

 

[Kimosabae]

God, going back to a 2-console generation would be so Godlike.

 

[DeBurgo]

You really don't understand what he's saying do you? Nobody would go third party. They would all just agree on a format for their games. It would be like how you can play a dvd on any dvd player out there currently. You'd be able to buy a Nintendo game and play it on your xbox or anything like that.

No, YOU guys don't understand the problem with his statement. The issue has nothing to do with the media (or the software/hardware behind it, which would really be the more important piece). This technology is possible right this second, the reason why this isn't happening is because the console manufacturers don't want it to. They want to maintain control over the format and the platform. Their goal is to force third parties to commit to a particular platform so they can reap the rewards while their competitors lose business. It is the economic model to which they've committed themselves, and right now they justify it by sticking in various gimmicks, services, and "innovations" to make the platform unique (ie. kinect, wii u etc.)

 

[Krev]

I'm with FyreWulff on the open-platform, single-format future.
Yes, it's like PC in many ways. However, perception would be very different among consumers. It's a way to get the indie PC devs into lounge rooms without needing someone like Microsoft as an intermediary, and the console games like JRPGs onto PCs. The price of entry is as low as you want it to be and would become extremely affordable over a generation, but the format is also very flexible and customizable (since it's basically the PC model). It's unlike the current PC gaming sector in that it encourages developers to code for a certain spec standard for a full generation, like what takes place in consoles. This is the only real way for games to achieve mass adoption, which I think would lead to all sorts of benefits for games as an industry and as an artform.
The DVD, CD, VHS, Blu-Ray model being applied to games is not the same thing as current PC gaming at all. If you buy a BD player, you can rest assured that it will play any Blu-Ray out there. Not so with PCs, and obviously not the case when you factor in competing consoles on the market.

Nintendo would never go for it. They'd never allow their games to appear on others' platforms.

Nintendo will never allow itself to become a third party.

I hear this often, but it's total nonsense. Nintendo is a 120 year old company. They haven't been making hardware forever. They've adapted before, and they can adapt again. They're not so proud that they'll destroy themselves rather than make huge profit by leveraging their IP and developers, should such a thing become necessary.

 

[Gravijah]

God, going back to a 2-console generation would be so Godlike.

I can't think of any two console generations.

 

[Emitan]

Offices != homes. The workplace will always use PCs. The average person doesn't really need a PC. The average person uses their computer for an internet browser and email. Desktops are unnecessary for them.

I can't think of any two console generations.

Yay SNES! Yay Mega Drive/Genesis! Turbographics who? NeoGeo who?

 

[Zeal]

Buyout incoming.

 

[TheExodu5]

I really hope this is related to console gaming. I would rather only have to buy 2 home consoles next gen. The PS3 and 360 are mostly redundant, anyways.

 

[Kimosabae]

Fine.

Going back to a practically 2-console generation would be GDLK.

 

[megashock5]

I would personally like to see games become like DVD. Everyone builds games against a universal standard. The Big 3 can continue to make their own boxes if they wish with certain features (different services, built in HDD or not, etc). It would not get rid of competition. Smaller titles would be able to have shelf space, even.

It would hurt competition. This gen, Sony wanted to sell you a crazy-spec $600 machine, Nintendo wanted to sell you a moderately powered $250 with a whole new interface.

There's no way those two machines are going to play the same game the way DVD players play the same movies. All of the manufacturers would have to agree on at least some baseline standards.

That approach was tried it back in the 3DO days. The machines were too expensive for most consumers, which is bad for the industry if that's the only option. Right now you have choices, which is a good thing.