Support NeoGAF

[DarienA]

I realise that. You might not 'miss it' personally, but there are still things you are missing out on.

I 'might' be missing out on online play, but if I or another gamer has no personal interest in online play, then it doesn't matter. Hell you can say I'm missing out on the fun of playing offline football games, or offline fps games, etc... but if I have no 'personal' interest in them... then I'm not really missing out on anything am I?

Good for you for "playing them well enough on your own". But come on now, online is alot of fun, more and more games will be desigend with online in mind and thats only going to bring new life to certain games and genres.

I don't remember saying that it wasn't fun I simply said I had no interest in it.

 

[Sweedishrodeo]

someone should nudge microsoft and tell them to drop the shovel and stop digging their own grave.

 

[kaizoku]

I 'might' be missing out on online play, but if I or another gamer has no personal interest in online play, then it doesn't matter. Hell you can say I'm missing out on the fun of playing offline football games, or offline fps games, etc... but if I have no 'personal' interest in them... then I'm not really missing out on anything am I?

I don't remember saying that it wasn't fun I simply said I had no interest in it.

Thats really very nice of you to share that with us and all, but what is your point in relation to my original point?

 

[monkeyrun]

they already did out sell PS3 worldwide

 

[DarienA]

Thats really very nice of you to share that with us and all, but what is your point in relation to my original point?

You made the comment that no one who plays online goes back. I simply felt the need to point out that posting in absolutes around here is usually not a good idea, because in this case you have an example of someone who went online, and came back no problem.

 

[FtsH]

PS2 has more online game player than XBOX?
where can I find the data to convince myself?

 

[Andrew2]

I disagree, I think Microsoft has a major major trump card with its online services, but then again PS3 and Rev will have it too, how well they pull it off which counts. I can say I refuse to subscibe to the online play on top of my ISP fee, console fee and game fee though! So Nintendo could well pull a sucker punch here.

Online gaming will take off on consoles in a big big way. Its the future. Pretty soon you won't feel like you're getting a full console experience without broadband. Even with the PS2 and Xbox now, for those lucky enough to have online gaming, they would never go back to offline-only play. It really does make a huge difference.

On top of that, I really think wifi will expldoe in a few years time - during this generation. New devices outside of gaming, new technologies etc will all help push this whole new era of technologies into a wifi-enabled market.

Show me some statistical proof that show a sign of console online gaming growing? Every statistic I've seen peg PC online gaming with a huge majority of the online gamers than console.

Xbox live is great, but its obviously someting aimed at the hardcore gamers whereas the casual aren't going to care.

 

[kaching]

You made the comment that no one who plays online goes back. I simply felt the need to point out that posting in absolutes around here is usually not a good idea, because in this case you have an example of someone who went online, and came back no problem.

You can include me as someone who has made an effort to become more invested in online gaming but ultimately finds himself returning to single player gaming more often than not.

 

[Dr. Kitty Muffins]

Unless Microsoft somehow buys up a ton of big name japanese franchises as system exclusive I can't see them having a chance in japan.


That being said, I hope all their japanese developed software comes stateside this time around. MS needs all the content it can get.

 

[Andrew2]

PS2 has more online game player than XBOX?
where can I find the data to convince myself?

Theres more active Xbox live accounts than PS2 online users. However theres more network out there than active xbox live accounts.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_zd1up/is_200404/ai_ziff125501

 

[kaizoku]

You made the comment that no one who plays online goes back. I simply felt the need to point out that posting in absolutes around here is usually not a good idea, because in this case you have an example of someone who went online, and came back no problem.

It was just a general statement, there are always exceptions, there was no need to drag that out into a big debate about your personal gaming habits. I don't want to clarify each and every sentence so its viable in a court of law because that would end up pretty lengthy.

On top of that, your debate belongs more in a single vs multiplayer debate. I never said "once you play multiplayer you wont ever want to play single player games again". That would be silly.

For those of us interested in multiplayer, online is a whole new world and yes, once we play it, we wont want to go back to playing against the CPU only - or for example a sequel where the online function has been removed. Thats my opinion broadly speaking. and I'm not saying people will suddenly fall ill should online be removed from their lives, I'm just saying given the choice and the ability to go online, people will welcome it.

I bet you'll be playing online gaming again sooner or later anyway.

 

[kaizoku]

Show me some statistical proof that show a sign of console online gaming growing? Every statistic I've seen peg PC online gaming with a huge majority of the online gamers than console.

Xbox live is great, but its obviously someting aimed at the hardcore gamers whereas the casual aren't going to care.

First of all, I hate statistics and never use them in my arguments.

Secondly, my post was only a personal prediction for the future generation. Online has been minimal to say the least this gen.

But I will entertain this anyway. the only official stat I have is the recent DS one - about 50% of gamers going online with Mario Kart.

I reckon its even higher with Animal Crossing - but we can only wait and see on that one. Maybe checking out the nintendowifi page would shine some light on the online usage for that game? I would say alot of casual gamers are going online with this also - I've played with them. Mothers, businessmen, 10 year olds, students - all going online. Hell of alot of girls too

Of course PC gaming is going to have the majority of online gaming, this is without question. But console online is only just beginning. PES5 is having a succesful stint online, thousands od Europeans play it everyday, there must be a few hundred thousand players registered on there in total.

Xbox Live is very popular with xbox fans. These examples alone show a growth in console online gaming simply because it was non-existent before. When you consider Sony and Nintendo practically ignored it this gen, thats not so bad. But next gen it will be an important factor, wifi is builti into both their machines and their online strategies are being developed. This is going to explode.

Alongside this is my belief that wifi and really fast broadband will eventually become more and more standardised around much of the world. It may take awhile but I think its going to happen.

These things together, I believe console gaming can definately start to show some PC-levels of online gamers.

 

[DarienA]

It was just a general statement, there are always exceptions, there was no need to drag that out into a big debate about your personal gaming habits. I don't want to clarify each and every sentence so its viable in a court of law because that would end up pretty lengthy.

How was it a big debate? I simply commented on it.

I bet you'll be playing online gaming again sooner or later anyway.

Not this gen I won't. And neither of us knows what's in the cards for next gen.

Xbox Live is very popular with xbox fans. These examples alone show a growth in console online gaming simply because it was non-existent before. When you consider Sony and Nintendo practically ignored it this gen, thats not so bad. But next gen it will be an important factor, wifi is builti into both their machines and their online strategies are being developed. This is going to explode.

There seems to be a misconception in your quote above that Sony ignore online gaming this gen.... they didn't a good number of their games feature online aspects... what Sony didn't do was created a unified interface for community features a la XBL. If what you were trying to say was that Sony ignore created a unified interface... then ok yeah they did ignore that. Because Sony came in to online gaming after their unit was already out... creating a unified interface would have been pretty much impossible... and at the time online game on consoles was still being hurt by slow broadband US adoption/penetration/offerings. IMO that STILL hurts it though its getting better.

 

[radioheadrule83]

I hope Microsoft do it or come pretty damn close.

 

[Ponn]

I think online play will be a bigger part and is important to all future consoles. It will get bigger but I still don't think it will reach anything over 40 percent penetration. I still also think you will see a sort of segmented market with the majority of online players on Xbox 360. I don't see Sony charging for their online service so theres really no feasible way they could have as robust an online system with their own servers like Xbox Live. And Sony has already hinted a couple times that they were keeping a more open system like the PS2 had but with more features. I have a strong feeling those features are going to tie more into communication, media networking, downloading demos and trailers and such. I really wouldn't be surprised if it connected to their new Sony Connect service either.

So with that I think you will see your online playing loving groups who buy sports games and FPS's to still stick with Xbox this generation. And the more eastern gaming people RPG loving and action/adventure loving groups to stick with PS3. Yea, I honestly still don't see much of a change in market breakup from this gen. I think Xbox Live Arcade is perfect by the way, I was surprised that they are getting it right this time and it really fits the console. I think MS should really embrace the whole "Arcade" scheme and get more Sega arcade like games on their system like Crazy Taxi and House of the Dead 4.

Like Darien said, I prefer to feel more accomplished in my gaming, just playing other people constantly doesn't do it for me. That's a diistinction in players though, I call them the Arcade people. They like quick twitchy and arcade type games along with the FPS crowd. That's the biggest difference in Xbox and Playstation libraries and I feel that's not going to change.

 

[kaizoku]

DarienA you just like to argue don't you? lol fair enough.

Sony did not push online play at all this gen. That means they "pretty much ignored" it. Probably rightly so as the technology and maybe even most users simply weren't ready for it. I know I wasn't, but I am now.

When PES5 came out, Sony had already ceased the network adapter and it was very hard to find any. Online function in most games is almost a non-factor, barely mentioned in reviews, just a tacked on bonus featuring competitive play or something.

Come on now, there was nothing wrong with my post whatsoever either grammaticaly or conceptually. Typos sure *shrugs*. Even though what you said is true, I can't help feeling all you did was take the wrong angle on my text, decide to contradict it and leave it at that. Where's your point and how does it reflect on the debate?

 

[DenogginizerOS]

It will definitely outsell the PS3 until the PS3 is released. After that, hrmmmmm, we'll see.

 

[Flo_Evans]

oh Balmer, you so crazy!

 

[DarienA]

DarienA you just like to argue don't you? lol fair enough.

Sony did not push online play at all this gen. That means they "pretty much ignored" it. Probably rightly so as the technology and maybe even most users simply weren't ready for it. I know I wasn't, but I am now.

When PES5 came out, Sony had already ceased the network adapter and it was very hard to find any. Online function in most games is almost a non-factor, barely mentioned in reviews, just a tacked on bonus featuring competitive play or something.

Come on now, there was nothing wrong with my post whatsoever either grammaticaly or conceptually. Typos sure *shrugs*. Even though what you said is true, I can't help feeling all you did was take the wrong angle on my text, decide to contradict it and leave it at that. Where's your point and how does it reflect on the debate?

I always find it funny when people think a different opinion equals liking to argue... you basically hail online gaming as something that once anyone has a taste of they'll want nothing else... I and at least one other person have simply tried to point out what SHOULD be an obvious fact, online gaming does not appeal to everyone.

Who said anything was wrong with your post? Who said anything about typos? I am simply saying something that your post didn't seem to make much note of... online gaming does not appeal to everyone. There's nothing wrong with me providing a counterpoint to your statement... its true.

And what do you define as "pushing" online play? Even though one of their own biggest franchises didn't have it GT, another one DID SOCOM... and not only that but alot of time has been invested in IMPROVING the online functionality of each and every SOCOM released since. How is Sony not pushing it? Don't many 3rd party titles including online functionality?

I think you're confusing pushing online gaming with pushing online COMMUNITY features.

Wait... are you saying Sony no longer produces Network Adapters? Where? I've never heard this before. In addition you made a comment that online play is barely mentioned in reviews.. just something tacked on.... well doesn't that depend on the genre/nature of the title? I think that coupled with a vastly larger catalog of titles on the PS2 skews things.

In the end all I'm saying is... ok that's your point... here's a small portion of it that I feel is incorrect, and then hopefully intelligently expressing WHY. Would you rather just have me say U SUCKZ LOL and be done with it?

 

[kaizoku]

oh man now you're just going off on a tangent.

This is arguing because you continually highlight my posts and try to contradict me or prove me wrong without adding anything else.

Please try to be a little rational about this ok? Taste applies constantly in every situtaion. I'm not going to tailor my posts to account for that because like you said - its a given. Its obvious. It doesn't need stating.

I mention grammer because you might somehow misunderstand my sentence and take it out of context - because thats what you are continually doing.

Nowhere did I say 100% of people next gen will play online. I just said it would be a huge factor, and I stand by that. Huge could mean 10 million players, which could mean only 10% of players. Or it could be 40% of players will go online regularly, that would be a huge number.

I didnt think I had to state *this depends on peoples tastes* like some kind of disclaimer. Nor that I had to specifically announce that I wasn't referring to the entire world.

As for pushing online play, the fact it was released as an add-on, was not advertised and is never covered in publications says it all. I'm not even going to entertain that point because its clear as day that Sony didn't lift more than 2 fingers to promote online play last gen. Already we have people complaining that they wont push it this gen either by mirroring PS2's online capabilities.

Enough said about that. I made my prediction that online gaming will be huge on the next gen consoles. Its not really my fault you took it to extremes and felt I meant the entire world was going to start playing online and abandon single player gaming.

 

[XGoldenboyX]

It will definitely outsell the PS3 until the PS3 is released. After that, hrmmmmm, we'll see.

Agreed !!
Who know's what exactly will happen wonce the PS3 comes out.

 

[mrklaw]

the online stuff is bollocks too. As fun as it may be for GAFfers, there are only 2 millions LIVE subscribers out there for Xbox 1.

Online is not selling Xbox. The sooner they get that into their heads, the sooner MS might actually start fighting on more than just one front.

 

[Chittagong]

"Billion, billion, billion!"

* clap, clap, clap *

"Billion! Billion! Billion!"

* gasps *

"BILLION! BILLION! BILLION!"

 

[kaizoku]

the online stuff is bollocks too. As fun as it may be for GAFfers, there are only 2 millions LIVE subscribers out there for Xbox 1.

Online is not selling Xbox. The sooner they get that into their heads, the sooner MS might actually start fighting on more than just one front.

This is true, and I only got into console online myself recently, and I know the same applies to many others.

But we're talking about next gen and that hasn't started yet. Consumers simply weren't ready for online console gaming this gen, with the launch of PS3 and Rev, they will be pushed towards it more and more. Especially if a suitable busines smodel is found, I myself refuse to subscribe to xbox live, but I play online Animal Crossing everyday. Online isn't huge now, and it won't explode overnight, but in the coming generation its going to be very very popular. System seller? We'll have to see, online service alone won't sell it, but the games which use it well might.

 

[Mrbob]

MS needs to shut up and get more systems on the shelves before talking anymore smack.

Ballmer is playing right into Sonys hands with his comments.

 

[ThirdEye]

MS needs to shut up and get more systems on the shelves before talking anymore smack.

Ballmer is playing right into Sonys hands with his comments.

Yeah he's almost dancing on the palm of Sony

 

[Gahiggidy]

Somebody's been giving Balmer bad information.

 

[Kleegamefan]

X Bot

FUCK YEAH!


Comin’ again to save the muthafukin’ day, yeah…

X Bot

FUCK YEAH!


X360 is the only way, yeah…

Kutaragi your game is through cause now you have to answer to:

X Bot

FUCK YEAH!

So lick my Blu-ray, and suck on my CELL…

What you going to do Iwata when we come for you now,
360s’ the dream that we all share; it’s the hope for tomorrow…

FUCK YEAH!



LameCube

FUCK YEAH!


Gears of War

FUCK YEAH!


PS Poo

FUCK YEAH!


Ring of Light

FUCK YEAH!


The Router’s cancelled

FUCK YEAH!


Alpha Kits

FUCK YEAH!


Sony’s Bankrupt

FUCK YEAH!


Xbox Live

FUCK YEAH!

 

[Vince]

:lol I really feel like I should put something substantive here, but the truth is that was fucking tits and can't be followed up.

 

[Oblivion]

Bastardized Team America song

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

 

[MassiveAttack]

Somebody's been giving Balmer bad information.

The Japan launch actually was phenomenal since Balmer and Moore confirmed what we've all suspected for years: the Japanese are really bad at sales recording.

 

[choplifter]

Ballmer, can I PLEASE have some of the super special ultra hyper CRACK that you are smoking, please ? :lol

gotta love Ballmer, at least he is enthusiastic.

PS3 is going to outsell Xbox 360 by either 3-to-1 or at least 2-to-1

not as much as PS2 outsold Xbox (5-to-1) but Sony will still without question outsell Microsoft in this new generation.

 

[Spencerr]

Spoiler

until PS3 comes out

 

[PhoenixDark]

Steve Ballmer: PS3 is Not Competition

During a recent interview with GameIntellectuals.biz, Microsoft CEO and DDR specialist Steve Ballmer suggested that the PS3 is not going to challenge the company's next generation console, the Xbox 360. "Sony likes to brag and cock tease, but in reality they have no plan. They have no controller. They have no balls. They're weaksause."

Many analysists have said that Xbox Live is one of the Xbox 360's biggest advantages, and Ballmer stressed this, saying "what we have is the ultamite setup. No lag. No ping problems. Xbox Live runs on HD internet, and it's hella fast. Faster than anything Sony has." Ballmer's words are supported by many recent stories that suggest that the PS3 will not be compatible with computers that have connections faster than 56k.

Facing billion dollar deficits and with Spiderman 3 in limbo, Sony is in financial trouble. In order for Sony to stay in business, many analysists believe the PS3 must win the next gen. "Without a win, Sony will go bankrupt," said Mister Bob, head of the University of Gaf's law school. "The 360 has already taken over Japan and the US, so all Sony has left is Europe, which won't be easy." In responce to these points, Ballmer merely shrugged and said "not my problem."

"We have the most powerful gaming machine ever created, and people are responding positively. We have a buzz. And whether it's MTV or G4, gamers have consistantly loved our sh*t. Do I think we can outsell the PS3? Of course. In fact, I'm willing to bet the PS3 won't sell one unit in its first hour out." Strong words from an even stronger leader.

Above: Ballmer estimates, with his hands, the Xbox 360's chances of outselling Sony's PS3 by more than 5million units this year

 

[MassiveAttack]

:lol :lol :lol :lol

 

[PhoenixDark]

XD!

 

[choplifter]

" Ballmer...I'm going to take one of my PS3s, stuff it in your face, and down your throat, you fat american pig!"

 

[EviLore]

Heh, he really looks proud and confident in this pic.

 

[choplifter]

Heh, he really looks proud and confident in this pic.

because he knows that PS3 is going to piss on the competition from a tremendous height.

 

[Barry Lightning]

this is my favorite peter moore picture / quote:

i mean, the possibilities are endless.