Gaming Facing An Identity Crisis?

I'm sorry. I know I'm just stating the obvious, and I'll probably catch a lot of flak for being an aging gamer in an era that features electronic interactive experiences the likes of which we didn't dare dream of a quarter-century ago. But you have to understand: I am excited every time a game like Killzone 2 comes down the pike, and in no way do I believe games were "better" on the Atari or Nintendo. Obviously, that's just not true. But I'm in one of these phases where I think the entire industry is suffering from a minor identity crisis.

Firmware updates (some of which brick systems). Photo lists. Movies. Wallpaper. Themes. Online access. Online multiplayer. Online store. Online everything. Console/handheld connectivity. Playable demos. Virtual interactive communities. Avatars. Stat-tracking. Trophies. Achievements. Motion-sensing. Exercise. Friends lists. Messages, e-mail, updates. Patches. Touch-screen. Stylus. Resolution settings. Backwards compatibility. Media compatibility. Flash drives. Hard drives. Wi-Fi. ...'sigh'

These aren't bad things. Technically speaking, they're all advancements and improvements, and many of them allow us to experience video games in a way never before deemed possible. But sometimes, I just yearn for the days when a console was a console and a game was a game. I don't particularly like the idea that every single game has a new update the week after it's released. I don't really like the firmware updates that consist of features I'll never use. I don't really care if my console can make me a sandwich and read me a story. I have it to play games, and while I remain firmly convinced that - thankfully - software still drives this industry, I'm starting to wonder when the "gadgetry" approach will start to encroach on the game dominion. I'd rather not have the major manufacturing companies think that we value sortable photo galleries over awesome games. To be perfectly honest, I'd be willing to sacrifice a great many next-gen features for any number of new games.

And that's the point: the games aren't replaceable. Without them, it really doesn't matter what your console can "do." They will quickly become uninteresting to gamers, and while that's fine in the case of the Wii (it's just a gadget that plays Flash games and caters mostly to NON-gamers, anyway)...but it's not fine in the case of the PS3 and 360. We need to keep pushing forward, and it's really not going to happen with more hardware options; it's going to happen with killer software. The good news is that the killer software is already here and more is coming, but I'm just a little concerned. This rant may only be founded in baseless nostalgia, but I'm willing to bet I'm not the only one who sees the beginnings of an identity crisis (especially in the handheld realm). Games. It's what I'm in this for. What about you?

1/27/2009 Ben Dutka

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Skatejimmy5
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 12:55:37 PM
Reply

I'm also all for the games. I don't need movie downloads, photo galleries nor themes. Although, I like the additions of multiplayer and trophies, but they're just bonuses.

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crapreviews
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:01:54 PM
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The online game store and movie store is fine with me. But the whole picture thing, and all that i don't need on a gaming system.

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SynerG
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:05:29 PM
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I have a PS3, no 360, and I love the features that I have with it. I have my music on there, and I love how it plays Blu-ray movies. So in a sense, I do love the features that it has...however, like you said, it is about the games, and without good games, a system will usually die out. That's what they're sole purpose should be, and that's how it ought to be.

However, I do like the ability for publishers to patch there games on consoles now. In the past, you would buy a game, and it might be really good, but there were a few things that couldn't be fixed at first, so you were stuck with those problems. Now, thankfully, those things can be fixed via updates, something the PC has been able to do for eternity. I am thankful for that at least, but yes, please keep the games coming!

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SPS3
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:15:30 PM
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I like all of the tech advances they offer thru downloads, but I'd rather see a bigger push in the development of games with better graphics, innovation, features & so forth.

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city96
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:20:33 PM
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Games sell the console but the consoles will still always have good games. its a cycle.

people buy console.
console has good games
advancement in tech
more people buy
more money
the better the games get

the gaming industry is worth billions now

Last edited by city96 on 1/27/2009 1:20:47 PM

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K ASH
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:21:03 PM
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Console = games for me but i dont the added multimedia features. I think why sony made the super photo slide is because of the native japanese culture of taking a gazillion fotos & the fact that ps3 are in living rooms over. But they should add more game oriented updates like letting us ingame pic & editing them.

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whooka
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:31:15 PM
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I'm kind of with you on this one though I do like the inclusion of the Bluray player on the PS3 as i didn't have to spend money seperately on one and I love leeching the 1080p/AVCHDs but beyond that most of the features noted in the article I'd rather have my laptop handle as it's definitely more reliable, easier to backup, easier to add codecs for certain media types, a helluva alot easier to cruise the web, etc, etc. With my laptop attached to my LCD TV via a VGA cable there's no reason to fill up the limited space on my PS3 with various media and deal with streaming a media server, etc. While I see where the console manufacturs are headed with this, I think it's a bit late with the price of PCs getting so cheap but I suppose they think some people will opt for a game console rather then a PC (or additional, newer PC to add to their home for media purposes) if they can get it all in one but I agree that game consoles should focus on games (though the bluray feature comes along with games being published on bluray media so that makes sense)the rest of the stuff leave to the machines that have been specifically developed to handle the tasks (i.e. PCs, MACs, etc).

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Troy Powers
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:39:46 PM
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Well, I'm a gadget freak, so I love all the added features and stuff. And I've got plenty of games, so...it's all good! Hell, I swear, I still have PS3 games that I either haven't played at all, or have only played a little bit.

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WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:45:55 PM

Love the new avatar Troy :)

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coverton341
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:48:50 PM

Hilarious!

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Troy Powers
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 2:12:37 PM

Hey, what better to portray a young black man's love of video games than "Two Happy Negoes on a Hardwood Floor?"

I'd frame this photo and hang it on my wall if I could. :D

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coverton341
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 2:55:59 PM

Is that what the piece is called now? I think it's a wonderful name. Bring it to San Fran I am sure we can find a gallery that will give you a butt load of cash to hang it there and stand in front of it.

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Aftab
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 @ 3:06:24 AM

Yes, San Fran would do. Now, don't be hanging it around your bedroom. Those brothers look like they might be more than just brothers, if you know what I mean. Cuz, you might send yo lady the wrong message!

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PS3_Wizard
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 @ 12:34:22 PM

haven't you had that avatar for awhile now?

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pavlovic
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:43:44 PM
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One think that I can't stand is this "ability" that the developers have to patch or update the games. It's great that they can fix the games, but this "ability" let them ship incomplete games (Socom anyone?)

I would love to see a game that it's complete and ran trough the beta testing phase and it is really ready to ship.

For the multimedia capabilities, I only use the BD player, as I did with the PS2's dvd playback capability. Photos, music, videos or any multimedia is on my VAIO multimedia center hooked up up to my TV.

So, my consoles are for playing games, no more, no less

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Fane1024
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 7:25:33 PM

If you're going to complain about developers not making sure their games are fixed before they release them, you might want to check your post for errors before you post it.

Just saying.

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pavlovic
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 @ 6:06:26 PM

I'm not getting paid for writing my comments. And English is not my language. So shut up.

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Deleted User
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:46:55 PM
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Couldn't agree more. The thing I admired about the PS2/360 is they where game consoles FIRST. I think Sony went away a bit on the PS3 to try and push bluray more but they are fixing that with some nice titles coming.

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WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:55:10 PM

I think Sony just underestimated the stupidity of people, I still feel PS3 is a games first system but they certainly tried to use it as a Trojan Horse to get Blu-ray out there AND get PS3 sales. But the basic dummies at best buy who didn't want to play games but wanted blu-ray went ahead and paid $1000 for a standalone player when they could have gotten a PS3 (The opposite of what Sony hoped would happen)

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coverton341
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:56:06 PM

They used the PS3 to flagship a new tech but I don't think they went out of their way to detour from the console being for games they just want it to be about more than games. They want it to be a whole media outlet which is good and bad at the same time really. On one hand you get the whole package in one unit and you can forgo buying a console a blu-ray player a dvd player and a laptop. On the other hand not many people want to do that here in the US. Japan maybe but here people love to have lots of stuff so they can say well that they have lots of stuff. What I feel they did very right was give us options and they are expanding on that and to say they did not focus on games is a fallacy. They did have decent games in the beginning but not very many people knew what to do with the tech they were given. With that slow developer adoption behind us for the most part we are seeing games really shine now. Sony detract from gaming with the PS3? Not really. Sony too ambitious with the PS3? Maybe a little bit but the gamble is proving to pay off now so its ok. Microsoft made a gamble in the beginning with their system too let us not forget. It was pushed out the door a bit too fast and did in fact come back to bite them and now they have lost a lot of money and looks like they have had to do a bit of belt tightening with the lay off of a large section of their Game Studios.

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TheUglyBassist
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:57:48 PM

The PS2 is, in my opinion, the best console to date. I got started with SOCOM 2 and just kept finding more and more games to play from there.

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Deleted User
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 5:24:48 PM

Yeah I get what your saying.

I wasn't implying that Sony abanded the gaming world. Just that they put a lil more into bluray at the start.

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WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:51:33 PM
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Derr, I like my multimedia sh*t but the point here is very clear, are we gamers or are we multimedia-ers? I suppose this is just gaming systems catching up with the rest of the insane world of technology. Frankly I don't need TV on my PC either, I don't need Internet on my damn phone (I have the ability to go out and not check my email)

See, every device is trying to do everything, we learned some time ago that internet, phone, tv, and recording technology would all merge and they are, but should gaming do the same? Will I one day have to choose between a Sony SuperMedia Centre or a Microsoft XCentre Solution instead of a game console? I certainly hope not. Things are getting too incestuous.

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coverton341
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:59:06 PM

God I hope you are wrong about the SuperMedia Centre and the XCenter Solution but for some reason I think you have had a moment of clairvoyance. I can definitely see it happening and that is a frightening concept.

I mean look at what google wants to do with the GDrive.

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Kangasfwa
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:55:34 PM
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Sony is just trying to live up their "center of the media center" slogan for PS3. A lot of these firmware updates make sense when you consider the applications. Would you rather show everyone your vacation pictures while hunched over a computer screen or on your couch looking at your hdtv via your PS3?

I'm not worried about an "identity crisis" for consoles, developers make games, not manufacturers. The PS3 is a game console that can do other things that make it more appealing mainstream. Instead of having to buy a blu-ray player and dvr you could just buy the PS3.

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GuernicaReborn
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 1:56:26 PM
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I'm all for the experience. I love getting sucked into great storylines, and if a 7.1 reciever and a 1080P 46" TV help that along, then I'm all for it. Yes, a game console is first and foremost a game console, but since Sony implemented all these other great features in their console, why not take advantage of them?

After all, isn't the big TV and amazing audio part of the gaming experience?

And about all the other things... its a double edged sword. I still play Super Stardust HD. It's one of the only games I have that can be beat in less than an hour. It's easy to get hooked, the gameplay is the bread and butter(no storyline), it's addicting and looks really good. It's also only available online. So I'll trade the never-ending updates, installs, patches and connection issues for great little gems like this.

The way I see it, every litte update, whether it effects the games we play or not, is advancing the industry. I honestly don't think that the gaming division of these big companies is going to put the gadgetry ahead of the games, because it's not what the consumer wants.

If the PS3 was really just a glorified blu-ray player, it wouldn't have sold half of what it has to this point. Sony must know that the 120,000,000 people who bought PS2 bought it to play games, they're not going to ignore their past audience by putting games second to gadgets and little extras.

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Scarecrow
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 2:06:59 PM
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Depends
I have to partially agree that they gotta keep their focus on games. And that's where most of the focus is anyway.

But what I don't like is when they give us features and EXPECT everyone to just love these features.

PSHOME is one of those features which I think Sony expected too much from. It's a great networking feature and will be super awesome when they start opening more spaces(Street Fighter space!!!!).

^But the point is that they should not expect everyone to be on that 24/7 if at all.

But yeah I do miss the days when consoles were games only. Just because you got to hang out with TRUE gamers who loved games.

It all comes down to making v-games completely mainstream(anyone can play it). Or keeping it hardcore(with a minority of casuals).

I prefer hardcore ANY DAY.

I have a Wii and it's a 50/50 thing. The good 50 is the Virtua Console and the few good games. The other 50 is all the crappy casual games.

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bamf
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 2:32:47 PM
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For me as long as PS3 is a game console first, I don't mind all the extra features. Its not like a car where you pay extra for added features biult in. But no-one will complain if those added features in a car come for free.
And aren't we all on a buzz when we hear of a new major firmware update?

What I like about the PS3 is that it can be the media device in your living room next to the TV. If you are playing a game and then you want to watch a digital movie, there is no need to set up and turn on your PC or laptop. Just exit the game and find your movie off your HDD on your PS3. Play your music or check out your photographs with friends is a doddle. With having a digital surrond sound system to compliment your setup. ou just wouldn't have your laptop setup like this, a laptop is kinda more private.

Last edited by bamf on 1/27/2009 2:33:37 PM

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faraga
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 3:06:39 PM
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i like the music (cd or hdd) and video (dvd or hdd) GAMING especially, that's why i bought my ps3
use the webbrowser regullary
never used blu-ray movies yet
but that's just cuz i lack an hd tv
i use mediaserver stuff, friend list, sometimes use photo stuff, it'll read photo's off a cd-rom if you'd want it to

now all i want is some bc so i can play my ps2 games since my ps2 is dead

played a game of chess @ Home today, but i lost-.-

Last edited by faraga on 1/27/2009 3:07:18 PM

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LightShow
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 3:23:44 PM
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i liked what the gcube did with the GBA, especially in Sonic Adventure 2 Battle (which was a good game!) and Wind Waker. I've always kinda hoped that someone would do something similar for the PS3 and the PSP...

just my personal tastes is all.

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Zorigo
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 3:26:35 PM
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this is one of the most stupid things you've evcer written. yes you're good, but i like the option of all this stuff. while i love good ol single player, everything else is an added bonus. and i like bonuses.

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coverton341
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 3:32:18 PM

This is an opinion piece. How is anyone stupid for writing an opinion piece? I don't think it was ever stated that the bonuses should be removed just that it should not be the main focus.

Opinions are like a$$holes and you're being an opinion right now.

EDIT: I am not trying to bash you but don't jump the gun and call anyone stupid for having an opinion about the features around today everyone is entitled to their own view point.

Last edited by coverton341 on 1/27/2009 3:35:10 PM

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 4:07:06 PM

Obviously, you're very young. Obviously, you're not old enough to understand this piece...which is the disclaimer I specifically put at the start.

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ThePoetRazel
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 4:44:42 PM

Ben, please don't dismiss this person's opinion just because he is young. Ever heard of Mozart?
Instead, dismiss him because his comment displays a lack of intellect.

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 5:22:07 PM

I'm dismissing him because he's young. ...you'll know why when you're older.

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KevinCairo
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 5:22:16 PM

He didn't call Ben stupid. Since when was it wrong to have an opinion about an opinion? Sure, stupid is a rude word, but it's not as much an insult as it is a disagreement.

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ThePoetRazel
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 6:10:40 PM

The error of youth is inexperience, while the error of age is arrogance.
Maybe you'll understand that when you are older. ;)

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Aftab
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 6:20:12 PM

I highly doubt the likes of Mozart would've responded in such a juvenile tone.

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Aftab
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 6:22:54 PM

And what about the combination of "inexperience" and "arrogance"?

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ThePoetRazel
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 6:24:13 PM

Arrogance and inexperience combined? I think that's called "George Bush"

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Aftab
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 6:30:38 PM

Junior and Senior.

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Aftab
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 6:33:17 PM

...but not Ben. He's kool.

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Aftab
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 6:38:05 PM

I feel like a victorian ninny, right now. Where is my wig?

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 6:42:14 PM

Inexperience is assuming the experienced are arrogant.

;)

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Aftab
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 6:57:12 PM

Jeeby Jedi, Jeeby Jedi!!!

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ThePoetRazel
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 7:17:28 PM

And arrogance is believe that one's own experience is the sole requirement to be correct.
Geez, this could go on forever. lol

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Aftab
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 7:48:35 PM

To percieve truth can only be done by experiencing it yourself ;)

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Veritas Vincit
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 3:42:23 PM
Reply

Did anybody see that the new firmware 2.6 is bricking ps3's??

http://www.ps3center.net/news/2224/sonys-ps3-firmware-update-crashing-systems/

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Arkhon
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 4:31:27 PM

Not to brag or anything, but that's where Microsoft's experience with online infrastructures and operating systems pays off with the Xbox 360's firmware updates.

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ThePoetRazel
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 4:41:33 PM

Good point Arkhon. Shame you can't say the same about Microsoft's skill with hardware huh?

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Deleted User
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 5:21:37 PM

Do I need to remind you of the PS2 Xbox days?

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Troy Powers
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 5:46:51 PM

When was there EVER a PS3 firmware that didn't have people crying "Firmware x.xx bricked my system!"

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coverton341
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 7:00:32 PM

Um firmware 3.4 never had anyone say it bricked their system. Nevermind the fact that it doesn't exist yet.

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LightShow
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 @ 6:38:56 AM

firmware updates dont typically brick system's in ideal conditions. i'm willing to bet the vast majority of these bricks are from turning the sucker off before it was done downloading, or from a power surge.

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webberfan
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 3:58:38 PM
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i remember saying, "wouldn't it be cool if you could do this or that instead of just games." now we can. mostly. except 3d. on a console.

Last edited by webberfan on 1/27/2009 3:59:08 PM

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Arkhon
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 4:22:08 PM
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"It won’t be long before the PSN will be a common hunting ground for PlayStation 3 owners wishing to pick up a cheap, simple, and entertaining title to pass the time between software blockbusters. Hell, if you’re not at least browsing about the Store every now and then, you’ve already missed out on plenty of top-notch downloadable games."

/copied and pasted from your article on Rag-Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic.

Now you seem to be saying that you think that online features in game consoles are making them lose their focus (I'm paraphrasing here)?

For the record, I love online stores. I can download and play demos for games that seem interesting to me, which is how I decided to buy Left 4 Dead and Portal.

Last edited by Arkhon on 1/27/2009 4:28:46 PM

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Arkhon
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 4:33:31 PM
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On a semi-related topic, I'd replace that question mark in the picture on the home page to "Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." It's what I think of whenever I hear or read the phrase, "Hello, my name is..."

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ThePoetRazel
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 4:39:53 PM
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This article sounds like a "slippery slope" argument. We have yet to see these enhancements and extra features hindering gaming. And there is no evidence to suggest that it ever will.
I personally love the extra features. They add to the console and allow me to do more things on one machine. I hated the days where i needed a separate machine for gaming, music, videos, internet access ect. Now, all i need is that magic little machine we call a PS3. Less machines, less wires, less fuss.
Of course gaming is the PS3's principal duty and that should always be the case. But why limit such a powerful and expensive device to just that? Now excuse me while i turn on my media server to watch an episode of star trek on my beautiful PS3.

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Aftab
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 6:51:59 PM

Enveloping unnecessary criticism with a valid argument is like offering a glass of water and spitting in it.

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ThePoetRazel
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 7:10:36 PM

"There is no such thing as an unnecessary criticism so long as it has a valid foundation." I believe that's Voltaire.

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Aftab
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 7:15:57 PM

Thumbs down. Boohoo, but, I see you understand, and the point has been made, young padawaans!

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ThePoetRazel
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 7:28:22 PM

I said Star Trek not Star Wars. ;)

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Aftab
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 7:38:21 PM

Saying "this is stupid", or "this article is that" is unnecessary. The article is meant to spark dicussion, so dicuss and state your perspective, and your evidence, which is what you often do. But try not to spit in the glass of water ;)

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Aftab
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 7:39:32 PM

Ah. My bad.

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tlpn99
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 4:45:38 PM
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I too got my PS3 and 360 simply for the games. To play the exclusives.

I am not that bothered that my PS3 can play blu-ray films as I have yet to own one but I do like it for the fact that blu-ray games can store more massive amount of gameplay on the disc than normal dvd's can.

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Fabi
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 5:05:03 PM
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Speaking of Mozart, it is his birthday today.

Or today was the day he was born I should say.

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Aftab
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 7:04:38 PM

Hear, hear. My, how the stars align! The imagery of busty women,teeny waists and full hips doth giveth me a boner. But then, I remember the inhumane corsets, and I fall flacid in utter shame.

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N a S a H
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 6:06:00 PM
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I didn't buy my PS3 for just games. Loyalty was also involved in the mix but it was mostly for prestige.

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Bill_Clinton_
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 6:55:12 PM
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I bought my ps3 for games but i love all the other features.. the ps3 is a entertainment system it does alittle of everything.. i honest;y think sony had the right idea but they went about marketing it wrong.. i think blu-ray was a great addition an i think when sony implemented it they were thinking about the future.. eventullay people are going to upgrade there tv's so why not add something thats going to benifit you down the road.. in my opinion i think ms was alittle peranoid to implement standard hdd's on every system just because of the hit they took last gen with the first xbox.. but as far as sony concern i don't have a problem with fw's, and dlc and all the other extra features that come with the systems..

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Robochic
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 8:17:38 PM
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I have been gaming for awhile, i always buy a console due to games, god i remember when my parents had an atari i loved space invaders great game still love it, but i do feel this generation the games are still why i purchased the PS3 but the features and technology for it are defently a bonus feature. Great article Ben.

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ffrevenge
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 8:51:19 PM
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The features are just there to enhance your gaming experience. It's something to do when you're not playing games.

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BikerSaint
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 11:22:01 PM
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Hey Ben,
The only flak I'm giving you is for saying you're an aging gamer........

(This 56 year old slowly shuffles away,
shaking my head, and muttering to myself...
"Young whippersnapper, Geeezzzzz")
LOL

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 @ 12:50:49 AM

So long as I'm still gaming at your age, I'm happy. ;)

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Landser1
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 @ 12:01:26 AM
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Well, games are still out there, nowadays we get all those 'current generation' add-ons you seem to hate, but we never stopped getting games, not once.
I'm also certain enough to affirm you've never heard of a PlayStation in which you can't play videogames, but that instead of it, it can 'make you sandwiches, read you books', or even cut your f?cking lawn if you want. So I don't really get were your heading to.

Oh yeah, almost forgot, if you don't like Firmware updates, then don't download them, it's not like your PS3 is going to self-destruct if you don't, you can still play games without the latest FW, and I'm guessing online gaming is not on your classic gamer side, now is it?

Last edited by Landser1 on 1/28/2009 12:08:19 AM

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orangpelupa
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 @ 2:06:06 AM
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the main feature needed for game console is -> GAME.

ofcourse additional feature is a good adition but still, game is the best "feature".

as for the FW update... maybe they need to change the update system.

use one very basic OS that stay on ROM and nver updated.
then put the "fixes/updates" on internal flash memory.
also put the photos, music, web browser, etc as external apps that not tied with FW.

this will make FW update more safer. if the update is broken, brick the PS3. the "very basic OS" is still untouched and running. with just some button press we told the PS3 to clear all the updates.
voila, PS3 back running with very basic OS, connect to internet, and update again.

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JofaMang
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 @ 10:19:18 AM

The current setup is very secure against modding and back-patching. As a business model, the more secure a console is against these income sapping threats, the more attractive it is to investors.

I highly disagree with the "1 download = 1 lost sale" claim in the slightest, but at some point their has to be lost income when a console is vulnerable to piracy. At the level that these decision makers operate, security against piracy is of the highest priority, in able to ensure secure investment in software development.

Its part of the whole package, right up there with game selection, processing power, graphical output, media storage and interfacing etc etc that is sold to the 3rd party developers.

Last edited by JofaMang on 1/28/2009 10:20:01 AM

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OU812
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 @ 2:18:26 PM
Reply

I totally understand where you are coming from, as Im in in 40's. You are right though, sometimes I just want to play games, and sorting photos and music in my ps3 is the last thing on my mind. A single purpose machine will definitely do better then a multifunctional one.
We live in a era where general comsumers seems to want a single device to do everything. The manufactures are just catering to that aspect, and of course, the oppunity to making groteque amount of money.
I work in the comsumer tech industry and comsumers ( and yes even alot of gamers )now expect to have/want everything on one device. It all about convinence and practicility. And Im as guilty as well. "cough cough" iphone.
Sighhh, I miss my coin op defender

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Deleted User
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 @ 9:47:57 PM
Reply

Couldn't agree more. And when people talk of blu-ray, I say in terms of gaming I can recognise the advantage. I just don't like the "I can watch blu-ray movies hur hur hur" attitude.

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OU812
Thursday, January 29, 2009 @ 12:46:02 PM
Reply

I saw the great benefit to bluray in terms of storage. Gaming always pushes the hardware envolope and always hungary for storage. Do we really want to download 10sTo 100s of gbs for games, I don't so. @ lease not for me anyways. I guess that's why could never understand the idea from Steam.
I think if Sony just concentrated on the gaming aspect of PS3 and bluray I suspect they would be turning a profit by now. Although PS Home is an awasome innovation.

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Deleted User
Thursday, January 29, 2009 @ 6:01:39 PM
Reply

"I guess that's why could never understand the idea from Steam. "

Maybe you can't understand Steam, but they seem to be doing just fine without your understanding.

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OU812
Thursday, January 29, 2009 @ 7:25:10 PM
Reply

@ Pushtrak

No doubt about that. Old habits are hard to break. I always perferred to have hard copies of games including packaging. Just adds a nice touch to my gaming collections. Steam does add a certain convenience to it but I guess Im just old school.

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BigBoss4ever
Friday, January 30, 2009 @ 5:33:13 PM
Reply

i again agree fully here, the main purpose for a console is to play games, limit down the functions and produce more cool games and play only games on consoles, period.

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