tibbon
12-06-2010, 05:30 AM
I've played computer and electronic games for a long time. Well over 25 years now. Wow. I'm old.
I'm convinced that there has never been a better time to play, consumer, make or enjoy games as today.
First of all, a very compelling reason which is always important- prices are way down. Despite AAA titles settling at $60 average on their release, games are cheaper than ever. Between huge numbers of free to play, open source, $1 mobile games, application stores, sales, cloud services like OnLive and distribution services like Steam gaming has fallen to an all time low.
Remember Neo Geo AES games? They were upwards of $300 per game when they were new. Even in the 80's many new games retailed for $50. There wasn't much for open source games or freeware and there were no quick and easy distribution channels that had massive sales on frequent basis.
The supply of games is also way up. The explosion of the mobile platform has been one part of this, but also despite the growing complexity of games we're seeing a surge in high quality indie titles that feature some adventurous and innovative gameplay.
We've gotten past many of our initial mistakes. The 90's primary failing was FMV. The 00's saw poorly executed mmos, unneeded 3d, excessive simulation and alternative control schemes showing their initial attempts and failings. We're getting past that now. This is when the real fun starts.
Plus, average spending on games is up. More people are gamers than ever. Love it or hate it Zynga is spreading games to more people than even Milton Bradley was able to with board games in such a short period of time. The hours spent on gaming are staggering, but so is what we can do with gaming.
In the future, we'll see games that are better than ever. Plot and characters will finally grow to their promise of being even more engrossing than books or movies and the interactive nature of the medium will really shine. We'll grasp the power of people working together in concert toward a goal and find ways to harness it for the good (and the entertainment) of humanity. Games will bring together people and teach us a greater understanding of our neighbors. Just like many books have challenged ideas about racial and gender intolerance, violence, substance abuse and morality so will games, and it will not be in a cheesy or insincere manner.
Count yourself fortunate. The golden age of gaming has not passed us. We haven't already seen the best, but I do feel that the best is around the corner.
I'm convinced that there has never been a better time to play, consumer, make or enjoy games as today.
First of all, a very compelling reason which is always important- prices are way down. Despite AAA titles settling at $60 average on their release, games are cheaper than ever. Between huge numbers of free to play, open source, $1 mobile games, application stores, sales, cloud services like OnLive and distribution services like Steam gaming has fallen to an all time low.
Remember Neo Geo AES games? They were upwards of $300 per game when they were new. Even in the 80's many new games retailed for $50. There wasn't much for open source games or freeware and there were no quick and easy distribution channels that had massive sales on frequent basis.
The supply of games is also way up. The explosion of the mobile platform has been one part of this, but also despite the growing complexity of games we're seeing a surge in high quality indie titles that feature some adventurous and innovative gameplay.
We've gotten past many of our initial mistakes. The 90's primary failing was FMV. The 00's saw poorly executed mmos, unneeded 3d, excessive simulation and alternative control schemes showing their initial attempts and failings. We're getting past that now. This is when the real fun starts.
Plus, average spending on games is up. More people are gamers than ever. Love it or hate it Zynga is spreading games to more people than even Milton Bradley was able to with board games in such a short period of time. The hours spent on gaming are staggering, but so is what we can do with gaming.
In the future, we'll see games that are better than ever. Plot and characters will finally grow to their promise of being even more engrossing than books or movies and the interactive nature of the medium will really shine. We'll grasp the power of people working together in concert toward a goal and find ways to harness it for the good (and the entertainment) of humanity. Games will bring together people and teach us a greater understanding of our neighbors. Just like many books have challenged ideas about racial and gender intolerance, violence, substance abuse and morality so will games, and it will not be in a cheesy or insincere manner.
Count yourself fortunate. The golden age of gaming has not passed us. We haven't already seen the best, but I do feel that the best is around the corner.