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[7/23/02]
For the past few months, hell, the past year, we've been told
how going online with our consoles is going to be the next big
thing in gaming. Sony and Microsoft both seem to feel that the
future of console games lies in the online experience, and are
preparing a selection of games that are going to convince us that
this is true. But is this really a good idea? The average consumer
(the ones that drive the video game market, despite what some
hardcore "l337" gamers would have you believe) might not be ready
to jump into online console games just yet.
Lets use Final Fantasy XI as an example. John Q. Public
walks into Software Etc. on the day of FFXI's release,
and decides that since he liked past FF games, he'll pick this
one up. He plunks the game down on the counter along with his
$50, and is all set to go. But wait, the clerk informs him that
in addition to the game, you also need the Network Adaptor, another
$40, and the HDD, another $80. Oh, and by the way, if you want
to play online there is a $10 fee per month. What's that, you
want to be able to chat in the game or lobby as well? Well, here's
a USB compatible PS2 keyboard for only $20. John looks in his
wallet, and realizes there is no fucking way he is going to shell
out $200 for one game. Now I know this is extreme, and not all
games will cost this much. But FFXI is arguably the biggest draw
for online gaming on PS2.
Then there is the matter of 56k vs. broadband. Microsoft is betting
that broadband will become more widely available in the next few
years, and so they only included a broadband modem in the Xbox.
Anyone stuck with an Xbox and 56k is simply left out, no online
for you, so sorry. PS2 will allow 56k play (for some games), but
you have to buy the Network Adaptor. Look back in the short history
of consoles, and you will see that add-ons have NEVER been
successful. From Rob the Robot to the Sega CD and 32X, these always
fail, for two reasons. 1 - developers tend to not include features
specific to these add-ons in games because of reason 2 - the general
public doesn't want to buy something extra to play a game on a
system they already shelled out $300 for.
Look, I don't want online to fail, quite the contrary. I would
love to be able to play Twisted
Metal Black or Halo against my buddies
without being in the same room. I just don't think this current
generation is the one that will make console online gaming feasible
for the masses. When the systems all ship with online capabilities
out of the box, both 56k and broadband, with networks up and ready
to go, then I think it can succeed. Until then, online gaming
via consoles will only be used by a small number of people.
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