Are Consoles dying?

 
With 50 million monthly active users Zynga's CityVille is making a statement: that a game can find a large consumer base without having to sell a single copy; millions and millions of iphone apps are being sold, not to mention flash and web games that are reaching uncountable numbers. 


This dominance of casual games is making everyone think of this: would casual games consume the market and eventually end console gaming as we know it?


In the past, it was argued that no other platform can match the consoles in terms of graphics power and storage, but with the soon-to-be released NGP, that aspect is about to change, and people are questioning the need for consoles as a result. 


I have discussed in a previous post why casual games are gaining these high figures and this huge market share. In this article I'm attempting to defend the argument that hardcore console games aren't going anywhere. 

Consoles will maintain their positions in the gaming industry for most of the following reasons:

Tiny Screens

Casual platforms usually don't support or require large screens; the relatively small screens of portable devices and PC monitors would never match up the HD power of larger tv screens and surround systems; Consoles have always tried to match the feel of the arcade parlor and they've reached a point to even surpass it. Casual game platforms simply cannot match the experience. 

comfort approach 


Fact is, players would always prefer to sit on the couch and play video games. defiantly beats bending forward to stare into hand held devices or at the wheel chair in front of the computer. 

My couch of choice 

games with larger scope

Until then, none-console games are more targeted towards casual audiences; even hardcore games are less focused and lavish compared to their console counterparts. Console games provide the block buster experience, it's like comparing watching Avatar in 3D cinema and on DVD. It's almost the same content, but the experience is totally different. 

better multi-player


With multiple internet connection schemes, lobbies and leader boards, consoles and PCs are far superior in terms of multi-player experience. Same would be said to direct 2-4 player games, console provides you the fun of directly picking up the joystick and play versus having to connect to other players first before starting a match. Nothing could beat watching your defeated opponent face to face after a brawl. 

Seriously, WTF is going on in this picture?

controls

Consoles have flexibility when it comes to controlers; several companies develop different sets and designs to match every need, and they're easy to pick up and install; portable and casual systems are static when it comes to that regard; sure they can provide some innovative controls sometimes - such as touch screens and motion sensors - but consoles can provide same technology to already existing hardware relatively easily and would be directly hooked via USB. 

inventing new technology 

As the case was with the wii and kinect; new technology was invented specifically to introduce new game play experience in support to traditional gaming. This wave is a first of many innovations in controls and gaming experiences in general; the limitations of other platforms would surely withhold the progress in that regard. 

Consoles include the PC

The oldest and probably the only system that would last forever in terms of gaming; PCs offer everything both consoles and portable devices have to offer in terms of games, connections, and preferals. Most importantly, every house hold NEEDS to have a PC; so since the device is there anyway, why not use it for gaming?

Older Gamers

Ok, not that old

Gamers who grew up in the 90's are a large segment of the video game audience. They are boys and girls that grew up playing their SEGA and Nintendo system and wouldn't have it any other way. To them, gaming experiences have a defined context and changing that would not only confuse them but scare them away. Companies are well aware of that fact and that's why they specifically design games that suit that market segment. This scheme would most definitely draw new comers along as well. creating a continuous loop. 


Bottom line, Consoles and their games aren't going anywhere; there might be changes on how we perceive console gaming but it's going to be there still. The massive success of casual games is a bubble that is bound to burst eventually. 

This would be the subject of an upcoming post, however.