Another term almost finished, wow. I was intending to write a Tin Soldier article – check out the special insert for some great satirical articles – but there was just too much news in the last few weeks, both good and bad. News about games and consoles, as well as the people who play them.
This week has been filled with video game news as the Game Developer’s Conference (GDC) was in full swing. This conference is often a good source of information about new system peripherals, business models, game features and release dates, as well as even more rumours. The conference is focused on the technology of video games, with many developers showing off how their new game works, not just showing flashy teaser trailers.
Playstation has finally released the name of their new motion controller… the Playstation Move! I know, kind of boring. The interesting thing is that the actual controller has an ‘A’ on it, no doubt referencing the intended name of ‘Arc’, for which Sony failed to secure a copyright. Either Sony will change the logo before launch or the new controller will confuse people for years to come. This puts the gaming industry in an interesting position, as two distinct motion control systems are being used this generation. The Nintento Wii, and the Sony Playstation both use a hardware peripheral with accelerometers and visual tracking (Wii through the sensor bar, Playstation will be complemented by the Eye camera). Microsoft is pioneering a controller-less system capable of tracking a user’s motion and expression for the Xbox 360. It is going to be very interesting to see how games develop in the next few years as a result of different development requirements. Presumably the similarities between the Wiimote and the Playstation Move should allow for cross-platform games, but will those same games be possible on the Xbox 360, without a controller? Will games now be split along the Nintendo/Sony vs Microsoft line instead of the Sony/Microsoft vs. Nintendo line? In the past, a distinct version of a cross-platform game was developed for the Wii, while the higher quality game – generally with better graphics was made for Playstation and Xbox 360. Now a game could be developed for the PS3 and Wii, then ported to Xbox 360 without motion controls. While this would be a loss for Xbox gamers, there is a bright side. Natal’s unique system will no doubt result in many Xbox exclusives, developed specifically to use the 360’s motion system, and very difficult to port to PS3 or the Wii.
I wonder if the introduction of the Playstation Move will begin to alienate the Wii, as games with the same, or better motion controls can be created, with vastly superior graphics. The Wii’s advantage in this console generation has been its uniqueness, the product of its motion control system. If this system is no longer unique then Nintendo has a problem – they need something new, or they will fall behind, just like the Gamecube did.
These new technologies may also create a much wider divide between the PS3 and the Xbox 360, with more and more console exclusives. This will no doubt lead to increased sales for each as gamers will now have to buy both consoles if they want to play new games; they can’t just play the version for the system they own. The split will also increase the amount of hatred on message boards between fanboys – just what we need, right? More fanboys making idiots of themselves.
Now on to the bad news. In past articles I have talked about the way gaming has been branded as an evil source of brainwashed people, intent on murdering everyone around them. I stand by my belief that video games cannot unhinge a perfectly sane person; anyone who decides to murder another human being is already messed up. Unfortunately two deaths, both involving young children have brought video games to the forefront again on news sites.
A South Korean couple has been arrested after they mistakenly neglected to feed their infant daughter, resulting in her death from malnutrition. The parents had just spent another night at an internet café playing online games – a regular pastime for the couple, both of whom are unemployed and frequently spent about twelve hours a day playing online. In a game similar to Second Life, the couple was raising a virtual daughter, while forgetting to feed their own. This is a tragic loss, and a horrible way for people to acknowledge the dangers of videogame addictions. Remember, it is only a hobby: get out and live your life.
The second horrible story is about a three year old girl who mistakenly shot herself with a gun, while reaching for a gun shaped Wii accessory. The girl’s father was asleep at the time, having taken his gun out after hearing a disturbance outside. I think this should be less about video games and more about basic gun safety – or the eradication of guns altogether.
Finally, far less sad news, but so incredibly stupid it requires mention, is the introduction of a new bill in the US. If passed the bill would put the penalty for selling a mature game to a minor to a minimum of six months in prison as well as a fine. This law would apply to the sales clerk, not the manager or retail chain. Maybe this will stop people from flocking to video games store for a job. The acceptable excuses include the minor’s parent being with them, or having a believable fake ID.
That’s it for this issue, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but just remember common sense and game in moderation. Enjoy the rest of the term, don’t let the exams get you down (benefit of being on co-op this term), and as always – Keep on Gaming.
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