Support NeoGAF

[PhatSaqs]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/05/24/tech/gamecore/main697595.shtml

Some pretty interesting commentary I thought. Slaps the industry as a whole around a little.

For example, developers have barely capitalized on the full power of the first Xbox and suddenly they're all being told to design games for Microsoft's spooky Big Brother "HD Era" Xbox 360 where everyone you know on Xbox Live knows exactly what you're doing.

Attending Sony and Microsoft's press conferences led me to believe that I was the only human being in existence who didn't have a High Definition TV. Sony's even gone so far as to allow for dual HD support on their PS3. Which effectively turns their next-gen console into a giant, overpriced Nintendo DS.

And it doesn't have a touch screen.

But gamers are all being told that if they really want to be "gamers" and not just some jerk that plays games, they have to move into the High Definition clan.

That, in and of itself, should worry anyone wary of Microsoft's partnering with Samsung.

Peter Moore, Corporate Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and Publishing for Xbox at Microsoft, has been asserting that only through Samsung's HD TV's can one experience real gaming.

Yessir, just sell a limb and you can be rocking out with your Xbox 360 like a real gamer. Those HD TVs are expensive, but do you really need two kidneys?

This deal must be a dream come true for Samsung. Sales of their high-priced idiot boxes might actually pick up.

Yoichi Wada, president of Square Enix, is cheating on Sony with Microsoft. Or maybe he's cheating on Microsoft with Sony.

Regardless, He was at both press conferences spouting praise for both consoles.

Has deal-making simply run amok?

The video game industry believes that it is being taken more seriously, but it is not. The money that gaming makes is garnering recognition, but the crucial lesson developers and publishers need to learn is that money does not equal maturity.

All we’ve gotten from the moneymaking is MTV specials and businessmen thinking that they understand what video games are about.

If the game industry wants to sit at the adult table, it needs to act like a grown-up and not a speed-freak teenager. Obsessions with sex and violence do not exemplify time-told experience. At the same time, pandering to such obsessions shows nothing but a childish plea for attention.

 

[Saki]

Didn't they visit Nintendo's booth?
Are they saying they don't like Zep?!

 

[human5892]

"E3 left us dazed and confused...because none of us here at CBS are under 69 years of age."

 

[Razoric]

Attending Sony and Microsoft's press conferences led me to believe that I was the only human being in existence who didn't have a High Definition TV. Sony's even gone so far as to allow for dual HD support on their PS3. Which effectively turns their next-gen console into a giant, overpriced Nintendo DS.

I agree with this 100%.

I want to know what all this HD shit means to me, a "normal" TV owner.

How the fuck does MS plan to reach hundreds of millions of people when they are basically making you feel like to enjoy X360 you are required to blow $1000+ on a new TV?

 

[Musashi Wins!]

haha, that's not bad as far as digs go.

I like the giant, overpriced DS comment. Good stuff.

edit: I think I agree with it too.

 

[sprsk]

i think i agree with this article

 

[PhatSaqs]

I agree with this 100%.

I want to know what all this HD shit means to me, a "normal" TV owner.

How the fuck does MS plan to reach hundreds of millions of people when they are basically making you feel like to enjoy X360 you are required to blow $1000+ on a new TV?

I'm in agreement here. I know jack shit about HDTV and yet I feel like I have to buy one now in order to enjoy next gen gaming.

 

[Firest0rm]

Very good points. Hopefully though, the outcome of this generation won't lead us into the same fate as the music industry. Call me a fanboy or whatever but I hope Nintendo's offering will remain true to the gamer and not concentrate so much on the high-tech rich guy.

 

[Lord Error]

Both guys writing this are pretty young, and they definitely do have a point in some of the things they are saying, although they are trying to make it more worrysome than any of it really is (xbox live 'knows' what you are doing, making fun of two screens support like it's obligatory, etc...)

 

[el jacko]

That last paragraph alone saved the entire article.

And it wasn't even that bad to begin with.

 

[Mihail]

This guy is awesome. He's definitely spot on about business men thinking they know jack about video games. Even though the industry is growing, most of the people involved in making money of off it are oblivious as to what makes a good game.

 

[sol5377]

I think Sony and Microsoft need to do a better job (over the next few months) explaining how their consoles will still look "next gen" on regular TV's because of the extra horse power and new features. They also have to show them as being "future proof" so that once people do upgrade their TV's, the consoles will fully take advantage of them and look even better.

I think focusing too much on all this HD talk will confuse and alienate alot of the mainstream gamers. It should be made clear that the 360/PS3 will work great on regular TV's as well!!

 

[sonycowboy]

i think i agree with this article

Yep.

This HD-ERA talk might just turn off your average joe. Although it will spur the sales of HDTV's without a doubt. But the idea that you might "need" to have an HDTV to experience these games is one that both parties need to be careful with.

 

[Blacklion]

I kinda agree with the article

 

[human5892]

Eh, I don't know. Most of this article really comes off as alarmist. The dual-monitor output on the PS3 is an optional feature that could potentially have some good uses, and all of a sudden it's an overpriced DS? Xbox 360 Live (an optional service) introduces some new features to help broaden communication and keep your friends organized, and it's Big Brother? And if you feel "bad" for not owning an HD TV next gen, it's your own fault for letting a damn corporation make you feel that way. Last I checked, all next gen systems will work fine and dandy with regular TVs...Sony and Microsoft are just making sure you know that things will look best on an HD TV...because they will. Should they omit that detail so us regular TV owners don't cry?

I agree that the games industry has a lot of growing up to do, but many of the console-specific points the author attempts to make seem fueled mostly by some kind of inexplicable agenda or chip on his shoulder.

 

[Belfast]

Why do you feel you need to play in HDTV? Do you feel like you need to do it with current games that support HDTV already? Aren't they playable without?

You people are playing into the hype at the same time you're eschewing it.

Yeah, HDTV will enhance the experience, just like surround sound, or any other number of home theatre hardware. But I'm still sitting here playing things on my (comparitively) small, stereo-audio CRT TV without a problem.

Besides, the tech industry as a whole is moving towards the HD-era. What about those mandatory HDTV broadcast regulations? Those might still be a few years down the road, early into or near the middle of next-gen console gaming. They're simply getting ahead of the game and allowing for these HDTV capabilities out of the box. But that doesn't mean you have to use it. Which makes the DS comment doubly as stupid. Hey, the option is there, you don't HAVE to use it and it doesn't cancel out all of the other qualities of the system. So its not JUST an overpriced DS. It doesn't depend on two screens for gameplay. For all we know, it might just be a convenient way to hook one system up to two different monitors for multiplayer, instead of having to lug another system around and networking them. That way you won't have to deal with the 4-player split screen issue.

The rest of the article I can generally agree with, but I don't see the problem with HDTV. If you feel you need HDTV to enjoy next-gen gaming, then that's your own problem. I'll be happy with or without it.

 

[ziran]

I agree with this 100%.

I want to know what all this HD shit means to me, a "normal" TV owner.

How the fuck does MS plan to reach hundreds of millions of people when they are basically making you feel like to enjoy X360 you are required to blow $1000+ on a new TV?

in the real world where mortgages, food, clothing, kids, school, healthcare, holidays and general living take president over games i think this article explains the difficulty of this path.

i'd love a hd tv with blue ray movies, but the quality increase isn't enough to warrent a purchase. like cds, the technology is old but good enough. no-one cares about switching their collections to a better format.

 

[NintendosBooger]

I’m glad someone said it. It seems video game companies are pushing consumers into purchasing additional hardware, services, and appliances more to nourish better business relation with partners than to actually deliver new and innovated experiences with games. I was somewhat disappointed in the fast approach of online gaming and the promotion of broadband home Internet, but the factors which tempered that disappointment were the infinite possibilities for multiplayer gameplay. Why not focus more on this and encourage consumers to invest their money on online games and similar mechanisms that enrich the gameplay experience?

 

[DarienA]

The video game industry believes that it is being taken more seriously, but it is not. The money that gaming makes is garnering recognition, but the crucial lesson developers and publishers need to learn is that money does not equal maturity.

All we’ve gotten from the moneymaking is MTV specials and businessmen thinking that they understand what video games are about.

If the game industry wants to sit at the adult table, it needs to act like a grown-up and not a speed-freak teenager. Obsessions with sex and violence do not exemplify time-told experience. At the same time, pandering to such obsessions shows nothing but a childish plea for attention.

...and this is different from the movie industry how? .... yeah that's what I thought....

I’m glad someone said it. It seems video game companies are pushing consumers into purchasing additional hardware, services, and appliances more to nourish better business relation with partners than to actually deliver new and innovated experiences with games. I was somewhat disappointed in the fast approach of online gaming and the promotion of broadband home Internet, but the factors which tempered that disappointment were the infinite possibilities for multiplayer gameplay. Why not focus more on this and encourage consumers to invest their money on online games and similar mechanisms that enrich the gameplay experience?

..... Lazy 8's reproduced?

Sorry this article while it makes some good points reads more like someone trying to write like they are "down" or "cool, hip, in the know" with what goes on in the VG industry...

 

[vitaflo]

If the game industry wants to sit at the adult table, it needs to act like a grown-up and not a speed-freak teenager. Obsessions with sex and violence do not exemplify time-told experience. At the same time, pandering to such obsessions shows nothing but a childish plea for attention.

Couldn't have said it better really.

 

[sonycowboy]

The rest of the article I can generally agree with, but I don't see the problem with HDTV. If you feel you need HDTV to enjoy next-gen gaming, then that's your own problem. I'll be happy with or without it.

It's not about us. It's about your regular consumer who will be innundated by this HD-Era talk, look at his "weak" TV, and think that he won't be able to fully participate.

 

[human5892]

It's not about us. It's about your regular consumer who will be innundated by this HD-Era talk, look at his "weak" TV, and think that he won't be able to fully participate.

E3 and shows like it aren't about the regular consumer, though.

Now, if Microsoft starts running ad campaigns about the 360 talking about the HD era and whatnot, then I'll agree that they need to back off. But right now their audience consists of a great deal of hardcore technophiles who do have HD TVs and are anxious to know if the new consoles will take advantage of them.

 

[Spectral Glider]

What's the big deal with them supporting HD? I don't get the fuss. "What does it mean?" It doesn't mean a damn thing. Here, it means that if you want to blow all kinds of money on a TV like that, then you'll actually have something in the house that makes use of it that isn't some lame PBS channel. If not, you'll play games on S-video or component, the same you've been doing for the past 4 or 5 years. And that's pretty much it. I don't have a widescreen TV and that was a feature found in several PS1 games even, but I never felt compelled to rush out and buy one over the last 10 years. Why all the crying?

 

[Belfast]

It's not about us. It's about your regular consumer who will be innundated by this HD-Era talk, look at his "weak" TV, and think that he won't be able to fully participate.

Even if its an average consumer, being pulled in by this sort of "tech penis envy" is their own fault. The technophiles will continue to buy, the regular consumer probably won't know the damn difference. They don't pay attention much anyway, considering I always get asked if my PSP will play DVDs, even though the width of the media is larger than the PSP itself.

Common sense isn't very common.

 

[sprsk]

...and this is different from the movie industry how? .... yeah that's what I thought....

its not any different, but the movie industry atleast has a counter balance

 

[Shinobi]

Why do you feel you need to play in HDTV? Do you feel like you need to do it with current games that support HDTV already? Aren't they playable without?

You people are playing into the hype at the same time you're eschewing it.

Yeah, HDTV will enhance the experience, just like surround sound, or any other number of home theatre hardware. But I'm still sitting here playing things on my (comparitively) small, stereo-audio CRT TV without a problem.

Besides, the tech industry as a whole is moving towards the HD-era. What about those mandatory HDTV broadcast regulations? Those might still be a few years down the road, early into or near the middle of next-gen console gaming. They're simply getting ahead of the game and allowing for these HDTV capabilities out of the box. But that doesn't mean you have to use it. Which makes the DS comment doubly as stupid. Hey, the option is there, you don't HAVE to use it and it doesn't cancel out all of the other qualities of the system. So its not JUST an overpriced DS. It doesn't depend on two screens for gameplay. For all we know, it might just be a convenient way to hook one system up to two different monitors for multiplayer, instead of having to lug another system around and networking them. That way you won't have to deal with the 4-player split screen issue.

The rest of the article I can generally agree with, but I don't see the problem with HDTV. If you feel you need HDTV to enjoy next-gen gaming, then that's your own problem. I'll be happy with or without it.

Agreed...it's akin to saying MS and Sony are evildoers for making people invest in Dolby or DTS home theatre systems to enjoy the current games. If you want to maximize the investment and enjoyment from the next gen of consoles, you get a HDTV. If you don't, the games will still look good...it isn't like they're going to appear black and white with 150 lines of resolution.

Having said that...

The video game industry believes that it is being taken more seriously, but it is not. The money that gaming makes is garnering recognition, but the crucial lesson developers and publishers need to learn is that money does not equal maturity.

All we’ve gotten from the moneymaking is MTV specials and businessmen thinking that they understand what video games are about.

If the game industry wants to sit at the adult table, it needs to act like a grown-up and not a speed-freak teenager. Obsessions with sex and violence do not exemplify time-told experience. At the same time, pandering to such obsessions shows nothing but a childish plea for attention.

...there's a world of truth in those paragraphs. The game industry is about as mature as Pee Wee's Playhouse. Though acting like sex and violence shouldn't be part of gaming (or any form of entertainment) is equally as immature.

 

[Belfast]

Yeah, I pretty much agree with the "state of the industry" parts. Its not so much the developers, either, its the publishers and execs and consumers who actually buy the tripe. But hey, if sex and violence is tempered with good gameplay, then its alright.

Indeed, though, its not like the lack of HDTV is going to reduce the amount of geometry or quality of the lighting in a game. I'm sure component cables will still work pretty well for any resolution issues at that.

 

[stewy]

I have to say I don't agree with the whole "forced to buy an HDTV" thing. That's like complaining too many games take advantage of 5.1 sound, and thus I must spend money on a new stereo system.

When I hear things like 5.1 support, HDTV support, and the whole dual-screen thing, I'm thinking more along the lines of the console maker telling me just how powerful their shit is. Hasn't kept me from playing my games on my little 27" Wega with the two speaker output.

Television and the movie industry have both been moving toward HDTV and all that, and I think Microsoft and Sony are both trying to point out that they're keeping up. These are technology companies, after all. What good would it do for them to not support all the new hardware?

And on the other hand, if I am a technophile who's spent his money on a great sound system and TV, I'm happy as hell to know that ALL the games on my Xbox 360 will support my expensive new toy, rather than only a few of them. The folks with this hardware are the early adopters, and that's who Sony and Microsoft are pandering to right now.

 

[Jeff-DSA]

I have to agree with CBS on this.

I was one of the crowd that didn't care that the GameCube didn't have DVD playback because I bought a gaming system, not an all-in-one entertainment center. I wanted my GameCube, PS2, and Xbox for games, nothing more. Next generation I'll probably just buy 2 of the consoles unless all 3 are absolutely, positively, undeniably must haves. All this extra fluff that is being touted with the systems is annoying and makes me think they're trying to nickel and dime us to death AFTER we already did them the favor of buying their consoles.

I really like Nintendo's stance next-gen. The Revolution is for gaming, not a possible trojan horse.

 

[Guy LeDouche]

Eh, I don't know. Most of this article really comes off as alarmist. The dual-monitor output on the PS3 is an optional feature that could potentially have some good uses, and all of a sudden it's an overpriced DS? Xbox 360 Live (an optional service) introduces some new features to help broaden communication and keep your friends organized, and it's Big Brother? And if you feel "bad" for not owning an HD TV next gen, it's your own fault for letting a damn corporation make you feel that way. Last I checked, all next gen systems will work fine and dandy with regular TVs...Sony and Microsoft are just making sure you know that things will look best on an HD TV...because they will. Should they omit that detail so us regular TV owners don't cry?

I agree that the games industry has a lot of growing up to do, but many of the console-specific points the author attempts to make seem fueled mostly by some kind of inexplicable agenda or chip on his shoulder.

agreed.

 

[DarienA]

its not any different, but the movie industry atleast has a counter balance

Meaning?

 

[Belfast]

I have to agree with CBS on this.

I was one of the crowd that didn't care that the GameCube didn't have DVD playback because I bought a gaming system, not an all-in-one entertainment center. I wanted my GameCube, PS2, and Xbox for games, nothing more. Next generation I'll probably just buy 2 of the consoles unless all 3 are absolutely, positively, undeniably must haves. All this extra fluff that is being touted with the systems is annoying and makes me think they're trying to nickel and dime us to death AFTER we already did them the favor of buying their consoles.

I really like Nintendo's stance next-gen. The Revolution is for gaming, not a possible trojan horse.

When did they point the gun at your head and make you promise to spend the money?

 

[vitaflo]

Meaning?

Not to put words in sporks mouth, but at least the movie industry has things like the Oscars and Sundance. It has mature movies that aren't T&A or gore flicks, and low budget, experimental movies that are great. Basically I think the game industry could use more indie games, and have games with more adult themes that aren't in the sex/violence category.

 

[DarienA]

Not to put words in sporks mouth, but at least the movie industry has things like the Oscars and Sundance. It has mature movies that aren't T&A or gore flicks, and low budget, experimental movies that are great. Basically I think the game industry could use more indie games, and have games with more adult themes that aren't in the sex/violence category.

Ok wait.. wait.... so you need a internationally recognized awards show or an indy show to be considered legit? I have no response to that.

...if you don't think there are experimental games, or good niche games that aren't T&A then you are not looking past the best seller list enough.

I think I know what's trying to be said by that article... but it's not being said correctly... and even I'm not REALLY sure how to word it.

 

[Geek]

...and this is different from the movie industry how? .... yeah that's what I thought....

I'm not quite sure I understand this question. Are you saying that the movie industry only releases films that are obsessed with sex and violence? If so, I'd have to disagree with that. There are a good portion of profitable movies that don't pander to excessive violence and gratuitous T&A the way that the games industry does.

Obviously, the games industry does not only release violent and overtly sexual games, but it's amazingly prevalent and in-your-face. E3 is a great magnifier of the content inherent in gaming.

Don't get me wrong, I like a little violence and sex in my games. I even like particular games that revel in it (Manhunt, Rumble Roses, etc.).

Anyway, back to the article. I do agree with what Vitka wrote. Microsoft is really pushing "digital entertainment lifestyle", "community experience", "shared stories" and other non-gaming marketing speak. Sony is also guilty of this "it's not just a game machine" rhetoric. I just want to fucking play some video games on the thing. I want new gaming experiences, not just better graphics. I don't care about Xbox Live or PlayStation World, just make some good games.

Yes, I know. I don't have a gun to my head and I don't have to spend money on Live or worry about my digital entertainment center being lorded over by Sony/MS. However, the fact that these companies are pushing these agendas and dedicating so much time and energy to build services and features I'll most likely never use into my game console might just be detracting from actual R&D for games and driving up costs.

 

[HokieJoe]

:lol

Oh the irony:

"Sales of their high-priced idiot boxes might actually pick up."

I find it mildly amusing that a CBS rep would refer to his bread and butter as an idiot box. Then again, maybe he's saying that if you watch CBS News, you are an idiot. :lol

 

[sprsk]

Meaning?

meaning there is the OMG 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS ZOoM POW EXPLOSIONS EPIC BATTLES OMG 2 GUNS AT ONE TIME version of the hollywood industry, but there is alos a considerable amount of people making films based on the core elements of narrative film making, characters and story. Even then there are people out there who make films that are totally non narrative, non representational hell, they dont even really film anything. Movies cover a much broader scope. Whereas the gaming industry is almost entirely ZIP ZANG POW GUNS WOO EXPLOSIONS SUPER ARMY BATTLES SCARE YOUR PANTS OFF

im not saying its all this, but thanks to the way the industry is set up, we rarely ever see these games.

 

[DarienA]

meaning there is the OMG 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS ZOoM POW EXPLOSIONS EPIC BATTLES OMG 2 GUNS AT ONE TIME version of the hollywood industry, but there is alos a considerable amount of people making films based on the core elements of narrative film making, characters and story. Even then there are people out there who make films that are totally non narrative, non representational hell, they dont even really film anything. Movies cover a much broader scope. Whereas the gaming industry is almost entirely ZIP ZANG POW GUNS WOO EXPLOSIONS SUPER ARMY BATTLES SCARE YOUR PANTS OFF

im not saying its all this, but thanks to the way the industry is set up, we rarely ever see these games.

So you're saying we should have more love story videogames?

Sign me up!!!!

Yes that's f'n sarcasm.

EDIT comment for your additional comment:

You rarely see them? Sure if you only game using EB's top ten list....

 

[explodet]

It's this kind of attitude that got Sam and Max 2 cancelled.

 

[Shinobi]

Not to put words in sporks mouth, but at least the movie industry has things like the Oscars and Sundance.

You consider a bullshit wankfest like the Oscars a great counterbalance? That's political malarkey at it's finest.

Anyway, I assume Darien stated that the biggest, most successful movies tend to feature sex and violence, which isn't much different to home gaming (though when you consider sports games take up 35% of the market, you wonder where the sex and violence equation fits into that equation). But there are are plenty of other movies that don't feature sex and violence. And to wit, there are a lot of games that aren't focused on those elements either.

BTW, Dazed and Confused is probably one of Zepp's better songs...been listening to that quite a lot lately.

 

[sprsk]

So you're saying we should have more love story videogames?

Sign me up!!!!

Yes that's f'n sarcasm.

EDIT comment for your additional comment:

You rarely see them? Sure if you only game using EB's top ten list....

well, game stores get like 100 copies of sw ep 3 and we get 1 copy of nightmare of druaga.

My thing is that the gaming industry isnt the movie industry. My version of "indie gaming" is focused around games that focus on gameplay (treasure games!!) not games that are slow paced slice of life love story blah blahb lah whatever popular indie movie genres are being produced right now.

yes and dont ever put the word oscars into my mouth. That shit is such a joke. althought, atleast at the oscars arent hosted by snoop dog and funkmaster flex BY THE DEW

 

[KingJ2002]

not only did it leave me dazed and confused... it also left me pissed because of all the damn sequels and lack of originality.

right now (even though i want one) i look at the xbox as xbox 1.5

and the ps3 as the ps2.5 (graphics dont make a generation leap sony -- well not in my opinion)


if nintendo is really talking revolution... im willing to bet a cool grand the real generation and gaming leap will start with their console.

kind of like the sega saturn, psx, nintendo 64 era... both systems came with 3D games... but the release of super mario 64 really changed the direction of console gaming.

 

[HokieJoe]

I for one don't agree with him. It sounds like he got E3 and the Second Luddite Convention all mixed up to me. :lol

MS, Sony, and Nintendo are not "making" anyone buy or utilize any feature that they choose not to.

 

[ProgramFighter]

I agree with some of the parts of the article but do feel that they are presenting their points in too much of a doom and gloom type picture, albeit amusing. More so, though, I agree with what sp0rsk and some of the other guys comparing movies and video games are saying. While I love video games and consider it a form of art and a medium of entertainment and communication in the same vein as movies, music, books, etc., as far as potential and reality is concerned, I feel there is much left to do before it becomes looked upon in the same light as those by a great majority. I had a long debate with one of my college proffessors in this regard and realized that the video game industry still has a ways to go. Money is great, but respect is better. However, this is still a young industry/medium and I must say I am impressed at how far it has come in a relatively short amount of time. Of course, there are a plethora of examples showing that video games are heading in the right direction (Not there yet.), but far too many games are sticking to the tried and true and going for pure shock value. I suppose this can be said of anything, but the ratio just seems off to me. Just my two cents. Sorry 'bout the length.

 

[WasabiKing]

Imagine if you will, a PS3/XBox360 Bundle for $1500, now paired with an HDTV.

HDEra

 

[Shinobi]

well, game stores get like 100 copies of sw ep 3 and we get 1 copy of nightmare of druaga.

Well yeah, but that's just supply and demand...Episode 3 is on over 3000 screens, while something like Darwin's Nightmare will be lucky to hit 30 screens. Can't blame the retail sector for wanting to invest in something that will sell.

yes and dont ever put the word oscars into my mouth. That shit is such a joke. althought, atleast at the oscars arent hosted by snoop dog and funkmaster flex BY THE DEW

:lol :lol :lol

 

[Agent Dormer]

well, game stores get like 100 copies of sw ep 3 and we get 1 copy of nightmare of druaga.

My thing is that the gaming industry isnt the movie industry. My version of "indie gaming" is focused around games that focus on gameplay (treasure games!!) not games that are slow paced slice of life love story blah blahb lah whatever popular indie movie genres are being produced right now.

yes and dont ever put the word oscars into my mouth. That shit is such a joke. althought, atleast at the oscars arent hosted by snoop dog and funkmaster flex BY THE DEW

Did we all see that there is going to be another set of game awards in December from Spike? I can't wait to see that thread (it better top the quality of the one we had for the last SpikeTV VGAs).

 

[Mihail]

This is going off on a tangent, but a big problem with the expansion of the gaming industry is that a lot of it is forced.

... like those video game awards shows. They are organized by people that don't know jack. The categories focus on ridiculous things, like Story, Soundtrack, etc. How about making a category for deepest gameplay? Or for best difficulty curve? Or for most balanced fighting system? This is the stuff that matters in games, not how well Snoop Dog is rendered BY THE DEW.

 

[King Jippo]

This is an excellent article - especially the part about the industry thinking that its sophisticated or mature.

 

[Ash Housewares]

I love E3 girls; I get older, they stay the same age.