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[DCharlie]

"So you honestly think Nintendo or Microsoft given the position Sony has now would be as sharp as Sony is?"

It's impossible to tell either way - but what evidence do you have that they would abuse their power?

"You don't have any concerns that they would abuse their power?"

Do you think sony are lily white? I know they are putting pressure on at least a couple of companies to do PSP games as part of a PS3 dev deal - is that an abuse of power?

"I think that's a gross misunderstanding of the corporate culture at both of those companies."

And you are basing your appraisals on what exactly? You have intimate knowledge of all three companies to the extent that you are certain two of them would fuck everyone over, but Sony definitely wouldn't?

 

[speedpop]

I think it would be totally hilarious if Sony thrusted down the iron gauntlet, Nintendo and Microsoft vanish...


Then out of the mist, Sony is heralded the Nintendo of the late 80's. And we all know how that saga went. Domination = ignorance

 

[soundwave05]

We know how Sony behaves in a market dominant position.

They stay sharp, and generally the last ten years have been great for gamers/publishers. Software prices have gone down, hardware value has gone up (just look at the friggin' PSP, the price on that thing is unbelievable), third parties have taken on a much more prominent role, and they've forced everyone else to follow suit.

We know Nintendo can get crazy given a bit too much power, hell even when they're not the market leader they try and dictate sometimes way too much (like an overbearing parent ... "online is bad for you, no blood in fighting games, CD-ROM is useless, no one wants DVD in a game machine").

And Microsoft?

I dunno. Call me crazy, but I just don't see why they need another industry under their belt, nor am I convinced they wouldn't abuse their power if they got enough of it.

If PS3 is going to dominate again next generation, I really have no problems with it. Sony has paid their dues, has a full decade in the biz under their belt, and still remains a progressive, consumer-oriented force in this business.

The funny thing is Nintendo's been talking for years about making some type of innovative device that anyone can enjoy, and while Nintendo's been talking, Sony quietly releases Eye Toy ... which is a big success, and really everything that Nintendo's been yapping about. I just like that about the company, while the other guys are talking a big game, Sony just brings it, month in, month out, there's always great content for their machines no matter what your tastes are, they're not relying on one or two franchises to carry the platform.

 

[MrparisSM]

Sony's domination hasn't caused software prices to drop; competition has.

Competetion from what?

Neither the GameCube or XBox are on pace to sell on par with the N64, if anything Sony's competition became more fragmented this generation.

If anything Sony has no reason to really offer any type of value line on software. They could just sit back in their market dominant position (which is likely what Nintendo or MS would do if they were in the same situation) and maybe even raise software prices.

That's what makes Sony unique. Say what you want, but even after almost 10 years of sustained dominance, they still show an uncanny hunger to be in tune with the market and keep pushing the envelope.

I think Playstation 3 is only going to continue that and likely will be the market leader again.

And really, I'm a Nintendo fan, but that's probably what's best for the industry any way. Sony is the "just right" bowl of porridge, Nintendo and Microsoft get too crazy when given too much power.

you've got to be kidding me? Not only have they abused they're power to sustain their monopoly on the market. But they make a ton of money from ADD-ONS that should have been in the console from the beginning! The only reason why they offer a "value line" is to get the money from bargain shoppers that are not going to spend their money on full priced games. I like Microsoft waaaaay more than I like Sony, because they've been dealing with games on the PC long before Sony even though about games. And they are great with software tools and helping developers and keeping costs down with XNA and everything. Do you even know what the "Cell" chip is? Sony wants to merge the very successful Playstation with all other Entertainment products in your home. Sony doesn't give a damn about gamers. That's the whole purpose of "Cell" is so all these products can communicate and talk to each other.

 

[seanoff]

Dcharlie Sony probably aren't lily white, but holy shit, saying MS isn't likely to do it is a bit out there. Given their past behaviour i'd reckon abusing a dominant position is one of their strong points.

See Netscape as the most visible example. But also WMP, Office, their very shady dealings regarding Windows and OS2. The old saying "DOS ain't done until Lotus won't run". Holding info on various APIs from competitors in the software market until the very last so that the competing SW was delayed. etc etc etc etc

And Singh say MS spent $2B developing XP (a guess from what i can find using google) and the PC market in 2003 was 168M (IDC) then to recover their costs MS could sell XP @ $11.90 per unit. Assuming support cost = development cost then MSs breakeven point is @ $23.80. Add 100% markup, generous, then say $50.00 would be a fair price for XP if they sold it for 1 year. They've sold it for 3 years. And if you can point me to a place where i can buy a legal copy of XP for $50.00 me = happy. There are a number of economic reason they can sell at this price as i'm sure u know. they include lock in, network effects, and pricing of bundles. ie They've got us bent over and are not so gently fucking us up the arse.

Why they wouldn't do this if they controlled the games industry i'd be interested to know.

 

[Gattsu25]

Dcharlie Sony probably aren't lily white, but holy shit, saying MS isn't likely to do it is a bit out there. Given their past behaviour i'd reckon abusing a dominant position is one of their strong points.

See Netscape as the most visible example. But also WMP, Office, their very shady dealings regarding Windows and OS2. The old saying "DOS ain't done until Lotus won't run". Holding info on various APIs from competitors in the software market until the very last so that the competing SW was delayed. etc etc etc etc

don't forget the entire 3Com, Novell, IBM thing :b Or the shadow company lawsuits, or Windows ME (ok...just threw that last one in for the hell of it)

EDIT: how someone can believe that MS would NOT abuse their power had they been #1 is a sign of ignorance and not even funny. MS is #1 in many areas outside of videogames, an they have always abused their position...they are the least ethical software manufactuerer I can think of

 

[Redbeard]

My company of choice loves me more than yours loves you.

 

[DarienA]

you've got to be kidding me? Not only have they abused they're power to sustain their monopoly on the market. But they make a ton of money from ADD-ONS that should have been in the console from the beginning! The only reason why they offer a "value line" is to get the money from bargain shoppers that are not going to spend their money on full priced games. I like Microsoft waaaaay more than I like Sony, because they've been dealing with games on the PC long before Sony even though about games. And they are great with software tools and helping developers and keeping costs down with XNA and everything. Do you even know what the "Cell" chip is? Sony wants to merge the very successful Playstation with all other Entertainment products in your home. Sony doesn't give a damn about gamers. That's the whole purpose of "Cell" is so all these products can communicate and talk to each other.

You're paranoia and delusions are incredibly humorous... please don't stop. You act like catering to bargain shoppers is a bad thing. Somebody seems to have forgotten that one of the reasons MS got in to this market is to continue the fight for the living room which they've done on and off over the years.. via Gateways' Destination series... via BOB... via MSN TV, etc....

Don't kid yourself, no hardware manufacturer is more lilly white than the other. And one certain doesn't care about gamers more than another.. saying stuff like that makes look stupid.

 

[TheGreenGiant]

FACT: all big companies care about is the bottom line

FACT: Nintendo might be gay and in the above category but they care about their games. Delays + delays + delays til they get it right. That's why there' the renowned Nintendo drought. The fact that 3rd parties have generally failed to capitalise on the gap btw N titles is their own faulty (plus generica porto which are normally worse on GC)

 

[SomeDude]

I'd like to see Microsoft take the number 1 spot in the video game industry. Oh well, it'll eventually happen.

 

[ypo]

Damn they are actually retards who believe Microsoft wouldn't abuse their power if they become the dominant player in an industry? :lol

Nintendo...well, the NES and to some extend SNES eras speak for themselves.

 

[sohka88]

It's impossible to tell either way - but what evidence do you have that they would abuse their power?

NES... nintendo abused their powere

Every other industry MS is in they have abused their power

you've got to be kidding me? Not only have they abused they're power to sustain their monopoly on the market. But they make a ton of money from ADD-ONS that should have been in the console from the beginning! The only reason why they offer a "value line" is to get the money from bargain shoppers that are not going to spend their money on full priced games. I like Microsoft waaaaay more than I like Sony, because they've been dealing with games on the PC long before Sony even though about games. And they are great with software tools and helping developers and keeping costs down with XNA and everything. Do you even know what the "Cell" chip is? Sony wants to merge the very successful Playstation with all other Entertainment products in your home. Sony doesn't give a damn about gamers. That's the whole purpose of "Cell" is so all these products can communicate and talk to each other.

You have to be kidding me with this... Jesus some people just don't use their brains.

 

[xsarien]

you've got to be kidding me? Not only have they abused they're power to sustain their monopoly on the market.

Can we all stop for a moment, grab our 1,000+ page copy of Webster's, and please look up the definition of "monopoly" before we continue?

Every other industry MS is in they have abused their power

This much is true. People who say otherwise would do themselves a favor by reading PC news that doesn't have to do with the latest and greatest audio and video cards.

 

[SantaC]

I'd like to see Microsoft take the number 1 spot in the video game industry. Oh well, it'll eventually happen.

You will get your wish. Sony wont have domination forver. This will go in cycles. I just hope I get to see other games than fps during MS console domination.

 

[Acosta]

Sony having all the power in this industry?

For God´s sake, no. But not for Sony itself. That would be bad with any company. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and Sony management has not been specially fantastic, forcing developing times of key products (Killzone, Gran Turismo 4 Prologue...), designing a system not ready for PAL markets (a thing that Dreamcast did perfectly well), refusing games for other markets, problems with the hardware in some cases... better that Nintendo? I don´t know and I don´t care, it just shows why they are not perfect to drive completely the industry.

I don´t want Nintendo, Sony or Microsoft to take this industry. The only way I want only one system is accepting the DVD/VHS way, with some corporation launching their system under a standard and studios launching the games they want however and wherever they want without having to pay royalities to three or two different companies. Give freedom to developers, the industry is much more mature that it was when Atari fall, Nintendo did a good job to re-mount all and make it bigger, and Sony is doing a good job about giving it a more social relevance, incresing the market of videogames beyond of being toys. But I feel it´s time to let publishers, studios, users and market itself mark the way from this point and let them decide what they want and what they don´t.

That would be nice, IMO

 

[kaching]

i'm still waiting for the massive price hike for Xbox live which was definitely going to happen...

Why? Locking all legitimate online gameplay behind a yearly subscription fee is already a significant step beyond what their competitors are doing. XBL Arcade fees don't seem to be sitting well with many gamers, even devout fans of XBL, either.

 

[Vibri]

Tecmo's comments basically boil down to: "we made money with MS, so we're giving them the benefit of the doubt, and we don't the same with Sony."

 

[Renegade]

Microsoft doesn't always seem to like competition, but they almost always pump a large amount of resources into a particular branch until they get a favorable position. However, I don't get where you all are coming up with the feeling that Microsoft does not take care of their consumers. If anything, they should be applauded for still giving 2 shits for us consumers.

Not to mention that MS will blur the lines a little and add functionality to their products, as well as integrate it with other products. More likely than not you run Windows XP on your machine. Why not have other MS products have some level of communication with it?

 

[Gek54]

You will get your wish. Sony wont have domination forver. This will go in cycles. I just hope I get to see other games than fps during MS console domination.

And Microsoft wont dominate the OS market forever?

 

[Gek54]

The only way I want only one system is accepting the DVD/VHS way

I really hope you are kidding.

 

[MrSingh]

BTW, I do feel Windows is grossly overpriced.

For penguins, definitely.

 

[MrSingh]

And Singh say MS spent $2B developing XP (a guess from what i can find using google) and the PC market in 2003 was 168M (IDC) then to recover their costs MS could sell XP @ $11.90 per unit. Assuming support cost = development cost then MSs breakeven point is @ $23.80. Add 100% markup, generous, then say $50.00 would be a fair price for XP if they sold it for 1 year. They've sold it for 3 years. And if you can point me to a place where i can buy a legal copy of XP for $50.00 me = happy. There are a number of economic reason they can sell at this price as i'm sure u know. they include lock in, network effects, and pricing of bundles. ie They've got us bent over and are not so gently fucking us up the arse.

Why they wouldn't do this if they controlled the games industry i'd be interested to know.

Great way to run a business! It's not in the best interest of your shareholders to grow your profits/revenue!!!

 

[mrklaw]

Microsoft doesn't always seem to like competition, but they almost always pump a large amount of resources into a particular branch until they get a favorable position

...or give up and exit that area. They've done that before.

MS is in this big time with Xbox and Xbox2. But they don't *need* to succeed as much as Sony does (who hang most of their profits off PlayStation now).

 

[seanoff]

Singh, not saying they shouldn't maximise their profits, but they are taking very heavy windfall profits from their software which they couldn't take in a competitive market.

So your argument that windows hasn't doubled in price is just a little specious given they're already ass fucking us on the price anyway. See example where i've allowed them a 100% markup. If 100% markup isn't enough, then god help us. A

The other thing is the price of the OS is approaching the price of the rest of the pc combined. I can get a DELL here in oz for $699, but XP Pro is $599. Please don't tell me that XP has as much work as all the chips, drives, etc that make up a PC.

 

[Axsider]

I give a damn about TECMO!! F*** that shit! DOA and Ninja Gaiden? Oh noes :lol

 

[Blimblim]

I give a damn about TECMO!! F*** that shit! DOA and Ninja Gaiden? Oh noes :lol

Still better than Killzone <- Sorry, I just had to. Seeing you of all people saying stupid stuff like that...

 

[Axsider]

Still better than Killzone <- Sorry, I just had to. Seeing you of all people saying stupid stuff like that...

Why, because I give a fu*** shit about Tecmo? Oh noes! Sorry, but Tecmo sucks!

 

[D.Cowboys]

Goddamn it man, dream the fuck on.

Without any type of competition, almost all companies do what they can to sqeeze profits. Most companies get together in their respective markets and keep prices high. They just never get caught doing so.

Does anyone really believe, without competition that the ps2 and the xbox would be $149 or the cube at $79 or whatever the price is now for a cube?

No certain companies love you the "customer" as some of said companies are portrayed on this board.

They love your green and your green only.

 

[whytemyke]

Personally, I think I'm just going to go ahead and wait until the systems come out and the games are close to being fully developed before I pass judgement on which system is better, and whether or not Tecmo is justified in their opinions thus far on the company.

I just don't see why people get all worked up over the console. If a console has awesome games, go buy the games. I doubt many of you would even have a Playstation if it didn't play a certain amount of games that you enjoy playing. My point being, you all didn't buy a console strictly so you can have a large black and green box, purple cube, or black rectangular thing to complement your living rooms and entertainment centers. You probably bought the console so you could play games on it. That being said, why get so anal over which company is your savior and which deserves to burn in hell?

Personally, my loyalty is as deep as the game library. As an RPG fan, if Squarenix came out and said that Final Fantasies 13-1,000,000 would be released only on Microsoft systems, I'd probably buy a Microsoft system.