Mcv Feature On Next-gen Consoles

[MK-1601]

1. Sony are winning the propoganda war. They've set out their stall and are trying to talk to a wider audience than MS (who are still doggedly chasing American teenagers) and Nintendo (who have been frustratingly quiet and conservative). Their E3 launch was the most successful. The best indicator of this is that there's still grumbling that the PS3 footage was 'prerendered' even though much of it demonstrably wasn't.

2. It's too early to say. At this moment, the PS3, but only because we have yet to see anything of the Nintendo Revolution. All three of the machines are on equal footing until the games are available to play.

3. Microsoft keep changing what they're saying. Firstly, specs aren't important. Then they launch, and claim their console is the most powerful. When general consensus backs the PS3 as the more powerful machine, a bunch of hardware guys at MS publicly try to argue black is white to keep interest from flagging. Gates tells TIME that games aren't the focus of the machine. Allard waxes lyrical about having to pay to use parts of your games, and how a few rich US customers can view games in a slightly higher resolution. Peter Moore puts a brave face on another inevitable crushing defeat in Japan. If the Xbox 360 succeeds it's going to be because of great third party software, not the strategising of this bunch of clowns.

4. Everything at this point should be taken with a pinch of salt. That said, none of the hardware manufacturers are making claims as extravagant as Sony made about the PS2. Perhaps because everything is being scrutinised so closely this time round.

[Dr Derek Doctors]

With Microsoft, Sony and, to a certain extent, Nintendo consistently courting the media with a series of announcements, side-swipes and rumour, which console manufacturer do you think is winning the propoganda war?

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Sadly it appears that Sony are winning the propaganda war. As other people have pointed out, they basically flat-out lied at E3 with their footage of "what they wished games would look like golly-gee-whizz". And like the Final Fantasy 7 adverts which were pure FMV, people lapped it up. Idiots.

If you could buy one of the next gen consoles, which would it be and why - or have you yet to make up your mind?

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Xbox 360 - it's coming the soonest, there are several games on it I really want and the pricepoint seems very reasonable for once.

Have you gained or lost respect for any format holders in this pre-launch period?

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Lost: Sony - because of their E3 presentation

Gained: Microsoft - because they told the occasionally ugly truth and appear to be delivering on their promises. But minus ten points for that awful MTV abomination.

And, ultimately, do you believe what they're claiming?

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I believe everything that Nintendo says, because they never feel the need to lie, in my experience. I'm believing most of what Microsoft says because I haven't really seen to the contrary and I'm believing nothing that Sony says, because they're just out to scupper Microsoft at the moment, no matter the eventual cost.

[Vemsie]

With Microsoft, Sony and, to a certain extent, Nintendo consistently courting the media with a series of announcements, side-swipes and rumour, which console manufacturer do you think is winning the propoganda war?

No doubt it works for some but Microsoft's 360 campaign is an utter dissapointment to me so far. The MTV presentation was probably the worst thing I saw since watching Batman & Robin at my local cinema. E3 wasn't much better. Hired hands clapping for games that really didn't look very good. What a disgrace. Lots of rambling about HDTV and micro transactions but nothing made my gaming heart beat any faster. Of course it doesn't help that everything they showed so far was on non-finalised hardware.

Sony did a much better job in my opinion. For all it's smoke and mirros it wowed Joe Public at E3.

I'd love to say that Nintendo is winning this war but the general audience seems to have little faith or even interest in the Big N. anymore. They've shown virtually nothing so far. It's hard to impress people with nothing. Many people say they're finished, true gamers keep the faith.

In the end: Sony did the best job as far as propaganda is concerned.

If you could buy one of the next gen consoles, which would it be and why - or have you yet to make up your mind?

I've yet to make up my mind.

Nothing on the Xbox 360 shown so far is of real interest to me but things can change rapidly.

The PS3 has the backing of some very strong franchises like Metal Gear, GTA, Tekken and Devil May Cry. I'm not convinced the PS3 is the quantum leap that Sony say it is but there are some games in development for it that I'd really like to play.

I have the strongest sympathies for Nintendo. No MTV presentations, no pre-rendered demos. For the most part they just let their games do the talking. Eventually. Which is probably not enough to win the hearts of a mass audience. But it could certainly be enough to win mine. Again. I just wish they'd release more information.

Have you gained or lost respect for any format holders in this pre-launch period?

Nothing really changed here.

And, ultimately, do you believe what they're claiming?

Not yet.

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[Nick Laslett]

I am a very happy current gen gamer. I have owned a PS2 since launch and recently got a GC to play REmake, RE0 and RE4.

I have no intention of investing in the next generation of consoles in the near future. I don't expect to replace my current consoles until Christmas 2008.

The next gen is arriving too soon. I want to enjoy 1080p Blu-Ray moves and 1080p video games. But I will need to upgrade my current display and that is not going to happen for quite some time.

It is my experience that it takes awhile for decent games to arrive in a new generation and the price always drops 12 months after launch. As I'm in no hurry for this new world I will happily wait to see which console has the best games, etc.

I have already invested in a Network Adaptor, Hard Drive, Singstar Mics, Eyetoy, Dance Mat, Steering Wheel, Multitap, Headset and many excellent games. I expect to be enjoying these for the foreseeable future.

[Disgraced Toblerone]

Post pix plz.

[Graham S]

I'm not falling for that again.

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The Great Modded Xbox MCV Survey Stich-Up?

[Professor Puzzles]

From the Ken Kutaragi link earlier:

The PS3 will instill discipline in our children and adults alike. Everyone will know discipline.

This leads me to believe that the PS3 will definitely be:

1)A Gun

2)A School

3)A Dalek

I would bet my left testicle at this being true, but I got stuck in a plane crash and had to eat it already.

[JPickford (retired mod)]

The Great Modded Xbox MCV Survey Stich-Up?

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Nah. When Stuart Campbell was doing the fairplay campaign I gave him a quote in support of it. MCV printed a story naming me as the organiser of the campaign. That day I got a few emails from people in the industry telling me my career was over.

That was back when I had a job in the games industry.

[Salsa Party Animal]

With Microsoft, Sony and, to a certain extent, Nintendo consistently courting the media with a series of announcements, side-swipes and rumour, which console manufacturer do you think is winning the propoganda war?

I think Sony is winning the war but Microsoft is doing well to fight back. I think it is load of hot air and spin. I believe the hardware will be very very similar standard in the end.

If you could buy one of the next gen consoles, which would it be and why - or have you yet to make up your mind?

I am buying a XBOX 360 but haven't decided on which region between europe or USA as region coding situation is not clarified. I also plan to get a Japanese PS3 as well.

Have you gained or lost respect for any format holders in this pre-launch period?

Sony Europe for their treatment to importers on PSP. I vow not to buy anything from Sony Europe again

And, ultimately, do you believe what they're claiming?

Nothing yet as it is all spin and no final hardware. It will depend on developer's skills and talent in the end.

Send us a copy of the article at the end

[Graham S]

Nah.  When Stuart Campbell was doing the fairplay campaign I gave him a quote in support of it.  MCV printed a story naming me as the organiser of the campaign.  That day I got a few emails from people in the industry telling me my career was over.   

That was back when I had a job in the games industry. 

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[Robo_1]

With Microsoft, Sony and, to a certain extent, Nintendo consistently courting the media with a series of announcements, side-swipes and rumour, which console manufacturer do you think is winning the propoganda war?

Sony.

Whilst Microsoft were leaking out embarrassing footage of Perfect Dark Zero, and waffling on about "the zen of gaming", Sony were wowing crowds with Killzone 2, and graphs showing a two fold power advantage to PS3. Games journalists bought it, the general public bought it, and so did many gaming enthusiasts. Microsoft are already losing the PR war with a system not due out for - what could be - another year.

If you could buy one of the next gen consoles, which would it be and why - or have you yet to make up your mind?

Depending on price - PS3.

The lack of a PS3 or Revolution price or release date gives Microsoft the advantage here. I've been impressed with the software line up Xbox has seen, so know I'll likely be content with 360's software line up. However, Live doesn't interest me personally, and with them already stating they will likely add HD DVD support in future models I may hold off. Only a £150 price point would make me bite on any new connsole this generation on launch, but ultimately I know the bulk of support is going to go to Sony, so unless MS make me an offer I can't refuse, I'll likely make PS3 my first console purchase, and pick up a 360 at a later date.

The Revolution depends solely on the controller and price point, but a £100 novelty machine would gather my interest rather quickly.

Have you gained or lost respect for any format holders in this pre-launch period?

And, ultimately, do you believe what they're claiming?

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Microsoft have proven they're still amateurs at the game. MTV launches which don't feature the console, flag ship titles looking more dated than current gen releases, and PR execs chasing any web site who'll listen with reasons why 360 actually has the spec advantage. 360 and 360 Live is all about ensuring MS a revenue stream from downloading games, music and movies through a Microsoft store, encoded with MS DRM's and onto a MS box, and this is something Microsoft vehemently denied would happen when they launched the original Xbox. Credit where credit's due, they've given developers a great set of tools, and they've shown they're committed to providing quality games, but ultimately it's all part of a grander scheme to earn MS an entertainment monopoly, and I really don't like the idea of them getting a second global monopoly.

Sony probably have the same aspirations, but aren't forcing it down peoples throats, and I really like the idea of Nintendo providing a gaming Revolution, but they've really set themselves a hell of a bar, which I'm not sure they'll be able to reach.

Ultimately, everyone but MS is playing there cards to close to their chest to say if I believe them or not.

[Kelthink]

It'll probably be like the film industry.

Big companies spending ludicrous amounts on generic titles (that may or may not get the investment back) and smaller companies spending small cash on original titles and getting little of the investment back.

Or all the games will be generic.

I am looking forward to the Revolution though, if they are going to push 'different' games as the whole appeal. And its emulation thing could work wonders.

[Vemsie]

It'll probably be like the film industry.

Big companies spending ludicrous amounts on generic titles (that may or may not get the investment back) and smaller companies spending small cash on original titles and getting little of the investment back.

Or all the games will be generic.

I am looking forward to the Revolution though, if they are going to push 'different' games as the whole appeal. And its emulation thing could work wonders.

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Well, at least some of the huge companies are spendings lots of money on games that are way more arty than most of the low budget titles. Shadow of the Colossus and Killer 7 spring to mind.

Another difference is that where most movie blokbusters actually suck balls, the huge game sequels often deliver on their promises. GTA: San Andrras, DMC III, MGS 3 and Resident Evil 4, to name but a few. I would not call them generic either.

I don't think this will change for the next gen. You can bet your ass a next gen Zelda won't be a generic, run of the mill title.

[Meat]

Nah.  When Stuart Campbell was doing the fairplay campaign I gave him a quote in support of it.  MCV printed a story naming me as the organiser of the campaign.  That day I got a few emails from people in the industry telling me my career was over.   

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Jesus. Bloody Thatcher

[Festoon]

Nah.  When Stuart Campbell was doing the fairplay campaign I gave him a quote in support of it.  MCV printed a story naming me as the organiser of the campaign.  That day I got a few emails from people in the industry telling me my career was over.   

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Was this in a "What are you doing John? Your career will be over!" or a "Fuck you sonny - your career is over you cunt" kind of a way?

[Festoon]

With Microsoft, Sony and, to a certain extent, Nintendo consistently courting the media with a series of announcements, side-swipes and rumour, which console manufacturer do you think is winning the propoganda war?

Who honestly cares? Hype is of no advantage to the customers.

If you could buy one of the next gen consoles, which would it be and why - or have you yet to make up your mind?

Have to wait until I actually see a retail machine - and the games, with my own eyes. I'll wait to be impressed, basically.

Have you gained or lost respect for any format holders in this pre-launch period?

I have admiration for the focus of Nintendo. The tech specs of Microsoft and Sony bore.

And, ultimately, do you believe what they're claiming?

With respect to Nintendo, games that are not games (as we know them). If they continue on the path the DS has forged I will be interested in more.

As for Microsoft and Sony, higher-res versions of what we have already don't really interest me to any great extent. Tech specs have historically proven to be inaccurate and embarrasing. "Emotion Engine" anyone?

[Stingo]

With Microsoft, Sony and, to a certain extent, Nintendo consistently courting the media with a series of announcements, side-swipes and rumour, which console manufacturer do you think is winning the propoganda war?

- Sony. People want to dream. They provided us a glimpse. Plus: quite a few average joe's seem to actually like the "boomerang from the future"-controller-design

- Don't understand why MS wants to be "honest" by showing (graphically) rather unimpressing stuff. Don't think they realise how few people even know "360 is coming this year"

- Can't believe Nintendo fans rank the Revolution at this very moment nr 1. Everything about it is shrouded in mystery (attractive) BUT the undertone = rehashes coming your way...again.

If you could buy one of the next gen consoles, which would it be and why - or have you yet to make up your mind?

I won't buy any console on launch - unless my 5-year old PS2 suddenly decides to die on me.

360 = some form of advanced PC - at least a step up from the repackaged lowend ugly duckling

PC the XBox was. XBox Live = in this form of no appeal to me.

The Revolution actually might tempt me - playing true N64 classics & very few Gamecube titles actually raises my interest slightly - let's hope they've got a truly revolutionary controller & a simple, sane online licensing scheme...

Have you gained or lost respect for any format holders in this pre-launch period?

Sony slightly tainted. They just shouldn't even have mentioned the competition to illustrate their arrogance; And they should have concentrated less on tech & more on true/novel content.

MS will never gain my respect - it's still a waffling American me-too company; Nintendo better come up fast with some concrete facts because what's left of my respect is dwindling even further. Actually _show_ me _some_ vision, guys.

And, ultimately, do you believe what they're claiming?

nope. But re: the vision of "playstation world" vs "Xbox Live", the former sounds much less geeky/techie - so more in tune with reality & possibly coming into its own (only just before the announcement of PS4 of course)

Conclusion: Sony will lose ground & be less profitable. MS will gain ground & make smaller losses. Nintendo will still be very profitable - but less so. Everybody happy.

[Tornado Low Level]

I was never an early adopter and usually waited a couple of years for the dust to settle, the price to fall and the second generation of AAA titles to be released.

I'll be doing exactly the same for the next gen, even more so given the apparent price of games and the time I'll need to invest (probably) for each game, which, as you get older, becomes more and more precious.

It won't matter to me whose console I buy, as long the games I want to play are there. I'll only buy one. All hardware claims by manufacturers mean absolutely nothing to me - as long as the games are there I'll play.

[Antiriad2097]

Personally I'm not hugely ineterested in next gen until it becomes current gen, but so far I'd say I've seen and read more on the 360 than their competition. On that basis I have to say MS is winning the battle so far in that they've caught what little attention I have for the subject.

On the other hand, for the casual gamers, I'd have to say Sony is still miles ahead. The non-gamers at work have their kids asking for PS3's and its a topic of conversation thats cropped up from time to time, something that rarely happens otherwise. The mums at work know I'm a gamer so ask me for help if they're lost.

[Vemsie]

The mums at work know I'm a gamer so ask me for help if they're lost.

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And you're happy to provide said info in exchange for sex?

[Antiriad2097]

And you're happy to provide said info in exchange for sex?

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Only for the one who married me

[Retronana]

Nah.  When Stuart Campbell was doing the fairplay campaign I gave him a quote in support of it.  MCV printed a story naming me as the organiser of the campaign.  That day I got a few emails from people in the industry telling me my career was over.   

That was back when I had a job in the games industry. 

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To be fair to you, Campbells career in games had already ended way before your MVC quote

After reading the thread about Mc Campbells MAME rant, I found myself getting angry about his fairplay campaing, missquotes all over the place....I think Miles J from SI had some strong feelings about somthing that was credited to him by Campbell.

[alan cummings]

With Microsoft, Sony and, to a certain extent, Nintendo consistently courting the media with a series of announcements, side-swipes and rumour, which console manufacturer do you think is winning the propoganda war?

I don't know?

If you could buy one of the next gen consoles, which would it be and why - or have you yet to make up your mind?

I don't know.

Have you gained or lost respect for any format holders in this pre-launch period?

I don't know. No?

And, ultimately, do you believe what they're claiming?

Maybe.

[kthxbliz]

With Microsoft, Sony and, to a certain extent, Nintendo consistently courting the media with a series of announcements, side-swipes and rumour, which console manufacturer do you think is winning the propoganda war?

Sony, as ever. None of its competitors can come close to matching its mass-market acceptance and that goes a long way in swaying general consensus and the uninformed masses. The fact that PS3 is on it's way is enough.

If you could buy one of the next gen consoles, which would it be and why - or have you yet to make up your mind?

As excited as I may be about a new generation, I know too little of the coming machines or have yet to be convinced that it's truly time to abandom my current systems just yet.

Have you gained or lost respect for any format holders in this pre-launch period?

Sony for its "We've got something to show you but you can't see it yet" attitude and Microsoft for bringing the next generation upon us far too early, and in its desperation to gain a head's start had made a mess of the packages on offer, i.e. the backpeddling over the 'HDD as standard' issue.

And, ultimately, do you believe what they're claiming?

How could they ever top the Emotion Engine? In short, no.

[alan cummings]

Nah.  When Stuart Campbell was doing the fairplay campaign I gave him a quote in support of it.  MCV printed a story naming me as the organiser of the campaign.  That day I got a few emails from people in the industry telling me my career was over.   

That was back when I had a job in the games industry. 

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So the emails were right then?

Seriously, surely that is an outright libel? Being named as the head of organisation heavily critical of an industry is clearly going to affect your professional standing in that industry?

[JPickford (retired mod)]

So the emails were right then? 

Seriously, surely that is an outright libel? Being named as the head of organisation heavily critical of an industry is clearly going to affect your professional standing in that industry?

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Nahh. I brought it up more as an amusing anecdote than a serious point. I doubt anyone but me remembered the article a month later.

[Sng]

I don't know?

I don't know.

I don't know. No?

Maybe.

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[Mk.]

With Microsoft, Sony and, to a certain extent, Nintendo consistently courting the media with a series of announcements, side-swipes and rumour, which console manufacturer do you think is winning the propoganda war?

Sony seems to not be putting a foot wrong at the moment. It knows how to hype a console by now. Some people with memories of the PS2 announcement are cynical, but the mass market seems to forget easily. Sony clearly know this.

If you could buy one of the next gen consoles, which would it be and why - or have you yet to make up your mind?

I'm nowhere near a final decision, but Xbox 360 sounds like the most exciting prospect at the moment. The innovations they're putting forward, especially with regards to Xbox Live seem to be most interesting.

Have you gained or lost respect for any format holders in this pre-launch period?

Nintendo seem intent on again arriving late to the party. Such an approach seems dangerous nowadays.

And, ultimately, do you believe what they're claiming?

Microsoft: Yes. Sony: To a certain extent. I think either way it will be a fairly long time after the consoles launch before we see anything of what the machines are truely capable of.

And if you want to put my full name in big shiny print, It's: Mark Muldoon.

Thanks.

[Kelthink]

What the hell? The mag is asking for things to quote, not full essays.

JEEZ.

[furq]

Mcv Feature On Next-gen Consoles, Tell the industry what you think

I realise it doesn't fill pages and that, but wouldn't it be better if "the industry" came here - and to other messageboards - to find out what punters think?