I see 'core' games existing and the quality remaining. However I think the volume of 'core' games will decline. For example I would expect to see perhaps 6-ish core games for the Wii 2 in its entire life cycle compared to the dozen or so that are out or will be out (depending on you p.o.v) for the Wii. I also expect the expanded audience to dictate the industry to a larger degree and I expect to see more Nintendogs & Carnival games than there are now. This isn't necessarily bad. I have enjoyed throughly titles such as Big Brain Academy, 42 All Time Classics, Nintendogs and certain deveolpers may be able to get the quality currently lacking from games targeted towards the expanded audience. There will still be shovelware, and in larger amounts I believe, because the Wii has shown quality doesn't necessarily sell. Its all about casual appeal. Nowadays even a bad game can be profitable. The domination of the DS & Wii has shown the core gamer is somewhat irrelevant and in doing so has made game quality redundant. So I believe that the day's of the core gamer dominating the gaming audience are coming to an end. Halo, Resident Evil, Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Gran Turismo & Gears will still exist along with gamers to play them but they will be relegated to second-tier citizens. Maybe in a few years even the gaming media will expand and be dominated by the expanded audience. Judging by its current status (especially the review system) that may be a very good thing indeed. I think the most important thing is too keep an open mind, support core games where possible and enjoy the fact that with our hobby becoming mainstream it should mean less ridiculous law suits, legislation, stereotyping and media bias. Sorry for the long read.
Manchester United 2008-09 Season - Trophies & Records
