Top 10 Gamerankings, 360 Vs Wii Vs PS3

[Reasonable]

andersonalex said:

Reasonable said:

Now, there's nothing wrong with that... but I really think this approach is always going to put a glass-ceiling over MS consoles' head which they will struggle to breach. And that ceiling is where you need to sell beyond this narrow demographic to a more diverse, casual userbase.

 No, that doesn't put a ceiling on them. It's a gigantic advantage. The way the business world looks at it is this; "Hey! We can develop games for the PC that can easily be ported to the 360 because of similar architecture! That's a great reason to choose the 360 over the other consoles! We can appeal to 2 large markets for the price of one!"

In no way, shape or form is that a disadvantage. The 360's Windows-like architecture is probably the largest advantage the 360 has going for it, and it virtually guarantees the 360 will not be abandoned by developers in favor the PS3 throughout this generation. The similarities between the 360 and the Windows PC will result in more total games for 360, not less.

Actually, given MS's stated goal is to be the leader it is a massive disadvantage.  PS2 was the success it was due to not having that glass ceiling and supporting multiple demographics and look what it achieved.  Wii is appealing to that same broader audience and overtakes 360 WW in 12 months despite 360 have 12 month head start!  You're assessment of a simple business model is fine in principle but in the console market it guarantees you'll never be number one.

There are more diverse gamers globally than hardcore in US - Wii vs 360 numbers show this.  If MS are happy with that then their model if fine, but clearly all their flailing about with Arcade and statements of growth show they do want the bigger sales.  Also, outside US PC gaming is still strong so as I say games like COD4 being on PC is a disadvantage for 360 as, for example, it means gamers in Germany can stick with their PCs and ignore 360.  If they want console games they can get a PS3 or a Wii or both.

360 does have advantages that have worked well for it as you say - but in the bigger picture I believe they are outweighed by the disadvantages they most certainly bring.