The different approaches to Next Generation gaming

[scottslater]

JWeinCom said:

scottslater said:

All good mate, we live and learn.

Yeah, I haven't really seen anything that offers that "major breakthrough" in technology, even on PC.  I guess that's why I fell out of love of gaming after the 360 era, the PS4/Xbox One era just felt more of the same in prettier makeup if you will, lol. Still doesn't feel like a "generational" leap in gaming, which I think explains Microsoft's approach currently. The Switch has felt much more innovative in gaming than anything else in a long time.

Well, that's the thing about major breakthroughs. By definition you don't see them coming. 

But since you bring up Microsoft, I actually do think that's the most exciting aspect of next gen to me (and sort of current gen). I think distribution is probably the biggest area for change in gaming, and if it's done right it could be a true gamechanger. I think the 60 dollars a game model keeps gaming as a very niche hobby, and I think a better pricing model would cause the industry to blow up. Of course if you do it wrong you end up with something like the app store which would be terrible.

Yeah, this approach does have a lot space to change gaming.  Between Nintendo Switch Online offering their library of old games and Xbox offering their take on it, there is a lot of potential in this area.  I'm not a big fan of game streaming like the Stadia but it will offer gaming to much more people which is always a good thing.  EDIT: Personally though, I like having physical copies, but that is because we have multiple Switches so swapping games between them is easier that way, lol.

Another area I think that could use a lot of love is UI.  The Switch UI is okay for what the system is, but some sort of ability to make it more personal would go a long way, even something simple like different backgrounds.  The Xbox UI leaves a lot to be desired as well but the PlayStation UI makes me want to puke, lol.

And lastly, all the Shops are just horrendous for the most part.

Last edited by scottslater - on 06 August 2020