2008 has been a great year for the ps3, with many great games out and on the horizon. The continious improvement of the PSN network, the introduction of the video service, improved PSN store offering full games, and the inclusion of Home in 2008. ALL adds up to 2008 being a great year!
But 2009 will be the year where the ps3 really differentiates itself from the Xbox 360. I have come to this conclusion because of 3 factors, they are:
- Exclusive games
- Growing demand for HD
- The rise of the PSN network
I will analyse each factor and explain what effect they will have in 2009 and beyond.
2009 may possibly be the best year for the PS3 in terms of exclusive games, so much so I personally believe the 2009 ps3 lineup will be unmatched in terms of scale and creativity. The games stated to be released in 2009 are:
God of War III (March 09 or Dec 09)
MAG (Q2)
White Knight Chronicles (Apr 09)
Twisted Metal PS3 (Q4)
Killzone 2 (Feb 09)
Uncharted 2 (Q3 - Q4)
inFamous. (March 09)
DC Universe Online
The Agency
Heavy Rain. (Q2)
L.A Noire (Q2 - Q3)
Tekken 6 (Q1 - Q2)
Wardevil. (Q4)
Wipeout HD. (Q3- Q4)
Team Ico Project. (Q4)
As you see from that list, you can understand why I came to my conclusion. That the ps3 lineup for 2009 will be the best in terms of scale and innovation.
The demand for HD is continiously growing at a rapid speed, with more and more consumers switching to HD format televisions. I really believe that 2009 will be a peak year as HD tv's prices slowly go down with the growth of blu ray format and its blu ray players. As more and more people start to adjust to the conversion of dvd's to Blu ray, it will be 2010 that we will see a major shift from dvd to Blu ray.
All this demand for HD, makes the sacrifice that Sony made to include the Blu ray software in their games consoles a great business idea. as both blu ray will not only be a great incentive for consumers to purchase the ps3, but it helps gaming. With the blu ray software gaming can be made using greater resources as evident with MGS4, only possible on the ps3!
And finally the PSN network, when the PSN network initially launched with the ps3 in 2006 it was ridiculed by many gamers as not being a good enough service. Now 2 years laters with may updated and changes the PSN network has become a serious competitor to the Xbox live service. The PSn network offers gamers a video service, trophies, the ability to purchase full games from the PSN store e.g GT5p. A new music service is on the horizin stated to be released in 2009, possible update where gamers can have the ability to capture images regardless of the game they are playing. What is so remarkable about the PSN network its free, a real bonus for those who only play online once in a while!
And we must not forget Playstation Home:
"Is a community-based service for the PlayStation Network which has been in development since early 2005. Home allows users to create an avatar for their PlayStation 3 console. This avatar will get their own virtual apartment space, which can then be adorned with items users can receive in several different ways. In the future the service will also expand, allowing players to have more sorts of clothing or bigger apartments. Sony wants to give people the tools to create their own things, but they also want a safe place for younger users to feel comfortable."
Playstation will force Microsoft to rethink their strategy of charging for their online service. the real benefit of Playstation Home is that brings added value to the Ps3, making it an essential purchase for consumers.
Looking at 2010:
In 2010 we will see one the best selling franchises Gran turismo 5, the much aniticaped driving simulator. Many ps3 owners have been waiting for this game, when this game is released as history has indicated sales will explode!
We may possibly see FFv released in 2010, this is another great game which will do well in Japan. When releaseD the game will create a hardware boost!
The rockstar exclusive (not L.A Noire)
"We might not see it until 2009 or 2010. By then, any AAA ps3 game will be so massive in scope that iit won't fit on a DVD, only Blu ray disc. Maybe that's why Shorrock was saying the mysteious franchise would only be playable on the ps3"
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9751999-1.html
With 2008 shaping up to be a great year, it’s just a taste of what to come in 2009 and 2010.
Thank you for your time.
If you do not agree with me please post in an intelligent matter why, so we can have a sensible discussion, thank you!
