That is presuming what goes on on the Holodeck would qualify as a game.  Unless it happens to render a Chess set or something, what you ahev on the Holodeck is a simulated fantasy, which is different than a game.

Thing about the future is that, on the one had, it ends up being less radical than one imagines now.  But, on the other hand, it ends up being more different than anyone imagines.  So, it is hard to forecast exactly what will come down, its form and so on.  Tablet interfaces are the big thing this moment, so gaming is reflecting that.

Consoles = Big AAA budget exclusive experiences

PC = Generic exclusive experiences.




I choose the former.

Yeah, that's what I always hated about PC Gaming. I always seemed to have a freaking problem.

I hope (and doubt) that this'll happen so soon.

While I agree a lot of games in future will be built for one PC-based server and streamed to all other devices it's not accurate to say they'll be PC games as even PCs will be playing the same streamed game. In fact streaming game services will help to quicken the demise of the classic table-top PC. There will be no need for a power PC when you can play the exact same games right off your smart TV, or tablet, or whatever.

Nintendo I expect will continue to make consoles that offers gameplay such streaming services can't cater too (like Wii's motion controls) and as long as they are successful enough, 3rd parties will make/port games to them. Sony and MS might well morph Xbox/Playstation brands into online game streaming services though.

"Once 3rd Partys start seeing how well their games are selling on Cloud systems since now their games can be accessed on so many devices"
I think that point is a problem. I don't see Cloud-games selling too well. Yes, they can be accessed on different devices, but even that is problematic. How are the controls for the same game on the Tablet, on the PC and on console? In the end you will prefer one device for some game.
But even bigger problems I see arise with other values. Gamers will be pissed, if the server for their favorite game is closed down after three years, because it is no longer profitable. People play the first Starcraft until today, do you think Blizzard would support the game in cloud by now?
Another problem is the lag. That isn't important for round-based-combat RPGs, but for a racer or a fighter that is critical.
Also the servers for cloud-gaming have to be paid by the cloud-gaming-service. If you pay only once for a game and play it on and on that's a problem for a healthy business-model. If they charge monthly fees for the game - how much people would bite?

I go where the games I want to play go.

That is all.

Nah, consoles will just evolve to cloud streaming, digital distribution services that offer software you won't get on other devices on the market plus innovations like virtual reality, holograms, tactile feedback, brain control beaming thing-a-magij, etc.

Eventually, they will become self-aware and kill all humans thereby making themselves the dominant force on the earth.

Your premise is close but your context and final solution is wrong.

It will simply be standard TV connected "consoles" that replace dedicated games consoles and for the most part, a lot of PCs for people as well. However, they won't be "PCs" in our current understanding.

They'll be Android, iOS, and Windows boxes that then come with various application marketplaces and wireless gamepads, keyboards, tablets, phones, etc as control devices.

iTV and GoogleTV are just the inception of this idea. The next three major game consoles from MSonyNintendo will all demonstrate this exactly as they incorporate these ideas. Apple and Android boxes will join them (Android already has shown this) and what will happen is precisely what I've been saying this the start of this year.

3rd parties will standardize across a all of them. The only differentiation will be the OS being used (and its overall application ecosystem) and the first party games unique to that box.

This isn't a bunch of years off or after next gen. This is starting when Wii U launches in November. When Ouya launches next April. When Apple decided to massively upgrade its iTV next year as well with their newly patented controller. When MS fully launches Win8 on its neXtBox next year. When Sony unveils PS4. Its happening now, its inevitable. The new BIG players in gaming won't be MS/Sony/Nintendo. Its going to be Apple/Google/MS/Nintendo.

Next gen will about Smart OSs and Nintendo/Sony will be Android OEMs.

I haven't read the entire thread, but I'm fairly certain the advent of On-Demand movies and Netflix didn't kill the DVD...