GlingGling on 01 May 2008
How it Began
I've been visiting VG Chartz for about five months. I lurked for some time, then joined because I enjoy following the video game industry and I find the environment to be very fun. The forums are a huge part of what makes it fun because as soon as something happens there is commentary and discussion to make the news interactive.
With the recent release of many big titles there is an exceptionally high level of discussion. I've become accustomed to the Nintendomination threads and HDomination threads, and they are usually light enough to be amusing and fun to interact with.
Due to the release of GTA4 and Wii Fit primarily, the fanboyism present in the common thread/internet news story has become detrimental to the community, and potentially video games in general.
Industry Dichotomy
GTA4 and Wii Fit are two unprecedented products that appeal to a wide range of customers. The problem is they belong exclusively to two different groups of consoles, HD and Wii.
The Wii and HD consoles represent different facets of the video game industry. Personal opinion will put one above the other, the truth is they will both push video game technology and video game quality forward; both through innovation. Furthermore, their coexistence is vital to drive the market. See monopoly.
Humans interact with video games through input and output. We look at a screen to see our video game environment. It looks interesting to us so we give commands to keyboards, mice, motion sensors, pointers, and everything standard controllers provide, in order to control something in the on screen environment. What we see is that the two most important aspects of video game technology are graphics and player interface device(s). We also see there is a never ending relationship between the two.
The current generation of console technology is experiencing a new dynamic. The Wii's primary focus is on new higher bandwidth user input devices, while the HD consoles's primary focus is on improving graphics. For video games to move forward both need focus, and equally. It's a shame we can't experience the best of both worlds, but the market has not presented us with that option. On another hand developers are given a chance to focus their efforts into one area. Ignoring the need for innovation in either area, for any reason, is counterproductive to the future of video games.
Looking Forward
This brings us back to the current heavy hitters, the objects of adoration and disdain, GTA4 and Wii Fit. Both of these games offer unique experiences. And both of them achieve these new experiences in vastly different ways. They do have one thing in common, and it is the focal point of both, they are asking the player to interact with video games in a way they never have before.
GTA4 is asking you to interact with an environment that contains an unprecedented level of detail that allows a high level of immersion. Wii Fit takes Nintendo's plan further and asks the player to use their whole body to interact in a multitude of ways with feedback they've never had before. Both games bring the player closer to gaming and both games reach their potential by offering accessibility rarely seen in the industry. Developers have been presented with platforms that are rich with options, and they used them to innovate. We now have the products to show what's possible. Looking forward the industry looks promising.
Leaving Fanboyism Behind
Neither of these games represent the beginning or the end. There have been others and there will be more. But we're at an interesting place in the history of video games, where innovation is being pushed to the front of the scene. While the industry's current dichotomy puts gamers in an awkward position, it's also the reason we're seeing high levels of innovation from developers.
I'm trying to open eyes. I'm trying to remind people why we're here. We love video games. We want to grow old with them and maybe even have their babies (I'm talking about development). Innovation is an important step in moving forward. In this generation fanboyism works directly against innovation. I'm not telling people to not have preferences. There is a reason we root for the home team (Go Wizards!). But I'm never going to wish for and hope for the end of the other team. Especially when they're putting their heart into it and elevating my own performance. In an industry with only two teams (I'm lumping HD consoles), what motivation is there to play if the other team quits? Little to none. Innovation will slow, games will get worse, and the gamers (YOU!) will suffer.
I'll end with this recommendation: be a fan not a fanboy, support the industry, and celebrate innovation. It'll come back to you in a good way.
I've been visiting VG Chartz for about five months. I lurked for some time, then joined because I enjoy following the video game industry and I find the environment to be very fun. The forums are a huge part of what makes it fun because as soon as something happens there is commentary and discussion to make the news interactive.
With the recent release of many big titles there is an exceptionally high level of discussion. I've become accustomed to the Nintendomination threads and HDomination threads, and they are usually light enough to be amusing and fun to interact with.
Due to the release of GTA4 and Wii Fit primarily, the fanboyism present in the common thread/internet news story has become detrimental to the community, and potentially video games in general.
Industry Dichotomy
GTA4 and Wii Fit are two unprecedented products that appeal to a wide range of customers. The problem is they belong exclusively to two different groups of consoles, HD and Wii.
The Wii and HD consoles represent different facets of the video game industry. Personal opinion will put one above the other, the truth is they will both push video game technology and video game quality forward; both through innovation. Furthermore, their coexistence is vital to drive the market. See monopoly.
Humans interact with video games through input and output. We look at a screen to see our video game environment. It looks interesting to us so we give commands to keyboards, mice, motion sensors, pointers, and everything standard controllers provide, in order to control something in the on screen environment. What we see is that the two most important aspects of video game technology are graphics and player interface device(s). We also see there is a never ending relationship between the two.
The current generation of console technology is experiencing a new dynamic. The Wii's primary focus is on new higher bandwidth user input devices, while the HD consoles's primary focus is on improving graphics. For video games to move forward both need focus, and equally. It's a shame we can't experience the best of both worlds, but the market has not presented us with that option. On another hand developers are given a chance to focus their efforts into one area. Ignoring the need for innovation in either area, for any reason, is counterproductive to the future of video games.
Looking Forward
This brings us back to the current heavy hitters, the objects of adoration and disdain, GTA4 and Wii Fit. Both of these games offer unique experiences. And both of them achieve these new experiences in vastly different ways. They do have one thing in common, and it is the focal point of both, they are asking the player to interact with video games in a way they never have before.
GTA4 is asking you to interact with an environment that contains an unprecedented level of detail that allows a high level of immersion. Wii Fit takes Nintendo's plan further and asks the player to use their whole body to interact in a multitude of ways with feedback they've never had before. Both games bring the player closer to gaming and both games reach their potential by offering accessibility rarely seen in the industry. Developers have been presented with platforms that are rich with options, and they used them to innovate. We now have the products to show what's possible. Looking forward the industry looks promising.
Leaving Fanboyism Behind
Neither of these games represent the beginning or the end. There have been others and there will be more. But we're at an interesting place in the history of video games, where innovation is being pushed to the front of the scene. While the industry's current dichotomy puts gamers in an awkward position, it's also the reason we're seeing high levels of innovation from developers.
I'm trying to open eyes. I'm trying to remind people why we're here. We love video games. We want to grow old with them and maybe even have their babies (I'm talking about development). Innovation is an important step in moving forward. In this generation fanboyism works directly against innovation. I'm not telling people to not have preferences. There is a reason we root for the home team (Go Wizards!). But I'm never going to wish for and hope for the end of the other team. Especially when they're putting their heart into it and elevating my own performance. In an industry with only two teams (I'm lumping HD consoles), what motivation is there to play if the other team quits? Little to none. Innovation will slow, games will get worse, and the gamers (YOU!) will suffer.
I'll end with this recommendation: be a fan not a fanboy, support the industry, and celebrate innovation. It'll come back to you in a good way.
![[Prototype]](https://www.vgchartz.com/games/boxart/2846586AmericaFrontccc.jpg)
