It seems like only yesterday that I attacked an analyst for some questionable research here on Infendo, but today I’m going to switch gears and actually agree with one. Watch out for flying pigs everyone.
The analyst prediction today says that the online games market is set to reach $4.4 billion by 2010, driven predominantly by the likes of the Big Three’s next-generation consoles (yes, even Sony). The reason I’m not attacking this prediction is because, unlike the Yankee Group’s assertion that Nintendo and Microsoft should just pack up shop and concede the console war to Sony, I happen to agree with this. I agree that online play will only increase as developers continue to tweak and expand it, especially as broadband capability continues to grow into the farthest reaches of society where hampsters on wheels might still be in service as the primary producers of electricity.
But like all things, moderation is key. While some online play benefits some titles (Mario Kart), this is not a case where the rising tide of online speeds will lift all boats. The critics will say I’m being hypocritical by saying previously it’s ok for Nintendo to wait on third party online support while at the same time praising an analyst report that says online will quadroupal in size over the next five years, but it’s not. Not really. Like I said before, sit back and relax, and enjoy first party online play for now, and third party next year. There’s going to be plenty to get used to and experience over the next six months with the Wii that before you know it, it will be time for the second gen of titles, 3rd party online support and all, to arrive.
Online capability is essential in this day and age, and the entire concept of playing online has been around in mainstream games for over ten years now, so it should really be a no brainer.Nintendo has the most to prove in this space, I think the free model is great, but the DS' system isn't the most user friendly by far… I hope the Wii has a more robust system. I'm not expecting XBL (it's free after all) but at least an integrated system where one username / friend code can be used across different games and perhaps a messaging system to let you know when certain friends are around to play with instead of having to schedule this stuff on a real computer.Finally I'm still hoping that Nintendo really has provided Third Parties with online libraries… maybe it just wasn't in time for them to use in launch titles.. If Nintendo have dropped the ball and won't get online libraries to Devs until 07 we're looking at no online third party games for a good 8-12 months from now, which can only hurt Nintendo and alienate fans.
I'm actually worried about Nintendo's online "free" service… James says "I'm not expecting XBL (it's free after all)". Well, that could be a problem: XBL only costs $50-$60 per year! Honestly, who can't afford that? And if that really will make a big difference in the quality of the service, by all means, Nintendo, charge at least $30 per year for it! By the way, is that the reason the DS needs Friend Codes? Because having the service for free means also that the company can't check that its users are not under age, and thus it has to cover its back by not being accountable for sharing connectivity codes, correct?MicroSoft has nothing to prove in the online service arena: its service is top-notch, and the other two consoles are going to play catch-up with them… Nintendo better take notes!
I can afford the $50-$60 per year, but I dislike the idea of paying that just to get on their service. I do, however, totally dig the idea of buying games (retro and new) via download and possibly getting some demos.
Also, InvisibleMan, don't forget that a lot of countries, including mine, doesn't have xbox live service, because microsoft doesn't want to support that users. (My friends have to get an address in USA to play online, wich is silly.)With the model used by nintendo, all people of all countries can go online, they only need a wireless network and nothing more.
Hmmm… frstOne is right: I forgot about the Latin American market, and many others, don't get that service!frstOne: what country are you from? And, do you guys can hook up to Nintendo Wi-Fi with no problems over there?
You guessed rigth ;), i'm from latin america, specifically, i'm colombian. And, yes we can connnect with no problems to nintendo wi-fi from here, and from any other latin american country that i know too.