New generation of gaming consoles are ushering in revolutionary online features that promise to make gaming over the internet easier, fun and more involving.
This move would help console makers garner a much larger market.
A leaf out of PC gaming playbook :
Hard-core PC game enthusiasts have the liberty of fitting their machines with fast memory, top of the line video cards and even water-cooling systems to gain a edge in multiplayer online games that can take on a life of their own.
By contrast, console games are less interactive than PC gaming cousins and consoles themselves are less easy to modify, which levels the playing field.
But this all about to change.
Online gaming with consoles :
Game enthusiasts say Microsoft's Xbox Live online game service has gained share with help from its blockbuster game "Halo 2" as well as its new Xbox 360 console. The service offers multiplayer competition and skill-matching, voice and text chat, buddy lists and shopping, all key pillars of online gaming.
PC game makers still have the advantage of using the keyboard and mouse as a controller, which allows them to give gamers more control and options in game play.
But gamers say few, if any, of the community-oriented online PC games are as consumer-friendly as Xbox Live, which has standardized and automated the process of selecting servers and competitors for the best game playing experience.
How are consoles fairing :
Xbox Live is a central feature in Microsoft's new Xbox 360 console and online strategies are also key for Sony and Nintendo, which are slated to release new consoles this year.
Microsoft says it has two million Xbox Live users in 24 countries. Its silver membership is free to Xbox 360 owners and the US$50-per-year gold membership is required to access multiplayer features.
Sony has 180 online-enabled games for its current PlayStation 2 and 2.7 million registered users in its North America online console gaming community. Sony, the world's number one console seller, will give everyone a run for their money with its upcoming PlayStation 3.
Less than 5 percent of console owners now connect for online play on a regular basis. That number could hit 10 percent in the next two years as next-generation units debut.
The WOW phenomenon :
The universe of computer role-playing games, which foster virtual online communities where people chat, form elaborate social guilds and trade virtual assets, have taken the entertainment world by storm.
Blizzard Entertainment's "World of Warcraft", has attracted 5.5 million users to shatter previous records. Players not only buy the PC game, they pay a monthly subscription fee of roughly US$15 per month.
End user :
Today's average gamer has grown up with PC, console and mobile games as well as online shopping and chat. They are demanding that video game companies give them the best of all worlds on all of their devices.
In addition to offering publishers a new way to fight piracy by identifying people who are copying and sharing games, the new outlet also promises an opportunity for them to keep games fresh with constant updates and offers of trinkets, weapons and other items.
The difference between online and offline play is set to disappear.
This move would help console makers garner a much larger market.
A leaf out of PC gaming playbook :
Hard-core PC game enthusiasts have the liberty of fitting their machines with fast memory, top of the line video cards and even water-cooling systems to gain a edge in multiplayer online games that can take on a life of their own.
By contrast, console games are less interactive than PC gaming cousins and consoles themselves are less easy to modify, which levels the playing field.
But this all about to change.
Online gaming with consoles :
Game enthusiasts say Microsoft's Xbox Live online game service has gained share with help from its blockbuster game "Halo 2" as well as its new Xbox 360 console. The service offers multiplayer competition and skill-matching, voice and text chat, buddy lists and shopping, all key pillars of online gaming.
PC game makers still have the advantage of using the keyboard and mouse as a controller, which allows them to give gamers more control and options in game play.
But gamers say few, if any, of the community-oriented online PC games are as consumer-friendly as Xbox Live, which has standardized and automated the process of selecting servers and competitors for the best game playing experience.
How are consoles fairing :
Xbox Live is a central feature in Microsoft's new Xbox 360 console and online strategies are also key for Sony and Nintendo, which are slated to release new consoles this year.
Microsoft says it has two million Xbox Live users in 24 countries. Its silver membership is free to Xbox 360 owners and the US$50-per-year gold membership is required to access multiplayer features.
Sony has 180 online-enabled games for its current PlayStation 2 and 2.7 million registered users in its North America online console gaming community. Sony, the world's number one console seller, will give everyone a run for their money with its upcoming PlayStation 3.
Less than 5 percent of console owners now connect for online play on a regular basis. That number could hit 10 percent in the next two years as next-generation units debut.
The WOW phenomenon :
The universe of computer role-playing games, which foster virtual online communities where people chat, form elaborate social guilds and trade virtual assets, have taken the entertainment world by storm.
Blizzard Entertainment's "World of Warcraft", has attracted 5.5 million users to shatter previous records. Players not only buy the PC game, they pay a monthly subscription fee of roughly US$15 per month.
End user :
Today's average gamer has grown up with PC, console and mobile games as well as online shopping and chat. They are demanding that video game companies give them the best of all worlds on all of their devices.
In addition to offering publishers a new way to fight piracy by identifying people who are copying and sharing games, the new outlet also promises an opportunity for them to keep games fresh with constant updates and offers of trinkets, weapons and other items.
The difference between online and offline play is set to disappear.