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"Now, why do you buy games??"

I wonder this a lot, and after a few weeks away from the forums, I still don't understand human logic, well gamer logic anyway. There, to me anyway, is one fundamental reason for buying and playing computer games, and that is to be entertained. Sometimes I buy a game to be challenged, or even to look at the pretty pictures on the TV, but I don't buy games to win arguements, or to show off to my friends.

So what do people think fighting over console wars achieves? Market fragmentation, corporate takeovers, mass marketing and stupid arguements. There is more debate about who should be in place to take the games industry forward, rather than the ways in which it is moving. Sure, people will argue that different companies are offering different solutions to different problems, but this is an entertainment industry, and different standards struggle to co-exist, they may last longer in this industry, but how long will it be before big companies start to fall the way Betamax(??) videos and Sega have already?

Now wait a minute, was it a bad thing that Sega fell in the console market? Really, deep down, I don't think so, because as a company they didn't fold. When Commodore went, they didn't have anything left, Amstrad, Sinclair, Atari all went the same way, but Sega have a strong software line-up, with characters and franchises more recognisable than many of Nintendo's. So, in the end it leads to a debate which has raged on for ages, a single console format, much like DVD-Video or VHS, where anyone and everyone can make the systems, but all of the systems are compatible with the games. Now, I know that's unrealistic, financially difficult and technically impossible, but it's a thought, if there was only one console format the industry would evolve much better through competition rather than stutter through arguement.

I would back the GC and X-box. The GC is obviously going to get a lot of exclusive games from Ninty. The X-box will also get quite a few exclusives and is the console with the most potential. The PS2 does not have as much going for it. Oh and get a DC because they are simply masterpieces of a console with the greatest games lineup that I have ever seen.

What, and not get a GC? How, ummm, well. I wouldn't like to say.

I wont be getting a X-box on launch day thats for sure. I'll wait till it goes down to £200. Then I'll review the situation. Dont worry, I may still keep the PS2...

Meh. I'd say keep the PS2, but the I would say that. It's your console.

yeah i do, but i was thinking of getting an X-box. ANd i aint keeping the both of them.

Er, don't you already have a PS2?

I'm gonna own 2/3 of the big 3 consoles. Just dont know which one will be left out. Either X-box or PS2 as they are more similar when compared to the Gamecube.

I think the idea of everyone making games for a single format would be great. Becasue anyone who sticks to a single console is missing out on sooo much. Although we are seeing so many games going multi-platform now.

And the only reason why there is this level of zealotism in computer consoles is because very feww people can afford all three consoles.

Exactly, a single format would never happen, but everyone's gaming tastes would be catered for without all this loyalties nonsense.

But there's no denying that when it comes to the crunch, it's up to the game developers and publishers whether they make a console good or bad. Of course, a single comapny can't be responsible for this; but collectively, they decide whether your favourite console will exist or not. This was demonstrated quite clearly when EA decided not to make games for the DC.