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What is online gaming lacking at present? Speed and features.
Speed's easy to address, just get a broadband cable connection or the like, problem solved, as long as everyone you play against has it too or you are stuck with the 'weakest link' syndrome in that you are only as fast as your slowest server. So, in time, this will be solved.
Features is not so easy. Windows Media Player has tried to address online realtime communication by including in its latest version software that lets you talk live to other players (using speech, not text). Fine for the USA, but not here where the 56k modem seems to be the norm.
But what else can we look forward to in online gaming? Here are some ideas:
Realtime video, watch your opponent's face as you beat them. Now THAT would be fun.
Games integrated with browser. Stuck on a level? Click 'back' on your browser to restart. Ability to access a topical website whilst playing the game in the same screen. Click print to fire off a quick screenshot etc. Trouble is, there are so many browsers, but this could be done.
'Autopilot': AI feature that allows you to carry on playing against live opponents at the same ability as you were playing previously, but the computer controls your playing whilst you make a cup of tea and so on. The computer 'learns' your level of intelligence from previous playtime and then you just click a button when playing live to let the PC take over at your ability. This could be developed to provide opponents at your skill level for solo play, so you can try to beat yourself.
All great ideas, it would be nice to see at least one or two of them implemented within the next 12 months.
Speed's easy to address, just get a broadband cable connection or the like, problem solved, as long as everyone you play against has it too or you are stuck with the 'weakest link' syndrome in that you are only as fast as your slowest server. So, in time, this will be solved.
Features is not so easy. Windows Media Player has tried to address online realtime communication by including in its latest version software that lets you talk live to other players (using speech, not text). Fine for the USA, but not here where the 56k modem seems to be the norm.
But what else can we look forward to in online gaming? Here are some ideas:
Realtime video, watch your opponent's face as you beat them. Now THAT would be fun.
Games integrated with browser. Stuck on a level? Click 'back' on your browser to restart. Ability to access a topical website whilst playing the game in the same screen. Click print to fire off a quick screenshot etc. Trouble is, there are so many browsers, but this could be done.
'Autopilot': AI feature that allows you to carry on playing against live opponents at the same ability as you were playing previously, but the computer controls your playing whilst you make a cup of tea and so on. The computer 'learns' your level of intelligence from previous playtime and then you just click a button when playing live to let the PC take over at your ability. This could be developed to provide opponents at your skill level for solo play, so you can try to beat yourself.
All great ideas, it would be nice to see at least one or two of them implemented within the next 12 months.
I would, but would someone explain to me all about them, they confused me.
Get a broadband modem.
I wouldn't mind a DECENT voice thing as well. Much more exciting with people shouting from all directions.
What is online gaming lacking at present? Speed and features.
Speed's easy to address, just get a broadband cable connection or the like, problem solved, as long as everyone you play against has it too or you are stuck with the 'weakest link' syndrome in that you are only as fast as your slowest server. So, in time, this will be solved.
Features is not so easy. Windows Media Player has tried to address online realtime communication by including in its latest version software that lets you talk live to other players (using speech, not text). Fine for the USA, but not here where the 56k modem seems to be the norm.
But what else can we look forward to in online gaming? Here are some ideas:
Realtime video, watch your opponent's face as you beat them. Now THAT would be fun.
Games integrated with browser. Stuck on a level? Click 'back' on your browser to restart. Ability to access a topical website whilst playing the game in the same screen. Click print to fire off a quick screenshot etc. Trouble is, there are so many browsers, but this could be done.
'Autopilot': AI feature that allows you to carry on playing against live opponents at the same ability as you were playing previously, but the computer controls your playing whilst you make a cup of tea and so on. The computer 'learns' your level of intelligence from previous playtime and then you just click a button when playing live to let the PC take over at your ability. This could be developed to provide opponents at your skill level for solo play, so you can try to beat yourself.
All great ideas, it would be nice to see at least one or two of them implemented within the next 12 months.
Speed's easy to address, just get a broadband cable connection or the like, problem solved, as long as everyone you play against has it too or you are stuck with the 'weakest link' syndrome in that you are only as fast as your slowest server. So, in time, this will be solved.
Features is not so easy. Windows Media Player has tried to address online realtime communication by including in its latest version software that lets you talk live to other players (using speech, not text). Fine for the USA, but not here where the 56k modem seems to be the norm.
But what else can we look forward to in online gaming? Here are some ideas:
Realtime video, watch your opponent's face as you beat them. Now THAT would be fun.
Games integrated with browser. Stuck on a level? Click 'back' on your browser to restart. Ability to access a topical website whilst playing the game in the same screen. Click print to fire off a quick screenshot etc. Trouble is, there are so many browsers, but this could be done.
'Autopilot': AI feature that allows you to carry on playing against live opponents at the same ability as you were playing previously, but the computer controls your playing whilst you make a cup of tea and so on. The computer 'learns' your level of intelligence from previous playtime and then you just click a button when playing live to let the PC take over at your ability. This could be developed to provide opponents at your skill level for solo play, so you can try to beat yourself.
All great ideas, it would be nice to see at least one or two of them implemented within the next 12 months.