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Last night I was pondering the various new platforms that will be available within the next 18 months and I found myself using criteria that were well outside the usual round of hardware specs, release dates, prices and choice of games.
It occurred to me that a lot of my criteria had very little to do with games. There are all sorts of issues that might turn you either to or away from a paticular product or brand.
A few examples...
1) Xbox is Microsoft. Doesn't everybody has an opinion on Microsoft? Would that affect your perception of Bill's console?
2) Where was your console made? What are the working conditions of those who make them? What is the company's track record on labour policy.
3) Would negative experiences of the brand be enough for you to consider avoiding it's newer products?
4) Do you think the perceived image of the product would have an impact on you.
5) How effective do you think marketing campaigns are in persuading you to purchase a particular item?
So what am I trying to say with this thread? Err... good question. Probably just the question 'What is qualitatively as well as quantitatively that gives the stuff you've bought the edge over the stuff you haven't?'
What is it about the choice you made that makes you feel good about it?
It occurred to me that a lot of my criteria had very little to do with games. There are all sorts of issues that might turn you either to or away from a paticular product or brand.
A few examples...
1) Xbox is Microsoft. Doesn't everybody has an opinion on Microsoft? Would that affect your perception of Bill's console?
2) Where was your console made? What are the working conditions of those who make them? What is the company's track record on labour policy.
3) Would negative experiences of the brand be enough for you to consider avoiding it's newer products?
4) Do you think the perceived image of the product would have an impact on you.
5) How effective do you think marketing campaigns are in persuading you to purchase a particular item?
So what am I trying to say with this thread? Err... good question. Probably just the question 'What is qualitatively as well as quantitatively that gives the stuff you've bought the edge over the stuff you haven't?'
What is it about the choice you made that makes you feel good about it?
FM's Criteria for a Console:
1) Does it play games?
2) Does it play the games I like playing?
3) Will it continue to play the games I like playing
for a long time?
4) How much is it?
5) Does it have the word Sony written on it?
1) Does it play games?
2) Does it play the games I like playing?
3) Will it continue to play the games I like playing
for a long time?
4) How much is it?
5) Does it have the word Sony written on it?
Yes, I think most people would choose based on the games they want to buy.
Most of the points you made are very good, such as previous experience putting people off.
This is seen to be why the Dreamcast is doing as well as maybe it should. People don't trust Sega after the Saturn.
And I think it's true that we look at certain companies in a bad light, so are less likely to buy their products, certainly Microsoft, and I think that there's quite a few gamers out there that feel the same way about Sony.
meka_dragon PQMS8/00
Most of the points you made are very good, such as previous experience putting people off.
This is seen to be why the Dreamcast is doing as well as maybe it should. People don't trust Sega after the Saturn.
And I think it's true that we look at certain companies in a bad light, so are less likely to buy their products, certainly Microsoft, and I think that there's quite a few gamers out there that feel the same way about Sony.
meka_dragon PQMS8/00
Having read most of the comments that have been posted on this forum over the last couple of months it seems that the actual appearance of the console is a very big factor for most people.
Other deciding factors are certainly the manufacturer, and loyalty to a particular one.
Some are impressed by the technical specs, others by the little extras like DVD players.
Personally I think that games should really be the deciding factor, but that's just me!
meka_dragon PQMS8/00
Other deciding factors are certainly the manufacturer, and loyalty to a particular one.
Some are impressed by the technical specs, others by the little extras like DVD players.
Personally I think that games should really be the deciding factor, but that's just me!
meka_dragon PQMS8/00
X box is out next year.
Last night I was pondering the various new platforms that will be available within the next 18 months and I found myself using criteria that were well outside the usual round of hardware specs, release dates, prices and choice of games.
It occurred to me that a lot of my criteria had very little to do with games. There are all sorts of issues that might turn you either to or away from a paticular product or brand.
A few examples...
1) Xbox is Microsoft. Doesn't everybody has an opinion on Microsoft? Would that affect your perception of Bill's console?
2) Where was your console made? What are the working conditions of those who make them? What is the company's track record on labour policy.
3) Would negative experiences of the brand be enough for you to consider avoiding it's newer products?
4) Do you think the perceived image of the product would have an impact on you.
5) How effective do you think marketing campaigns are in persuading you to purchase a particular item?
So what am I trying to say with this thread? Err... good question. Probably just the question 'What is qualitatively as well as quantitatively that gives the stuff you've bought the edge over the stuff you haven't?'
What is it about the choice you made that makes you feel good about it?
It occurred to me that a lot of my criteria had very little to do with games. There are all sorts of issues that might turn you either to or away from a paticular product or brand.
A few examples...
1) Xbox is Microsoft. Doesn't everybody has an opinion on Microsoft? Would that affect your perception of Bill's console?
2) Where was your console made? What are the working conditions of those who make them? What is the company's track record on labour policy.
3) Would negative experiences of the brand be enough for you to consider avoiding it's newer products?
4) Do you think the perceived image of the product would have an impact on you.
5) How effective do you think marketing campaigns are in persuading you to purchase a particular item?
So what am I trying to say with this thread? Err... good question. Probably just the question 'What is qualitatively as well as quantitatively that gives the stuff you've bought the edge over the stuff you haven't?'
What is it about the choice you made that makes you feel good about it?