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A VERY big part of the success of the next generation consoles will be the on-line abilities of the hardware…and in cases the options of the software. All 4 of the major players will have on-line access by the time all 4 consoles (DC, PS2, GC and X-Box) are released…something which will no doubt add to all the hype! But no matter how much we look at it is there anyway of telling who will come out on top?!?!?!? Well…
Sega might have dropped out of the hardware race, but at this point they are much closer to the jackpot than Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. They have rid themselves of the hardware competition and currently enjoy large installed Dreamcast fan base, plus other ventures that promise to expand that fan base even further. Sega's console even has the option using a dial-up or broadband connection. Sega also has first-hand experience in creating and providing service for online entertainment. The bottom line is: The Dreamcast is on-line…its competitors are just gearing up…
Sony's Playstation 2 is a powerful console indeed and it is finally starting to flex its muscle as more games arrive on store shelves and developers are gaining confidence after a poor launch and shaky software sales. The Playstation 2 modem is just around the corner, at least for Japanese gamers, and a broadband solution is also on its way. However, the road ahead is still bumpy as major software titles, like MGS2, that are so vital to the success of the console, are still some time off, especially for us UK gamers! One possible way for Sony to triumph online is to simply focus its own Internet entertainment resources into gaming. Simple if you know how…
Although Microsoft's next generation console is not scheduled to arrive for another 10 months or so, it has already generated more hype than its competitors…bar maybe the Gamecube. Boasting some of the most advanced hardware on the market, and delivering broadband multiplayer gaming capabilities right out of the box, the Xbox promises a lot but can it deliver? Although it is too early to shoot for solid answers, we can still speculate based on known facts. Microsoft is known for its persistence and commitment. The company knows the games publishing business, possibly better than its rivals combined. Moreover Microsoft certainly knows how do develop good games.
Much like Sony and Sega, Microsoft has a strong online presence which can easily be applied to the Xbox ensure its success. Even Sega with their own ISP and gaming network can't match the popularity of MSN and the Zone; not to mention Hotmail, which should be able to be adapted to work with Xbox.
Last but not least is Nintendo's next generation console: the GameCube. Although there is very little information about the console beyond its specs and few photos, Nintendo has something that its rivals would kill for…Pokemon, Zelda, Donkey Kong, Mario, and many other immensely popular franchises that can be made into successful multiplayer titles. Another important fact is that GameCube will ship with both dial-up and broadband capabilities, the latter one being optional but more desirable for online entertainment. The fact of the matter remains that the information on GameCube is scarce at best, but since it will offer modems with different costs and connections, gamers can be certain that Nintendo will make use of them...
So, this new genre has proven to be a virtual gold mine, and those who realized that quickly jumped on the bandwagon. Others will join in time but if a not-so-internet-ready company like Nintendo is to catch Sega up they will have to pedal fast! But at least you will be able to get on-line with any console you buy right? Yes! Whether it's deathmatch or racing, role-playing or simulations, you can be sure it's coming to your Dreamcast, Playstation 2, X-Box and even your Gamecube!! But this on-line business is just one of manyfactors that will decide the outcome of ‘The Console Wars’!
By Matt G
Sega might have dropped out of the hardware race, but at this point they are much closer to the jackpot than Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. They have rid themselves of the hardware competition and currently enjoy large installed Dreamcast fan base, plus other ventures that promise to expand that fan base even further. Sega's console even has the option using a dial-up or broadband connection. Sega also has first-hand experience in creating and providing service for online entertainment. The bottom line is: The Dreamcast is on-line…its competitors are just gearing up…
Sony's Playstation 2 is a powerful console indeed and it is finally starting to flex its muscle as more games arrive on store shelves and developers are gaining confidence after a poor launch and shaky software sales. The Playstation 2 modem is just around the corner, at least for Japanese gamers, and a broadband solution is also on its way. However, the road ahead is still bumpy as major software titles, like MGS2, that are so vital to the success of the console, are still some time off, especially for us UK gamers! One possible way for Sony to triumph online is to simply focus its own Internet entertainment resources into gaming. Simple if you know how…
Although Microsoft's next generation console is not scheduled to arrive for another 10 months or so, it has already generated more hype than its competitors…bar maybe the Gamecube. Boasting some of the most advanced hardware on the market, and delivering broadband multiplayer gaming capabilities right out of the box, the Xbox promises a lot but can it deliver? Although it is too early to shoot for solid answers, we can still speculate based on known facts. Microsoft is known for its persistence and commitment. The company knows the games publishing business, possibly better than its rivals combined. Moreover Microsoft certainly knows how do develop good games.
Much like Sony and Sega, Microsoft has a strong online presence which can easily be applied to the Xbox ensure its success. Even Sega with their own ISP and gaming network can't match the popularity of MSN and the Zone; not to mention Hotmail, which should be able to be adapted to work with Xbox.
Last but not least is Nintendo's next generation console: the GameCube. Although there is very little information about the console beyond its specs and few photos, Nintendo has something that its rivals would kill for…Pokemon, Zelda, Donkey Kong, Mario, and many other immensely popular franchises that can be made into successful multiplayer titles. Another important fact is that GameCube will ship with both dial-up and broadband capabilities, the latter one being optional but more desirable for online entertainment. The fact of the matter remains that the information on GameCube is scarce at best, but since it will offer modems with different costs and connections, gamers can be certain that Nintendo will make use of them...
So, this new genre has proven to be a virtual gold mine, and those who realized that quickly jumped on the bandwagon. Others will join in time but if a not-so-internet-ready company like Nintendo is to catch Sega up they will have to pedal fast! But at least you will be able to get on-line with any console you buy right? Yes! Whether it's deathmatch or racing, role-playing or simulations, you can be sure it's coming to your Dreamcast, Playstation 2, X-Box and even your Gamecube!! But this on-line business is just one of manyfactors that will decide the outcome of ‘The Console Wars’!
By Matt G
I concur.
It is a shame that posts like this aren't appreciated just because they don't go into the FoG forum! Great post Matt!!!
The Game
The Game
A VERY big part of the success of the next generation consoles will be the on-line abilities of the hardware…and in cases the options of the software. All 4 of the major players will have on-line access by the time all 4 consoles (DC, PS2, GC and X-Box) are released…something which will no doubt add to all the hype! But no matter how much we look at it is there anyway of telling who will come out on top?!?!?!? Well…
Sega might have dropped out of the hardware race, but at this point they are much closer to the jackpot than Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. They have rid themselves of the hardware competition and currently enjoy large installed Dreamcast fan base, plus other ventures that promise to expand that fan base even further. Sega's console even has the option using a dial-up or broadband connection. Sega also has first-hand experience in creating and providing service for online entertainment. The bottom line is: The Dreamcast is on-line…its competitors are just gearing up…
Sony's Playstation 2 is a powerful console indeed and it is finally starting to flex its muscle as more games arrive on store shelves and developers are gaining confidence after a poor launch and shaky software sales. The Playstation 2 modem is just around the corner, at least for Japanese gamers, and a broadband solution is also on its way. However, the road ahead is still bumpy as major software titles, like MGS2, that are so vital to the success of the console, are still some time off, especially for us UK gamers! One possible way for Sony to triumph online is to simply focus its own Internet entertainment resources into gaming. Simple if you know how…
Although Microsoft's next generation console is not scheduled to arrive for another 10 months or so, it has already generated more hype than its competitors…bar maybe the Gamecube. Boasting some of the most advanced hardware on the market, and delivering broadband multiplayer gaming capabilities right out of the box, the Xbox promises a lot but can it deliver? Although it is too early to shoot for solid answers, we can still speculate based on known facts. Microsoft is known for its persistence and commitment. The company knows the games publishing business, possibly better than its rivals combined. Moreover Microsoft certainly knows how do develop good games.
Much like Sony and Sega, Microsoft has a strong online presence which can easily be applied to the Xbox ensure its success. Even Sega with their own ISP and gaming network can't match the popularity of MSN and the Zone; not to mention Hotmail, which should be able to be adapted to work with Xbox.
Last but not least is Nintendo's next generation console: the GameCube. Although there is very little information about the console beyond its specs and few photos, Nintendo has something that its rivals would kill for…Pokemon, Zelda, Donkey Kong, Mario, and many other immensely popular franchises that can be made into successful multiplayer titles. Another important fact is that GameCube will ship with both dial-up and broadband capabilities, the latter one being optional but more desirable for online entertainment. The fact of the matter remains that the information on GameCube is scarce at best, but since it will offer modems with different costs and connections, gamers can be certain that Nintendo will make use of them...
So, this new genre has proven to be a virtual gold mine, and those who realized that quickly jumped on the bandwagon. Others will join in time but if a not-so-internet-ready company like Nintendo is to catch Sega up they will have to pedal fast! But at least you will be able to get on-line with any console you buy right? Yes! Whether it's deathmatch or racing, role-playing or simulations, you can be sure it's coming to your Dreamcast, Playstation 2, X-Box and even your Gamecube!! But this on-line business is just one of manyfactors that will decide the outcome of ‘The Console Wars’!
By Matt G
Sega might have dropped out of the hardware race, but at this point they are much closer to the jackpot than Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. They have rid themselves of the hardware competition and currently enjoy large installed Dreamcast fan base, plus other ventures that promise to expand that fan base even further. Sega's console even has the option using a dial-up or broadband connection. Sega also has first-hand experience in creating and providing service for online entertainment. The bottom line is: The Dreamcast is on-line…its competitors are just gearing up…
Sony's Playstation 2 is a powerful console indeed and it is finally starting to flex its muscle as more games arrive on store shelves and developers are gaining confidence after a poor launch and shaky software sales. The Playstation 2 modem is just around the corner, at least for Japanese gamers, and a broadband solution is also on its way. However, the road ahead is still bumpy as major software titles, like MGS2, that are so vital to the success of the console, are still some time off, especially for us UK gamers! One possible way for Sony to triumph online is to simply focus its own Internet entertainment resources into gaming. Simple if you know how…
Although Microsoft's next generation console is not scheduled to arrive for another 10 months or so, it has already generated more hype than its competitors…bar maybe the Gamecube. Boasting some of the most advanced hardware on the market, and delivering broadband multiplayer gaming capabilities right out of the box, the Xbox promises a lot but can it deliver? Although it is too early to shoot for solid answers, we can still speculate based on known facts. Microsoft is known for its persistence and commitment. The company knows the games publishing business, possibly better than its rivals combined. Moreover Microsoft certainly knows how do develop good games.
Much like Sony and Sega, Microsoft has a strong online presence which can easily be applied to the Xbox ensure its success. Even Sega with their own ISP and gaming network can't match the popularity of MSN and the Zone; not to mention Hotmail, which should be able to be adapted to work with Xbox.
Last but not least is Nintendo's next generation console: the GameCube. Although there is very little information about the console beyond its specs and few photos, Nintendo has something that its rivals would kill for…Pokemon, Zelda, Donkey Kong, Mario, and many other immensely popular franchises that can be made into successful multiplayer titles. Another important fact is that GameCube will ship with both dial-up and broadband capabilities, the latter one being optional but more desirable for online entertainment. The fact of the matter remains that the information on GameCube is scarce at best, but since it will offer modems with different costs and connections, gamers can be certain that Nintendo will make use of them...
So, this new genre has proven to be a virtual gold mine, and those who realized that quickly jumped on the bandwagon. Others will join in time but if a not-so-internet-ready company like Nintendo is to catch Sega up they will have to pedal fast! But at least you will be able to get on-line with any console you buy right? Yes! Whether it's deathmatch or racing, role-playing or simulations, you can be sure it's coming to your Dreamcast, Playstation 2, X-Box and even your Gamecube!! But this on-line business is just one of manyfactors that will decide the outcome of ‘The Console Wars’!
By Matt G