That is the big question isn’t it? The truth of the matter is we are living in a digital age. A world where media, news, and general information are available at the click of a button. The gaming industry has of course been at the top of the food chain when it comes to the digital age. Beginning with simple algorithms and pixels the world in which a “gamer” throws himself into flourished almost overnight into the complex digital revolution that we witness on a day to day basis.
It is no surprise that technology continues to push gaming just as hard as any other medium out there. We have super computers in place of standard consoles now, leaving behind the times of simple processors that compare to most modern smart phones. Sprites being replaced by highly complex polygonal models with resolutions high enough to make any Super Nintendo burst into flames. One on one split screen gaming tossed aside in favor of online gaming in which one can seamlessly connect to millions of gamers from around the world.
These are the days we live in, but at what point do we leave behind the physical console all together? With cloud gaming on the horizon, one has to wonder. The current state of things puts us in place where digital delivery is almost as viable if not more convenient than an actual in store product. At the click of a button, one is able to download a full game for the console of choice without ever leaving the comfort of their own home. Gone are the days of fighting traffic in the middle of rush hour in order to make it to the retailer before they close. Not to mention praying that the item is currently “in stock” and putting yourself through the torture of waiting in line while reading the back of the box trying not to pee yourself and on the verge of losing it to lady in front of you who breaks out the checkbook to pay for her items. As much as I enjoyed those days, I must admit it is much easier to click purchase and watch the download progress. The sad part is I don’t even have to get up off the couch to get my wallet, that information is stored automatically.
The current generation of consoles lets us download demos, additional content for games, not to mention full game downloads. The recent introduction of cloud saving have been added into the xbox 360’s repertoire. This enables a user to save his or her game saves to an online server which can be accessed anywhere that internet is available. A long way from memory cards huh?
The newest addition of online gaming service includes a platform going by the name of Onlive. This removes the need for a physical console where with just the use of the internet, today’s most popular games can be streamed instantly to your TV and played without any noticeable lag.
The biggest question I have is with the introduction of these “cloud” services, are we going to see the end of the physical console. I think the answer is a debatable one. I have a firm belief that people are in need of some tangible in their hands. I think the vast majority of hard working Americans prefer to have a physical object as opposed to digital rights to a game or any other form of media. Don’t get me wrong I have purchased items offline and really enjoyed the convenience of the whole affair. I am currently a rights holder to a hand full of full games and I enjoy them very much. There is something sacred however when it comes to the first unveiling of a console game from it’s temple like shrink wrap. The way the light wipes across the optical disc for the first time. (or for use older folks, the game cartidge) The smell of the instruction manual as you flip through the brilliance of the text put forth by the developers. These are things I will miss without a doubt. The real question I suppose is as the inevitable shift to a digital medium occurs will the physical platform/media be missed by all or just the nostalgic few that remember the good ole’ days.
– Jon
