Video Game Consoles and MMOs (FEATURE)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 21, 2009 --

As MMO developers begin to experiment with new ideas and mechanics, video game consoles -- which account for over one hundred million units -- become more desirable as a platform. Since the Sega Dreamcast was released in 1999, MMO players have had minimal console based games available to them. "Phantasy Star Online," although very niche for its time, was popular with fans even though it had limited capability due to its modem connection. Subsequently, on the PlayStation 2, "Final Fantasy XI" captured the lives (not literally) of its playerbase with superior and extensive gameplay. In the present day, publishers and developers are foraging more and more into the console space, creating MMO games exclusively for them. This change can also be described as a realization by publishers that the console space is a profitable section of the industry for MMO games. Just look at Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network, which account for numerous amounts of micro-transactions that occur on a daily basis. In the next five years, the amount of console MMOs will increase and the ability to play across the consoles or PCs will also become more apparent.

With companies like Sony Online Entertainment, Turbine Inc., Funcom, and Cryptic Studios already bringing their upcoming titles to consoles, players don’t have to be worried that these games lack quality. These developers have stellar reputations in the industry and have designed several very successful MMORPGs. Every single developer that I listed above has created a title that brought new ideas to the industry. Along with established franchises like "Star Trek" and "Champions Online," these studios are looking into the free-to-play method for funding their games. "Free Realms," which was recently released on the PC, will be coming to the PS3 soon and is a perfect example. There is no release date, but Sony would be smart to release the family friendly game on their already popular console ASAP. Maybe Sony can attract some of the younger audience that is lacking in the playerbase of the PS3 console.

The consoles have the advantage of a large userbase and no hardware requirements other than the console itself and an internet connection, but they do come with huge control disadvantages. The lack of buttons and limited control options do hamper the development of a title. This use to be the largest problem for developers and designers, especially when trying to port a game from the PC, but this was prior to lead console development. The change from PC to console has been difficult, but developers and publishers who get to market first will have the most success, as they can set the standard for console MMOs. Although getting to the market would be the first goal, creating a fun, engaging MMO experience will not only get the early adopters, but keep a large population involved for longer periods of time. Keeping up a large population would allow for more expansions and micro-transactions.

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