With gamers now able to simply download their games from services like Steam, Xbox Live, and the PlayStation Network, more and more we're hearing about how this is the "final" console generation, that the big bulky boxes will eventually be phased out by streaming, much how Netflix killed off Blockbuster.
Even the most giant of retailers have cowered in fear, faced with companies offering more and more services that give gamers the option of bypassing stores completely. But the end of consoles entirely? That's what yet another report is declaring, but the end isn't as nigh as most are saying.
IDATE has released its latest report, "Next Gen Consoles," focusing on the big three and their respective consoles: Nintendo's Wii U, Sony's PlayStation 4, and Microsoft's Xbox One.
According to the report, "Console manufacturers and their publishing partners have already made the transition to dematerialization. This can be seen with the ability of next-gen consoles to use the cloud for content and data storage services, content streaming, multiplayer and social features and even remote gaming. Console manufacturers will eventually be offering their own cloud gaming offerings. In this context, console manufacturers will exploit second screens. These could be a tablet, smartphone or dedicated platform and could offer synchronous or asynchronous and complementary or substitutable use in terms of game experience."
The report also cited the new consoles' "social" features, like the ability to broadcast and share gameplay, and integration with media and social networking sites like YouTube and Facebook. But is this indicative of a death rattle for consoles? Maybe, maybe not. If anything, it's adaptation for than a death knell.
The problem is that the average console lifespan is seven to eight years, during which, a lot can happen, and it won't be toward the end of this timeframe that a clear picture will start to emerge. There's also been "challengers" to the throne in the form of what innovative devices that the report calls, "mini-consoles." You'd know them better as the Ouya, Nvidia's Shield, Valve's Steam Machine, and others. The ability of smaller companies to start a foray into console gaming could show that it's stronger than ever. At least for now.
It's an ever changing landscape, and no one can predict what comes next.
