The video game industry isn't about creative expression anymore. It's about providing for the needs of thousands of families involved in the game making and publishing process by recreating formulas proven to be big sellers. Games have grown too large. Nintendo is just stuck in the same predicament as everybody else in the industry. The indie scene is the go to source for interesting and original games these days.
It's not really fair to single out Nintendo for a problem that plagues the entire industry. I don't see Sony, Microsoft and 3rd parties cranking out tons of original content either. Call of Duty is getting a little old isn't it?
Touchpads and biometric sensors, is that all we're getting that's new next gen? I miss having new consoles offer features that really matter in bringing about revolutionary new gaming experiences.
I remember when the SNES came out with mode 7 processing. It wasn't there to be a bullet point on the back of a console box. It made games like F-Zero and Mario Kart possible (and enhanced countless other games). The Playstation arrived and made full motion video possible by utilizing the data storage of the CD, allowing the jaw-dropping graphics and video seen in FFVII. The X-Box came with a built in modem and as a result serious FPS games were made viable on consoles with Halo revolutionizing the industry.
What will we get with touchpads, sensors and more motion controls? More dance games and party games? A virtual doctor to check your heart rate? Really, are biometric sensors going to bring on the next FFVII? The next Halo? It could be used for something amazing that no gamer can conceive of at the moment but the way these gimmicky features have been these last few years I'm not keeping my hopes up. This stuff just seems like a desperate attempt to offer something new with no real vision as to how exactly it's going to make for great new gaming experiences.
I hope Ouya, Valve, nVidia and the indie scene can shake things up and bring on the kind of revolution the video game industry desperately needs.
Whether or not consoles survive depend on how well console makers develop new and innovative gaming experiences. I think it's going to take more than robust online features and endless shooters next time around for Sony and Microsoft to be successful.
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