roberto's Blog

You make a good point (about making it part of the product), but I'm trying to remember if that has been done in the past.

 

PS3 - started including the Dual Shock 3. Xbox 360 - wireless controller. Wii - nada.

 

I'm starting to see a pattern here. The Xbox changed controllers, and I think the PS1 upgraded to the Dual Analog then to Dual Shock.

 

But I can't recall a case where an add-on was made a part of the standard retail bundle. Yes, it's great for developers because it increases the userbase. But those add-ons typically have a very high profit margin (like the Xbox360 hard drive).

 

I read an article on the PS Move and it looks like it's going to be a very expensive add-on, especially if you want to play with friends.

 

Personally, I think that both the PS Move and Natal will be DOA for four basic reasons:

1. Cost (although people may ignore this if there's a killer must-have game, e.g. Wii Fit)

2. Accuracy - motion control just doesn't translate to accurate character motion as much as pressing a button or wiggling a joystick.

3. People don't wanna be dancing around the room. They want to relax on the couch and move as little as possible.

4. I think we've seen with the drop in GH/RB sales that people just aren't as interesting in paying $$ for games which require accessories.

Yes, Eric, I agree with your points. Especially with point 4, which is actually what made me write the whole post: MS, SONY and NTD need to make people feel that their latest devices are an integral part of the gaming experience and not just an additional gimmick that will be used in just a few games, otherwise the risk of being soon forgotten is going to be quite high...

 

cheers!