With gaming becoming more and more widely accepted as a cultural norm, gamers are constantly looking for ways to show their skills and other game related content. With sites like YouTube and others this has become easily accessible. N4G is a great way for gamers to get the latest and greatest news from around the world on their favorite pastime. Other popular sites like IGN and Gamespot are great all-around gaming sites as well.
However, a new site has emerged in recent Google searches: www.unoobtube.com. Unoobtube allows gamers to share their game videos, trailers, and other videos regarding gaming with fellow gamers. The site seems to have been designed with gamers completely in mind. There are video sections for current generation systems, along with the classics of past.
Now I understand that there are sites like GameTrailers and others, however unoobtube allows gamers to make the decisions. If you’re a gamer, you owe it to yourself to check out the new site. Watching the old Zelda TV commercial (featuring a female as Link) for the TV series will bring back old memories, and new disturbing ones as well, if your old enough to remember the classic music video it’s based upon.
So, gamers rejoice, we now have a place to get all the latest gaming news at N4G.com and all of the latest videos at unoobtube.com.
By Justin Senkbeil
Friday, February 20, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
7 Things SONY Can Do In 2009 to Ensure Dominance
Since the start of the current generation of gaming SONY has taken a beating in sales, public opinion and the media. Even though the Playstation 3 (PS3) has sold over 21 million worldwide consoles in 2 years and Blu Ray (BR) is moving along at a good pace given the economy, we still see the “doom and gloom” PS3 articles. PS3 owners are on the cusp of one of the biggest, if not the biggest game of 2009 in Killzone 2 and still articles are rampant with the SONY’s demise.
The PS3 is already on its way to becoming king again, even if it is going to take time (that’s why Playstation brands have a 10 year life cycle). Here are 7 things that would propel the PS3 even closer and past its competition, and that all PS3 owners, including myself would welcome with open arms.
1. $100.00 Price Cut:
Unfortunately the global economy, especially in the United States is in the worst shape its’ been in since video games have been around. With this being the case, consumers are looking for the most bang for their buck and even though the PS3 already offers this at its current price most consumers are not that informed. All consumers usually look at is the price on the box, and sales associates are going to only provide only biased views one way or another.
2. In-House Games
SONY arguably has one of the best in-house lineups in years set for 2009. Games like Killzone 2, Uncharted 2, MLB 09: The Show, Infamous, Ratchet and Clank: Future 2, Fat Princess, and others with an unconfirmed 2009 release window easily provide the best exclusives coming to any system in 2009. SONY needs to keep the momentum coming and continue to announce new games for the near and far future.
3. iTunes or Blockbuster (BB) Partnership
The Playstation Network (PSN) took great strides in 2008 and is able to compete with Xbox Live head-to-head. It is now time for SONY to introduce the final blow, Microsoft has Netflix, Nintendo has nothing. SONY needs to work out a deal with Apple to bring iTunes to the PS3, allowing owners of both to be able to download directly from iTunes to their PS3 or iPod and transfer the files back and fourth for music, movies and TV for purchase or rent. With the PS3’s expandable hard drive space isn’t an issue.
If Apple isn’t possible then Blockbuster is a second alternative. Allowing BB online subscribers to download new releases instantly to their PS3 for rent; not just older movies that most people have already seen would be a big boost for both companies.
4. New Playstation Network Cards
The PS3 is already on its way to becoming king again, even if it is going to take time (that’s why Playstation brands have a 10 year life cycle). Here are 7 things that would propel the PS3 even closer and past its competition, and that all PS3 owners, including myself would welcome with open arms.
1. $100.00 Price Cut:
Unfortunately the global economy, especially in the United States is in the worst shape its’ been in since video games have been around. With this being the case, consumers are looking for the most bang for their buck and even though the PS3 already offers this at its current price most consumers are not that informed. All consumers usually look at is the price on the box, and sales associates are going to only provide only biased views one way or another.
2. In-House Games
SONY arguably has one of the best in-house lineups in years set for 2009. Games like Killzone 2, Uncharted 2, MLB 09: The Show, Infamous, Ratchet and Clank: Future 2, Fat Princess, and others with an unconfirmed 2009 release window easily provide the best exclusives coming to any system in 2009. SONY needs to keep the momentum coming and continue to announce new games for the near and far future.
3. iTunes or Blockbuster (BB) Partnership
The Playstation Network (PSN) took great strides in 2008 and is able to compete with Xbox Live head-to-head. It is now time for SONY to introduce the final blow, Microsoft has Netflix, Nintendo has nothing. SONY needs to work out a deal with Apple to bring iTunes to the PS3, allowing owners of both to be able to download directly from iTunes to their PS3 or iPod and transfer the files back and fourth for music, movies and TV for purchase or rent. With the PS3’s expandable hard drive space isn’t an issue.
If Apple isn’t possible then Blockbuster is a second alternative. Allowing BB online subscribers to download new releases instantly to their PS3 for rent; not just older movies that most people have already seen would be a big boost for both companies.
4. New Playstation Network Cards
Give gamers something to talk about and compare in game lobbies or when playing games. Trophies were a step in the right direction; however SONY can take it 5 steps farther. Give us something to truly show off to each other, something that we strive to work at updating and improving. The gamer with tag name Emissark posted some great concepts for a PSN card. Check it out at http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?message.uid=41068378#U41068378
5. Advertising
This generation SONY has been notorious for their advertising or their lack of. From the controversial ads that had to be recalled to nonexistent ones altogether. SONY shouldn’t be expected or need to spend as much as Nintendo or Microsoft, however they do need to increase their exposure. TV commercials are a must when new games are dropping, especially the big hitters, and when a price drop happens let people know. When I go through the Sunday ads rarely do I see the PS3 advertised in Best Buy, Target, Kmart or Walmart ads.
6. Kingdom Hearts 3 of Final Fantasy 7 Announcements
There are two things that people will always love, Disney and Final Fantasy. The Kingdom Hearts (KH) saga was a huge hit on the PS2. It was unique and blended to beloved brands and has the power to sell systems, however it needs to stay exclusive.
Even though Square has slighted the PS3 as of late and produced sub par games a Final Fantasy 7 (FF7) announcement in one of two forms would change everything. Square and SONY either need to partner together and release a FF7 PSN title with additional story arcs, added quests, and upgraded graphics or a complete FF7 remake. Lets’ face it FF sells and is loved by millions. These two announcements could put the nail in the coffin in the global arena.
7. Blu Ray
BR is continuing to grow with popularity with the release of the Dark Knight and others to come like The Lord of the Rings. You can even get Sports Illustrated Pittsburg Steelers Championship disc on BR now. SONY needs to ensure that they continue to garner support and offer entry deals for consumers who are on the fence. Anyone that says there is no difference between upscaled DVD and Blu Ray needs to adjust their TV.
Even if SONY doesn’t do a single one of these ideas, ones that have been repeated over in the past I know; the PS3 is here to stay. Currently it offers the best in-house exclusives, free online and an HD disc format and PS3 owners are happy, and in their minds the PS3 is already king and that’s all that matters. However, hopefully SONY will do one or two these ideas to show the non-believers.
By Justin Senkbeil
Monday, January 12, 2009
A hard look at Digital Distribution vs. Brick-and-Mortar Distribution
One of the many side wars of this generations video game console wars has been Digital Distribution (DD) vs. Brick-and-Mortar Distribution (BMD). Both of these particular distribution formats can easily be characterized with a particular supporter for the most part. SONY appears to support a hybrid approach, believing that DD and BMD can live together in coexistence, where as Microsoft is for DD.
Both companies have gained strides in their perspective approaches with SONY winning the Blu-ray format war and the significant strides their Playstation Store took in 2008, especially with the introduction of their movies storefront. Microsoft formed a partnership with the movie rental giant Netflix to bring instant streaming movies to the Xbox 360. They also have been able to claim 15 million Xbox Live user accounts. All of which are significant strides for both business models, but what model is really viable in the future and will people be willing to accept?
According to internetworldstats.com just under 22% of the worlds population has internet access. The largest regions being the United States (73.6%), Oceania/Australia (59.5%), Europe (48.1%) and Asia (15.3%). It is also important to note that these are the largest video game regions as well. However, how many of these households have high-speed internet access to download a full size game or movie? How many of the members of these households use a computer for anything more than checking their email, browsing the internet, or shopping? How many of these know how to do more than that? These are all important questions that need to be answered and addressed if DD is going to be anything more than its current state.
Digital distribution works great for things like music, movie trailers or game packs, however two important facts remain: most households are not knowledgeable or equipped for large scale DD’s and people like to own things and be able to hold them. Everyone loves to show off their game or movie libraries when people come over for the first time, especially when they are big and took years to assemble. How would it feel if a friend says “so where’s this game library you brag about” and you say “hold on let me start up my computer and show you”. You have no box art to view or disk to hold, just some coded data to admire.
In the end it appears SONY’s hybrid approach allows us to have both of the best worlds, with one helping the other.
Both companies have gained strides in their perspective approaches with SONY winning the Blu-ray format war and the significant strides their Playstation Store took in 2008, especially with the introduction of their movies storefront. Microsoft formed a partnership with the movie rental giant Netflix to bring instant streaming movies to the Xbox 360. They also have been able to claim 15 million Xbox Live user accounts. All of which are significant strides for both business models, but what model is really viable in the future and will people be willing to accept?
According to internetworldstats.com just under 22% of the worlds population has internet access. The largest regions being the United States (73.6%), Oceania/Australia (59.5%), Europe (48.1%) and Asia (15.3%). It is also important to note that these are the largest video game regions as well. However, how many of these households have high-speed internet access to download a full size game or movie? How many of the members of these households use a computer for anything more than checking their email, browsing the internet, or shopping? How many of these know how to do more than that? These are all important questions that need to be answered and addressed if DD is going to be anything more than its current state.
Digital distribution works great for things like music, movie trailers or game packs, however two important facts remain: most households are not knowledgeable or equipped for large scale DD’s and people like to own things and be able to hold them. Everyone loves to show off their game or movie libraries when people come over for the first time, especially when they are big and took years to assemble. How would it feel if a friend says “so where’s this game library you brag about” and you say “hold on let me start up my computer and show you”. You have no box art to view or disk to hold, just some coded data to admire.
In the end it appears SONY’s hybrid approach allows us to have both of the best worlds, with one helping the other.
By Justin Senkbeil
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)