ABI Research: consoles to become future download hubs

It looks like another research group is predicting the possibilities of consoles as one-stop shops for more than just games. A new study from ABI Research indicates that as more people grow accustomed to the online nature of their consoles, the amount budgeted towards gaming will veer more towards online transactions.

If this sounds a lot like what Bill Gates was talking about during the World Economic Forum, then you’re right. The prediction here is connected to the convergence of different forms of tech and micropayments.

Of the three console manufacturers, Microsoft is the one ABI gives the lead to though, as a result of Xbox Live’s current prominence in gaming circles. Still, ABI asserts that the battle will still be on, as Nintendo carries with it a ton of first-party content through the virtual console and Sony has the high attach rate resulting from their PlayStation legacy.

The question is: how are we really going to pay for it though?

It looks like another research group is predicting the possibilities of consoles as one-stop shops for more than just games. A new study from ABI Research indicates that as more people grow accustomed to the online nature of their consoles, the amount budgeted towards gaming will veer more towards online transactions.

If this sounds a lot like what Bill Gates was talking about during the World Economic Forum, then you’re right. The prediction here is connected to the convergence of different forms of tech and micropayments.

Of the three console manufacturers, Microsoft is the one ABI gives the lead to though, as a result of Xbox Live’s current prominence in gaming circles. Still, ABI asserts that the battle will still be on, as Nintendo carries with it a ton of first-party content through the virtual console and Sony has the high attach rate resulting from their PlayStation legacy.

The question is: how are we really going to pay for it though?