Kevin Carney: “The consoles have taken a giant leap backwards”

As games undergo a major transition, Kevin Carney, founder and CEO of GMS, in his ClickZ Network article writes, “Arguably, the consoles have taken a giant leap backwards.” He cites 6 points that describe how the current generation of consoles have failed to deliver on what he calls “true innovation.”

Kevin Carney, founder and CEO of GMS, writes in his ClickZ Network article that, “Arguably, consoles have taken a giant leap backwards.” He cites 6 points that describe how the current generation of consoles have failed to deliver on what he calls “true innovation.”

His first point is the five year cycle. Every five years, manufacturers bring next-gen systems into the market, pointing out that this is driven by innovation and is applauded by the industry and gamers. Carney, however, does not quite agree with this generation’s innovation.

What? Don’t you see the innovation, the rich graphics, the evolution that Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 (PS3), and the Wii are facilitating? I can’t either. Other than the Wii’s delivery of a family gaming experience and inclusion of player action through its controller, the latest console cycle hasn’t delivered true innovation. Arguably, the consoles have taken a giant leap backwards.

Carney also notes that games are taking the same angle as movies and music nowadays – realism. “This isn’t good,” he writes. “There’s a breaking point where reality intrudes and diminishes fantasy. A game experience can, and does, lose players when it becomes too real.” Carney believes that all that extra attempt at realism really does nothing for the games, and may even diminish the gaming experience.

Another point Carney cited was that consumers have left the big screen TVs and game consoles for the interactive online experience. Consumers, he says, are online, socializing, having their needs met – free of charge. “The Internet is delivering all they seek in one package,” he said.

Having said that consumers are more inclined towards the online experience, Carney believes that the PC replaces the console, with its combination of gameplay, community, and diversity – generally free of cost. The PC has turned casual games into rich gaming experiences.

PC gaming also has the advantage of short-forming games, or jumping in and out of long-form games without penalty or concern. “Playing a game is possible on demand, in real time, and the way consumers like it,” Carney adds.

His last point is that because advertising makes the games free, marketers are able to focus on delivering higher-quality gaming experiences. Console games are currently just trying this out, but the online PC games are way ahead with their years of experience.

While Kevin Carney did mention some interesting points, if it’s all about the gaming experience, I’m fine with my PS3 and it gives me the gaming experience that I want. I’m sure console gamers would agree.

Just my two cents, it really doesn’t matter to me if there are millions that play online RPGs – it’s not what I want, and I’m happy with what my console provides. Besides, it has online features as well, though not as good as the PC’s. Gamers know what they want. Regardless of how trends move and what they gravitate towards, gamers will play whatever they feel like playing.

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Via Clickz