PS4 Reveal: 3 Guidelines Sony Must Follow To Avoid A Catastrophe
3. Please Remember You're Manufacturing A GAMING Console
If I asked you the function of a N64, or earlier Nintendo models, you would likely respond "to play games", and if you look above, you will see the intended primary function of a gaming console.
The PlayStation 2 and XBOX expanded on this with the ability to play DVD's and they had CD playback as well, however... the core function of these systems was to, repeat after me: PLAYING VIDEO GAMES.
In a measure to compete with a growing world of Multimedia, the PS3 and XBOX 360 continued their expansion by offering a social gaming experience, with both systems offering increased interactions with each other, and the advent of Achievements and trophies - all very well and good. The addition of forums for each gaming system allowed further interaction, however it was a rare person who bought a console "just to watch movies and Netflix".
Now, let's flash forward to the present: gaming took a noticeable backseat to other features in Microsoft's conference. Between touting the Kinect's new, borderline creepy features, as well as the increased social ability of the systems, Microsoft conveniently neglected to emphasize new gaming specs. Now, this isn't entirely unwise - Microsoft is marketing it's console to more than just the average gamer (I shall elaborate on what a "Gamer" is later on) - increased social networking, Skype, Hulu, Netflix, the NFL Sunday ticket packages - I can go on. Microsoft raised the ire of gamers who felt alienated when the secondary functions of the XBOX One were touted, simply because everything outside of playing video games was considered secondary. One can understand the necessity of marketing a console to a wider crowd, but if the price of that larger audience is making your most dedicated fans - gamers - disillusioned in your product, that could potentially spell a huge loss.
One that Nintendo already has benefited from, and one that Sony has already begun to manipulate to its advantage. However, I'm not too worried about that, considering Sony's PR department was kind enough to treat us with this gem:
