The Google Console: A Newcomer To The Next-Gen Wars

In the wake of E3, which this year encouraged more animosity between gamers that I have seen previously, the last thing on any corporation's mind should be entering into this particular technological arena. Most of you will have heard of the abysmal failure of the above all else unfortunately named "Apple Pippin," and most of us know about the Kickstarter initiated "Ouya" and have seen the most depressing unboxing of all time which showed us that intention and a marginally large fanbase just won't be enough to cut it. What we can learn from this is that unless you have the capacity and absolute resources and dedication to be a heavy hitter in a market filled with experienced developers, it's not worth trying. Apple has since found its niche in the smartphone market and has more or less been forgiven for their faux pas. Google, the once and future search engine, has in recent years, begun its expansion into advertising and enterprising, has its own operating system and has developed its own range of smartphones and laptops. When it was announced that they would soon be manufacturing their new line of Android based consoles I was less than convinced. Whilst Apple and Ouya were less than defined, Google has come the closest to world domination of any major corporation, literally controlling our information, and should know better than most that a gamble into the world of gaming is more than incorrigible. I'm sure that, when released, the internet will be swarming with Photoshopped Google searches such as "Why is the Google Console so good?" and "The Google Console is better than the PS4" and this is disheartening because the inevitable beginning of this product is incredibly predictable. It will sell a few million within the first week, but the games compatible with it will be severely limited. Promises will be made for new releases, but only small time developing teams will attempt something fresh while the mainstream producers will continue to contribute to the three main competitors. Eventually, the hype will die down and the Google Console will become yet another footnote in the history of bad decisions. Now it's entirely possible that I'm mistaken and that the Google console will be a big success and will feature a gimmick like compatibility with all other platforms; which would be fantastic and well received by everyone. If Google manages to learn from every criticism expressed at the E3 convention then they will most certainly become a contender in these console wars. The general rundown of next-gen consoles revealed that the PlayStation 4 which featured the highest graphical output and lowest prices, whilst the Xbox One claimed many social features and exclusive games. The Nintendo remained neutral with its generic characters and improved Wii interface. However, the general consensus was that the console didn't really matter, with all their gimmicks and additions that are really unnecessary in this smartphone wielding age. At the heart of every decision to buy a console will be the payoff through the games available to play. With its backwards compatibility (can play games from previous gens) the PS4 was instantly ahead of the market as customers were assured they would not need to make more purchases than necessary having already invested in games for their PS3. The first hurdle for the Google Console will be the number of games instantly available from the day of purchase. As the software and development kits ware planned to be open source, there is an expectation for a few B list games, but none of the style and expense found in major releases. There is little incentive for anyone other than an indie gaming group to begin to produce for this new console, with a better option to be staying with the main runners. The Ouya suffers the same problem of having at best 5 good games, all 2D and all lesser models than can be found on the higher profile consoles. Ingenuity will only go so far and there is little to no demand for games that can be played better in java form on the internet, especially not for consoles. Struggling as it is with the mobile Android vs iOS user division, it is likely that many consumers will choose to remain with what they trust and know can deliver a good gaming experience. Another factor is that the new console is set to release at some point after the next-gen has launched. After making an investment in the latest platform, it is unlikely anyone will spend more money on an uncertainty. Unless Google is able to manufacture a console that manages to dispell worries entirely, perhaps with a feature that nobody else can offer, like compatibility with games from other consoles, or a well designed ergonomic controller with enough variation between levers and joysticks to provide entertainment whether playing a driving game or a shooter. Where they will inevitably fail will be through their marketing. Their current adverts for the Chromebook are some of the most skippable videos on the internet, and using the same garish fonts to advertise a console would be a bad move. Microsoft has their memorable "Jump In" slogan with simple visuals and PlayStation have a great format that is iconic and instantly associated with its product. Nintendo have their unique characters that are all well known that help to sell their final product. As a newcomer, Google has none of this, and is left with its browser and search engine, which will undoubtedly tagged on to their console. Useless features like internet browsing, which I can do from literally anywhere other than my console, and additions like being able to watch television on my television are lacking creativity the industry sourly needs. Google can use this opportunity to provide something that has good value and has gameplay at its center, rather than social aspects that always seem rushed and are an annoyance due to clogging our social feeds with constant notifications on who has the new highscore, but fails to mention why I should care. As a word of advice to Google, I highly suggest a concentrated beta testing phase with as many highly critical users as possible. The best course of action would be to utilize the online community to its best effect. That video I linked earlier to the depressed unboxing of the Ouya? Send a Google console to him! Sending beta versions to the outspoken games critics such as "Angry Joe," "Yahtzee," and Jim Sterling. If they really want effective, honest opinions then they would do best to harken to the voices of the consumer and not to their trend analysts. They have no excuses to not become the next big name in gaming, but have every hurdle to jump in order to not join the ranks of the Apple Pippin, Ouya and the other forces of the "French of the Console Wars."