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Future of PS3 & Xbox 360 is casual gaming - GTA IV & Wii show why

Casual gaming is on the rise. That's a fact. You can see this not only by the success of the Nintendo Wii, which is built on casual gaming, but also the success of games such as Guitar Hero, Rock Band and Singstar. The question now is how much of a lurch towards casual will Sony and Microsoft take the PS3 and Xbox? And how much that will influence the games industry for the future?

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Hercules - contributor
Published: 565 days 17 hours ago | Article | PlayStation 3 | Xbox 360 | Wii | Gaming

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harry190 - 565 days 18 hours ago

1 - Nononononononono

no no no non non non non no no no.Don't want.Keep it minimal.

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pharmd - 565 days 17 hours ago

1.1 -

i dont want it either but its sad but true

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Violater - 565 days 17 hours ago

1.2 -

No its not, the future of them both is variety, something the wii cannot offer.

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Bonsai1214 - 565 days 16 hours ago

1.3 -

mix of both would be best. but more hardcore. less casual.

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Meresin - 565 days 15 hours ago

1.4 -

I'm inclined to agree. A variety of games will probably be the best approach. You can't just appeal to one segment.

Either way, though, I'm not worried. There are casual games available on both XBLA and the PSN, yet the 360 and PS3 both still have graphically intensive games coming out, so it's rather obvious that developers aren't eliminating their big budget projects. They're diversifying, and that's healthy.

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CrashSharc - 565 days 14 hours ago

1.5 -

if this is true, i will hate Nintendo for the rest of my life....

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jessupj - 565 days 11 hours ago

1.6 -

I will hate nintendo also with a passion. But lets hope this new generation of bloody casuals that bought a wii will start to delve into more mature games, now that they have 'broken in' and started to game. They might educate themselves and try bigger and better games.

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King_many_layers - 565 days 9 hours ago

1.7 -

I'm sorry, but I really don't get why you people are so horrified by this idea. The whole casual over hardcore thing was in affect last Gen.

Playstation 2 had a great selection of hardcore and casual games and so did the Playstation 1. The harcore gaming market isn't anywhere near as large as the casual gaming market and When those casual gamers are bored with their Wii, they will look at the other consoles and go, well.. I get more with Playstation and the graphics are pretty and I know that brand, plus it's selling loads, so I'll get that one.

You ask any casual gamer to name something to do with games and most will probably say Playstation, most parents call game consoles playstation too. The playstation brand is hugely casual, yet delivers some great hardcore games too.

but yeah, back to the point. There innevitably will be loads more casual games in the end, but there will still be PLENTY of harcore games.

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ash_divine - 565 days 17 hours ago

2 - he makes good points but...

sounds like a fanboy is some instances like: Casual is now king, whether you like it or not.

it kind of seems as if he wants us to think thats true, more than it actually being true. I will admit it's on the rise but, it just seems like he's using GTA IV to predict a future he is satisfied with. but then again maybe i'm just biased against casual gaming because of what it's doing to the industy(the very reason I don't like Nintendo anymore).

one last detail to put out though: Just because GTA IV didn't sell aswell as GTA SA doesn't mean people aren't interested anymore. For one this gen is alot smaller than the last, and it's much harder to sell a console off just one game because the prices are way higher. Secondly GTA IV and GTA SA are not the same game, which means they don't have to appeal to the same amount of people. That's like saying every game in the franchise has to sell the same amount or people don't care about GTA anymore. That's just my two cents or the matter.

...yeah, i'm never typing a comment that long ever again.

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sidar - 565 days 8 hours ago

2.1 -

Casual has always been king because they are the biggest part.
Gamers just didn't realize it because they were way to focussed on the " core" games

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LordMe - 565 days 17 hours ago

3 -

^ lol. I dont like long post... But I did read it.

I am unsure about casual gaming... Though it sell's more, there is more chance of getting sued. (See Wii Fit for details.)I can see hardcore gaming shrinking. To about 60-40 but it will never die. As Casual gamers get more into it, they will buy hardcore style games. So yeah. Both markets are pretty much here to stay.

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PirateThom - 565 days 17 hours ago

4 -

What does Metal Gear Solid 4 and Gears of War 2 show?

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4.1 Chris Bosh | 565 days 15 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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LordMe - 565 days 17 hours ago

5 -

Would it not be GeoW since Geow2 has yet to launch? (Not doubting it. I know it will sell.)

But also remember MHP:2nd G sold 2mil on the PSP in Japan alone. Which shows that Hardcore gaming is far from being gone.

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DJtyler - 565 days 17 hours ago

6 -

I do not agree. If you bought a PS3 OR an XBOX 360 you are more of a "hardcore" than "casual" gamer. So you have to compare both PS3 and 360 sales combined against wii sales for an adequate reflection of hardcore vs. casual. Like most people I believe wii is a fad and will soon be eclipsed. Whether you are a PS3 owner or a 360 owner get out ther and BUY GAMES! Show the industry we want more GTA, MGS4, HALO, FINAL FANTASY etc and less "cooking mama"

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shadow master - 565 days 16 hours ago

6.1 -

very good point. i really dont understand why a bunch of skunks think they can come in here and say "casual gaming is taking over" the day that happens, thats the day i pick up fishing for a hobby. Casual gaming will destroy the game industry eventually. Its not a long term solution.

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TOM - 565 days 16 hours ago

6.2 - Agreed

I've bought nearly 70 games at launch price in the short life span of the 360,(only 3 ps3 games,soon to grow I hope)When the casual gamer buys 3 in that same time, I'll be worried....not a moment sooner.

added:make that 98 games.Good god I have a problem:)

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Voiceofreason - 565 days 16 hours ago

6.3 -

Why would you compare the PS3 and 360 to the entire Wii base? Thats a really stupid argument. You are trying to say the entire Wii fan base is nothing but casual gamers. Game sales prove you wrong. You also assume the every one who bought a PS3 is a hardcore gamer? Forgetting that a few million bought it for Blu ray alone, I am sure more than a few casual PS2 owners bought an upgrade. Surely you remember the PS2? The casuals console of choice last gen?So everyone who owned a PS2 was a casual gamer?

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kingme71 - 565 days 15 hours ago

6.4 -

Good grief Tom, you bought 25 games in the time it took you to write that comment. You need to slow down buddy.

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TOM - 565 days 14 hours ago

6.5 - :)

Good for a giggle bud,thanks:)

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Bubble Buddy - 565 days 17 hours ago

7 -

Problem with Wii... What exciting game do they have that expands on the genre and makes you go "Wow, I need to buy a Wii." Sure you can argue they have SSBB and Zelda, but it's the same type of games since N64. I love Brawl no complaints here, but I would never buy a Wii just for that game.
I can play Melee or the original and it's almost identical. Sure you can get casual games but lots of casual gamers do not buy games. They get hardware profit, but not software. Nintendo is lying when they say the Wii and appeal to both hardcore and casual. Because there are no or too little great games that are multiplatform, 3-party exclusive. As much as I love Zelda, Pokemon or Metroid, paying $50 again and again for a game i would play once seems so bleh. Wii is the BEST for parties though.
The future will have casual gaming for PS3 and 360, but it's firstly a console for hardcore gamers, and that's what the difference is between them and the Wii, who supports casual gaming first.

I also believe Wii is a fad. If they had Wii with HD, it'd be a completely different story...

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Voiceofreason - 565 days 16 hours ago

7.1 -

If it had HD you would still call it a fad. Just a fad with HD. I'm sure in 2 years you will still be calling it a fad,all while failing to understand what a fad is and how the Wii isnt one.

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jessupj - 565 days 10 hours ago

7.2 -

Your probably right, because people will be stupid and I expect them to still be stupid in 2 years, hence they will still be buying wii's.

I don't like being a fanboy, I really don't, I want to be objective and open minded. But I hate the wii with a passion, with every cell in my body. I don't actually hate the wii it's self, I hate the idea of the wii and what it's doing to the industry but most of all I hate all the ignorrant people that bought one because it's the next in thing, instead of looking at all 3 options then buying one.

If you bought a wii and actually knew what you were doing this comment is you directed at you at all and I apologise if I have caused insult and wish you all the best in your wii gaming :)

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sidar - 565 days 8 hours ago

7.3 -

" I hate the idea of the wii and what it's doing to the industry "

Wii didnt do anything to the industry, it was already going on.
The problem is that the Wii got trash games from the beginning because no developer took it serious untill it all got sold out.
If they made quality games from the start you wouldnt be saying the same thing.

The whole idea behind Wii is to get everyone gaming. But people pretend casual games are new. Casual gaming has been going on since the dawn of gaming it self. Wii is just more open to it and represents it like there is no difference between Hardcore and Casual.

The status Wii got is mainly due the fact that developers have been sh/tting out trash. I hate the developers not the Wii.
If my Gameboy classic games can still entertain me, then the developers must be doing something wrong.

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jcgamer - 565 days 17 hours ago

8 - All I want is BALANCE

it's cool that casual gaming is blowing up...no problem...the PROBLEM ONLY comes when there isn't a BALANCE of hardcore vs. casual games...Sony and MS will have a good selection of hardcore and casual offerings in the near future...

AHEM! NINTENDO...I'm looking AT YOU...lol...I'm not hating, I just want Nintendo to offer some more AAA and AA hardcore games...then, the Wii will have a better balance...and something's telling me they just might do it...

and for the record, I love Nintendo...oh, the many Nintendo gaming moments and nostalgia...don't make JCgamer cry...Mario 3, Contra, Kid Icarus ....*grabs a kleenex* :)

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games4fun - 565 days 16 hours ago

9 - the problem with...

casual gaming is the public only supports one casual machine, the hardcore will support all 3 if they can. Think about it, which is safer making a console that your same loyal fanbase buys every generation or hoping that your console is the casuals choice because i guarantee you they will not buy both systems only one can be king in the casual market because casuals buy the most popular everything is just considered an offbrand.

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littletad - 565 days 15 hours ago

9.1 - What's worse

Early suggestions were that casuals don't buy software or at least as much compared to the core. Well now even that's changing. Seeing Wiifit on the top ten lists, I'm sure everyone felt a cold shudder.

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jessupj - 565 days 10 hours ago

9.2 -

let me tell you, I felt more then a cold shudder.

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SilentShank - 565 days 16 hours ago

10 - Hurry Everyone!

Back to the PC platform! RTS, FPS, and Barbie simulator games await!

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littletad - 565 days 16 hours ago

11 - If I wan't a casual experience..

I'll flip on my DS. It's like a small time out from the games we really want to play.

Now casual may be King for now, but times will soon change and it will be back to the hardcore base mainly supporting games once again. Anyhow that's my prediction considering you can't keep the casual entertained forever.

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dolomite - 565 days 16 hours ago

12 -

I got the Wii for RE4, Zelda, Metroid Prime 3, Galaxy, RE:UC, and Brawl. Quality "hardcore" games are there, but to appeal to a larger casual audiences, those simple games will continue to thrive. Just as hardcore games will continue to be around.

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littletad - 565 days 15 hours ago

12.1 - I bet you anything

If Nintendo had known how big of a success the Wii would be, they would have implemented a more friendy experience for Metroid and Zelda. Were just thankful they came out before they could change that. Even Brawl was slightly altered.

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13 zozol | 565 days 15 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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littletad - 565 days 15 hours ago

13.1 - K...

That's pretty darn close to open zone there pal. But... I'm sure every core gamer feels the same way. Seeing celebrities play Nintendogs on TV doesn't help either.

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ash_divine - 565 days 15 hours ago

13.2 - @littletad

i don't like casual gamers, but for some reason I love that commerical. probably because of Carrie Underwood(love her)

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AclayPS3 - 565 days 15 hours ago

14 -

Well, Sony has always been an attractive brand to casual gamers regardless, I mean, Sony's PS1 and PS2 both sold over 100 million units Worldwide, and for a console to do that back to back, there was some impact on Casual gamers somewhere during that time.

I really don't think that Sony has to try as hard to attract Casual gamers because they already have in the past. I think that it's Microsoft that will have the toughest time trying to appeal to Casual gamers because the 360 is still seen (and most likely always will be) as a Shooter console. ALL of the 360's current biggest game titles have ALL been shooters of some sort.

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kingme71 - 565 days 15 hours ago

15 -

This casual explosion is a fad that no doubt will bring in more gamers, but the bubble will burst and developers/publishers will regret abandoning the much more stable hardcore base if they decide to strictly go casual.

Take my wife as a typical casual gamer. I asked her in May if she wanted Wii Fit and she knew only a little bit about it, but said she would only use it a few times and wouldn't be worth it. Now that it is selling out the door and her friends are talking it up, she keeps asking me to find her a copy. What has changed? Nothing at all. It would still get used 3 or 4 times and never again, but now it is the "hot" fad.

This is the exact same thing with the Wii. People are flocking to it like an internet stock in the 90's because of all the hype and talk about it. The Wii will go down as the dustiest console in history. Not that it won't have good games or that it doesn't already, but so many people are buying it because it is the in thing. Alot of these buyers have nowhere near the interest in gaming that hardcore buyers have. They may go a year and never turn the thing on and most certainly cannot buy games at the same rate as a hardcore. Look at Tom up there @ 6.2. He probably has more games purchased then 25 causal Wii owners.

If developers leave the hardcore crowd, then the law of supply and demand will kick in. Less games mean more feasting for those companies that stick to the hardcore crowd and will see greater profits albeit with less hardcore titles, however the measly profits some companies get on the casual side might make that grass is greener scenario turn a little brown.

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XxCYONIDExX - 565 days 15 hours ago

16 -

Are almost all of these so called gamer writers complete idiots? 95% of the time they talk garbage.

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17 Big Jim | 565 days 15 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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Intrepid - 565 days 15 hours ago

17.1 -

Big Jim. I haven't played MGS4, but I beat both Bioshock and Galaxy, and while they're completely different, they're both great. It's a huge stretch to compare a mature and violent shooter to a feel-good platformer. They're both awesome in their own ways. Bioshock introduced us to new techniques for the FPS genre with plasmids. Galaxy had so many imaginative and new platforming techniques (it looked mighty pretty too) that I often smiled while playing. Beating both gave me a sense of accomplishment. Don't let the cash ins and kiddy image of the Wii distort the beauty of the gems. Metroid Prime 3 was amazing as well.

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ash_divine - 565 days 14 hours ago

17.2 - Just when video games are getting closer and closer to becoming art, along comes the Wii to bring videogames back to a childish 20 minute distraction.

haha, that's pretty messed up when you think about. it's like we're going backwards now, which would have been fine if it wasn't the fastest selling console yet going in that direction.

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mistertwoturbo - 565 days 14 hours ago

17.3 -

I agree Big Jim. Although I've enjoyed the Wii for a little while. It's true, PS3/360 games are going "next-gen" while a lot of Wii games are going backwards-gen.

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mistertwoturbo - 565 days 14 hours ago

18 -

just keep bringing games like MGS4, gears, etc. etc. then i'll be happy.

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19 sumfood4u | 565 days 8 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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Blackcanary - 565 days 7 hours ago

20 -

Isn't sony going for Casual gamers with Buzz Singstar and the Eyetoy anyway?

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beavis4play - 565 days 7 hours ago

21 - if future is casual: then my gaming days are numbered.

having casual games isn't a bad thing, but, if casual games will eventually be only option i'll quit gaming.

i don't think this will happen though.

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Silogon - 565 days 17 hours ago

1 -

Biggest mistake in gaming so far is allowing the wii to market. It's crippled the hardcore industry and it has made 3rd party developers rethink there strategy cause their games haven't been selling on the wii.

A console with the largest user base. When a 3rd party game doesn't sell 1 million on a console with 25 million units sold, something is wrong.

unfortunately for us, the dev's think it's the market trends and instead of making new IP for Ps3 and xbox 360 they retool their entire game line up to the casual fair.

Look at Madden now for the wii. Last year it played like a sim, as always. This year it plays like an absurd mini game. complete with big bobble heads.

The wii and Nintendo crippled the market. A market they built for almost 20 years.

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ash_divine - 565 days 17 hours ago

1.1 -

TOTALLY agree

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Intrepid - 565 days 15 hours ago

1.2 -

I apologize Siligon, but I disagree with you completely. How has the Wii crippled the hardcore market? Sure, gaming isn't seen as a niche thing anymore. The image of the gaming community is no longer just teen and young men. Everyone plays video games. Has that affected the games that us hardcore gamers get? NO. In my personal opinion, now is the best time to be a gamer. We've got soooo many good games coming out for every system. You can't use a half-assed attempts like Haze or Alone in the Dark as proof that developers are shifting their focus to casual gaming. Bad games have existed since gaming started. The Wii and casual games in particular haven't ruined anything in my honest opinion. They just expanded the market.

And on a side note, the bobble head and family play features in Madden 09 for the Wii are just options. The core game is still there (And tweaked: watch videos on how you can now draw your own routes before snapping the ball).

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ash_divine - 565 days 15 hours ago

1.3 - Has that affected the games that us hardcore gamers get? NO.

it may not have affected the games we get but it definitly affects the games developers make.

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Intrepid - 565 days 14 hours ago

1.4 -

I have two words of advice describing what you should do with casual games.

Ignore them.

Be happy that games like FFXIII, Gears of War 2, and Mad World are coming out. They all look awesome!

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shadow master - 565 days 16 hours ago

2 -

i will be having this discussion on my website when i put it up. you guys are invited.

PSN: omegamaximus

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