The Importance of Being an Omnigamer

It's easy to pick a platform and form brand loyalty. It's cheaper, it's saves space under your TV, it's easier to keep track of new games releasing and it's just plain fun to join in on the fanboy/girl platform wars.

http://i.imgur.com/B5kLr9R....

But I'm here to do the unpopular thing and tell you that you are failing as a gamer if you do this.

Not only are you missing out on some of the best games of a given generation but you are also falling prey to corporate propaganda which seeks to own your wallet in every way that it can. At the end of this blog, I'll also be detailing my strategy for Omnigaming. Now lets look at some of the exclusive titles that you will be giving up on by standing by your chosen brand.

Wii U
--------
Super Mario 3D World
New Super Mario Bros U + Luigi U
Super Smash Bros U
Bayonetta 2
Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze
Captain Toad
Mario Kart 8
Pikmin 3
Pushmo World
The Wonderful 101
Hyrule Warriors
Splatoon!

...and the still to come:
Star Fox U
The Legend of Zelda U
SMT X Fire Emblem
Xenoblade Chronicles X
Yoshi's Woolly World
Mario Maker
Rodea the Sky Soldier

PS4
--------
Bloodborne
Infamous Second Son
The Last of Us Remastered
Killzone: Shadow Fall
LittleBigPlanet 3
OlliOlli2
Resogun
The Unfinished Swan
FFX/X-2 Remaster

...and the still to come:
Dragon Quest Heroes
Uncharted 4
Tearaway Unfolded
Gran Turismo 7
Until Dawn
SMT Persona 5
Disgaea 5
Everybody's Gone to the Rapture
Yakuza 5
Rime
Ratchet & Clank

Xbox One
----------
Sunset Overdrive
Halo The Master Chief Collection
Killer Instinct
Forza 5
Forza Horizon 2

...and the still to come:
Halo 5
Quantum Break
Phantom Dust
Scalebound
Crackdown 3
Gears of War
Forza 6

PC
-----
Galactic Civilizations III
Technobabylon
Pillars of Eternity
Kerbal Space Program
Crypt of the NecroDancer
Cities: Skylines
Homeworld Remastered
Elite Dangerous
This War of Mine
The Legend of Grimrock 1 & 2
Civilization V
Xenonauts
Kentucky Route Zero
Steins;Gate
SMITE
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft
Shadowrun Returns
The Banner Saga
Path of Exile
The Stanley Parable
Gone Home
Europa Universalis IV
Papers Please
Gunpoint
RO2: Rising Storm
StarCraft II
Dota 2
League of Legends

...and the soon to come:
Star Citizen
Torment: Tides of Numenera
Shroud of the Avatar
The Banner Saga 2
Unsung Story

In 2 weeks from the time of this writing, E3 will commence and there will surely be many other exclusives announced. A new Paper Mario has been heavily rumored, for example. But this just goes to show that many amazing games will be unplayable to the fanboy/girl who only picks 1 platform. I could also show the 3DS and VITA exclusives, but you get the point. By becoming an omnigamer, you will have more to play and more to look forward to so E3 will be a much more exciting event.

By choosing to be an omnigamer, you also show the companies that you are not tied to your gamerscore/trophy number and will take your hard earned cash elsewhere if THEY do not deliver. By putting the responsibility on the developers to convince you, you have forced them to better compete with each other.

Not that impressed with The Order 1886? "Guess I'll try that new Pillars of Eternity game out!" By showing the developers and publishers that you are independent, you have made them that much more determined to make a better game. And that is how it should be. Too often I have seen gamers buy every game in a series (even if it sucks) just because they feel they have to because it's an exclusive to their console of choice. I'm here to tell you "You don't have to." Make those companies EARN your money.

Some of you out there might be saying "All this is well and good but it's too expensive to be an omnigamer." Well I'm here to tell you that you are RIGHT. If I were to go out to the nearest game store and buy all the consoles at once and then go buy a brand new PC, I'd be in debt for years! But part of being an omnigamer is being strategic in your purchases. Knowing what to buy when is critically important which is the whole point of this blog.

I just built my current gaming PC which is something I do every 4 or 5 years. I plan for it in my budget far in advance and I never buy a premade PC. I want to choose the individual parts of my computer and build it myself. This not only saves lots of money, but I also end up with a better PC in the long run. There's lots of guides if you google it so I wont say anymore on the subject here. As for the games themselves, all I gotta say is: STEAM SALES!!! Your pocket book will thank you if you buy with discipline but it will curse you if you give in to every sale you see. And then there are the mods. Mods make every game better and some of the best games of all time started out as mods for some other game.

As for the consoles, its a different process. I generally wait about a year or two after the new consoles launch so as to get a good idea of the field but it also means that I never have to deal with buggy firmware, crappy launch software lineups, limited availability, overhyped games and high launch prices. I select one console based almost exclusively on released software and then I try to buy it used or at a great discount on EBAY, usually as a bundle with the games I want.

For example, last Thanksgiving I bought a Wii U with 4 great games for $250 at Fry's during their Black Friday special. And as I go through the year, I continue strategically buying console bundles until I have them all. Start with the console that has the most exclusives you want to play and then buy them in that order. The Wii U had the most for me so I started there. I just picked up my PS4 and I'll probably have a raging Xboner (lol, that name never gets old) in a few months time. I've used this system for years and it has served me well.

The only thing I haven't covered is space management under your TV but that's a whole other blog post. What I hope to have demonstrated is the practicality and enormous benefits of being an Omnigamer and why being a platform exlusivist is doing you and the gaming industry no favors at all. I am writing this blog because most people don't realize the awesome power they have by voting with their dollars. Disappointed with another lame exclusive game? Want the series to get better? Buy something else. Companies ALWAYS notice when their profits take a hit. Otherwise they'll keep making mediocre games because you keep buying it.

Also, just being able to play a little Halo with your buddies and then switch over to some Smash Bros for a while. Then playing a little Bloodborne after they leave and then a little Pillars of Eternity at night on a PC you built is a VERY satisfying thing.

A lot of this blog is just common sense to me but I have seen so many gamers fall into this trap that I figured a blog post is very necessary. So...

Start buying strategically. Start playing better games. Start being platform independent. Start being more excited for E3. Start making the industry better. Start being an Omnigamer.

You'll be glad you did.

[Valenka]

Very good blog on a rather important topic. Growing up, I always found myself playing the PS2 more than the Xbox, but after seeing Dead Rising, I ended up picking up an Xbox 360 and while the game was a disappointment to me, because I had the Xbox 360, it became my primary console of choice, with the PS3 I purchased a year or so later being reserved for exclusive titles that captured my interest.

Same goes with this generation. Xbox One is my primary console, but I do have a PS4 simply for exclusives that I'm interested in. I just picked up my own PS4 the other day and while I'm suffering from mild buyer's remorse (in lieu of the lack of exclusives that interest me at the moment) I'm glad to have it in preparation for Until Dawn, Uncharted 4 and other exclusive titles I'm waiting on.

I've always been an omnigamer since day one, because I don't like to miss out on things I'm interested in. I find it incredibly beneficial to be versatile enough to use both consoles and not favor one over another.

[freshslicepizza]

all one needs to do is read the comment section on forums and it's very easy to tell who is and who isn't a victim of not viewing things as a omnigamer.

it's strange how we like to make little groups of ourselves to make it easier to identify with one another even though we all share the same hobby.

maturity and respect are sometimes a rare breed on any forum but gaming forums are especially guilty of not having enough of this. the reason is because of how the industry is allowed to work and force people to buy proprietary hardware to play games that can be pressed on the same format.

[ABizzel1]

I agree, gaming on everything gives you the best of all worlds, and IMO gives you insight into what's all out there and experiences to enjoy you normally wouldn't think of playing or that would never grace your console of choice.

Having all consoles is the way to go for anyone who enjoy games and all the diversity and entertainment they have yo offer.

That being said it's expensive, time consuming, and sometimes alienating being a "omni gamer". You have friends across all platforms and it's hard spending time and playing with all of them. You have to make decision about which games to buy on which platform when it comes to multiplayer games or end up buying them twice (which sucks). Saves don't transfer, DLC doesn't transfer, and sometimes it's just sucks not having enough time to play everything.

My PC is mainly for maxing, modding, and benchmarking games, as wll as the occasional PC exclusive that catches my eye. My PlayStation's are usually my go to console, because Sony to me has some of the most unique, well written, and genre defining exclusives the industry, my Xbox are to play with my favorite friends in online and co-op games, and my Nintendo consoles are to catch up with their first party, and other exclusives they have.

All together that's $2,000 on hardware alone, and around $1,000 on software each year (I usually Gamefly games, and wait for sales to buy them).

This is why I dream of a 2 console future, with MS focusing on PC gaming (they can even keep the Xbox brand, just make it a Steambox of sorts, and go that route and save me from this 4 platform + handhelds buying habit).

[mabreu]

"you are failing as a gamer if you do this." is a bit harsh.

It's true that we all are subject to missing out on games if we don't have the right platform, but that's ok. Enjoy what ever platform you have.

I own every Playstation hardware, a PC, and a Wii (count smartphone too). I would tell you all, this gets expensive over the years. Not only are we spending a lot of money, we are also sacrificing a lot of our time. I'm at a point now that I only game on the PS4 and on my PC.

Edit: I'm not saying it's better to stick to one brand (That is the worst mentality). I'm saying budget your money and time. The goal of the gaming industry is the same with every industry; their after your money. Don't just give it to them for the sake of having access to all games. Just be a smart consumer and pick the platform that is right for you.

[Barnaby-Jones]

Great read! Hopefully this positive message will reach many gamers on N4g and help foster a better gaming community. A lot of awesome games are about to arrive.

[Haru]

Have you even thought that maybe not everyone can afford 3 console plus a high end PC to play games on? Most gamers are on tight budget and limited time, Why buy all 4 when 1 is enough to play most of the games?

[Lukejrl]

So because I cannot afford to have all consoles I get to rag on people who choose a different console than I? If finances are the reason your not playing your competitors system then why make someone feel bad who may be in the same situation but chose a different console?

[Khajiit86]

Where the heck did you get all that from what Haru said?

Haru just said most people cant afford all consoles/pc.... Which is true. Ill add that most people that could afford all of them do not want to spend that much.

[miyamoto]

Its obvious that between Haru's and your comment to only one that is ragging on people, trying to make someone feel bad and bring down others is you, lukejrl.

Try to read your comment again and try to bark at some other tree.

Disgusting!

He did not utter a word to do any of your accusations.

[Lukejrl]

Yes and the article is talking about not limiting yourself and not being too big a fan. I know he did not explicitly condone fanboy, my asking those questions was simply a way to show you can be broke and have one console and be happy. Not try to bring down others

[SilentNegotiator]

Frankly, I'm not sure who can both afford all of those platforms, and the games, and the service fees, and the controllers, and etc....AND have the free time to enjoy them all to the fullest.

I tried to do it all last gen and it didn't work out. I'm perfectly happy between PS4, PC (which I really only have for studies; playing games sometimes is just an added benefit), and occasionally 3DS.

And really, you think that people being against fanboys is "unpopular"?
http://i.imgur.com/B5kLr9R....

[Blacklash93]

As an omnigamer, I for one am hoping we'll get a decent drought of new releases this summer so maybe I'll have a shot at finishing The Witcher 3. :P

[WizzroSupreme]

I couldn't have said it better myself. I always try to expand my gamer diet as much as time and money allow. I've found myself really entranced by episodic indie games lately, believe it or not on top of shooters and action-adventure games.

[s45gr32]

Is a good blog,but the problem with the consoles today are that they are too similar in terms of mulitmedia apps (amazon video, netflix, etc.), specs, etc. On top of that too much focus on remastered games. As a PS 3 owner I still don't see the need to buy a PS4, I can play the last of us and destiny on my PS3. The visual difference between the two is pretty minor. PC gaming is where is at because I don't want to pay to play online, I don't want to spend $60.00 for an old ass game, I don't want to be tied to a single server (xbox live, playstation network)that gets disconnected or has technical deficiencies on a daily basis. I just miss the old days of console gaming were the console corporations actually competed one another by bringing exclusive game after exclusive game, the free unlockables, map editors, etc. Like I said many times before is time to get rid of corporate gaming and let gamers publish their own games. The console corporations are clueless or greedy as hell. Like I said is a good blog but you do not need to buy every single platform especially nowadays when most xbox one games are going to come to PC.

[rainslacker]

Not sure it's important to be a all-console owner. It has it's perks though.

Realistically, I couldn't even play through all the games on a single platform, even when I have the urge to try I can maybe manage to get 2-3 games per month. Trophies have made it worse, because my OCD makes me want to get platinums in the ones I enjoy.

I think for most people, they could manage quite well with one or two consoles. If someone has to get them all to experience every bit they can, and they have the means, I say more power to them. I'm envious of that, since I can't do that myself realistically. beyond that, being an all-console owner just means I end up spending money on software that I never actually use...which isn't terrible since I'm a collector, but again, my OCD makes me want to have as a complete collection as I can.

I currently have a PC(rarely used for gaming outside SimCity4), PS3(fully BC), PS4, Vita, 3DS, WiiU, and almost every retro console you can think of(most of them not hooked up unless I want to visit a game on them). That tends to over serve my needs quite well, and I've never felt that I'm missing out on anything.

Also, wasn't Phantom Dust cancelled?

[RJ92009]

I thought we were called MANTICORES?? But Omnigamer now that's a new name for it i have not heard. I feel old now that's the first sign of age new hip words... lame o well. Great blog btw loved it happy to see more gamers with open minds

[gamejediben]

Lol, well I'm no spring chicken myself - been playing games since 1990.

Back during the great Genesis/SNES wars, I proudly bore Sega's banner into battle on the playground. But I got burned by Sega... badly. All of us Sega fanboys went through tough times during the 5th gen and it's informed my opinion about fanboyism a lot. The industry is simply better off without it. If we all bought games based on quality, not hype, then the major gaming companies would fear us and make much better games or suffer poor sales.

But as it stands, Ubisoft can hype up its newest AssCreed borefest and legions will buy it regardless of quality. This yearly released overhyped nonsense has to stop and we CAN make them change their business model. All it takes is a little discipline with our pocketbooks.

As to the name "Omnigamer", that has been the terminology I've been using since at least the late 90's. Where did the Manticore term come from? I know its a mythological beast, but I assure you that there are many multiplatform owners out there and have been for decades - we are not "mythological".

Thanks for reading.

[RJ92009]

All the years in systems wars on gamespot lol o man system wars was great back in the day post ps2 days and first 3 years of last gen the xbox fans got very head strong pushed so many sony fans away I have a feeling a lot are on here now they seem to talk like very well known gamespot system wars poster.. but yeah I loved this blog it's my favorite one if seen on this sight and I've been coming here a long time now. Look like you got a lil more gaming years on me to. I started on snes been hooked since

[Gazondaily]

Yeah as unmanageable it may seem on the face of it, I find that I always find a way to dedicate some time to all the platforms that I own, and I don't really get much spare time.

Some games however demand a lot more time than others but overall, I don't see managing my library of games on all platforms as too big a problem. But there definitely is a backlog that I want to get through!

[AshHD]

I feel that there are two notable extremes here; #1, I own all platforms and therefore am satisfied & #2, I don't, and am therefore "falling prey to corporate propaganda", which is ludicrous.

Games are expensive. Systems are expensive. Subscriptions and peripherals are expensive. Sure, if I had far more disposable income than I presently do, maybe I'd go in for a Wii U and a copy of Splatoon, but I don't, so I hardly think that it's fair to vilify me for that.

My current platforms are the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita. I chose these platforms based on my needs and wants, as well as what both of them would come to offer. Although this means that I'll miss out on certain titles tethered to other systems, I can honestly say that as of right now, both offer everything that I need.

Really, I liked the general theme of the blog, but I can't get behind the conclusion. Being an 'OmniGamer' is a luxury, and I'm glad that it works for a lot of people, but considering that The Witcher III is set to last me a whole month at the very least, taking bites out of hundreds of games across several systems just isn't feasible for me.

[RJ92009]

I own them all because of games. Like gamecube zelda mario etc my Xbox halo ghost recon etc ps2 ff10 metal gear any rpg.. I just love games ill save years before the next systems drop to own them day one hell I all ready have my ps5 xbox idk and nintendo nx or idk lol also have one for the new ps vita if there's one and the 3ds2. Lol I just hate not being able to play and enjoy any game. Now pc gaming is a grey area with me I do enjoy it time from time but I get a new gaming pc like every 2 gens lol

[Roccetarius]

Why own all platforms when one can provide near everything? The only thing that would count is the exclusive games, and even that is falling behind with the ones being made this generation. I just see it as unnecessary money spent for something that isn't there.

[RJ92009]

Oo you pc fans are worst of them all... I would always want to play the game the system was meant to be on witch is something you pc fans don't get.. here maybe this will help you I can cook a egg in the microwave yeah it works yeah it works faster but all in all its not the same and that egg taste different now does it not?

[FallenAngel1984]

Take your choice of whatever console suits your interests, there is One 4 U.

[Blacklash93]

"Own more systems, enjoy more variety of games" is how I look at it, too. If a system has enough games I want, I'll get it.

But as others are saying here, not everyone can afford owning most or all systems. Even long-term, strategic spending has limits if you're bound up in bills and other priorities, so I can understand settling on one or two systems. I don't see how that makes someone 'fail as a gamer' or anything like that.

[gamejediben]

There are so many great exclusive titles that define a given console and to limit yourself to just 1 or 2 might seem okay, but as a gamer, I want to play it ALL. There are long dry spells for EVERY console and during those times, I always have plenty to play because I own them all. There really is no reason to limit yourself.

"Not a lot of (insert x console here) titles coming out? (insert y console here) has some awesome exclusives!"

You don't need to buy every console all at once (as I said in my blog) just pick them up as you find the funds. Stop spending money on mediocre games and put that money towards something better.

Despite what some say, by the end of a generation, there are LOTS of great exclusive games that make owning every console worth it. Even the Xbox 360 (which had very few exclusives) still had excellent exclusives worth owning like Lost Odyssey and Tales of Vesperia. And so even if it takes years to find the cash, it's still worth it.

Limiting yourself to one console is falling for publisher propaganda. They try to tell you that you can have it all with just their console but they are ALWAYS lying. They just want to be the ONLY recipient of your hard earned money. They don't want you looking over the fence at what other companies are offering. By being an Omnigamer, you are making yourself independent and unshackling yourself from any single company - free to spend your $$$ on better products if they can't satisfy you.

And if you aren't free to play WHAT you want, WHEN you want, you are failing as a gamer. It's harsh, but true. Owning them all is the only way to play it all.

[TransientDreamer]

...A what...

[TheColbertinator]

1. I don't have enough time for all systems. Especially consoles.

2. All those are great games but they don't interest me in the slightest. I'm a very picky gamer and few games captivate me. Last of Us,X-Com,Fallout,Wasteland 2,Persona and Fire Emblem are the only games on my mind.

3. Space. I have a gaming PC,PS2,Xbox One and PS3 in my living room. That is all I want there at a time.

[sovkhan]

This if you have time to play, which is not my case anymore:(

So this gen l'll be sticking with my ps4 and pc and i haven't even time for these two...

So there's no point in going for all systems if your don't have the time and tastes that recommand it.

ps : still have my last gen consoles ps3/x360 and a vita, but my times is overloaded ; family man here :)

[Subaruwrx]

"you are failing as a gamer if you do this." That's a rather judgmental statement on your part. While I think it's great to be able to afford all possible gaming platforms, personally I wouldn't be able to afford the time I'd need to spend to play all of the exclusive and 3rd party games available to me. If I did, I would fail as a human being because I wouldn't have time to work and have meaningful well rounded relationships with other human beings. Imo, enjoying and getting the most out of the games you have time to play makes you a successful gamer.

[rezzah]

Only have time for one because gaming isn't my only hobby.