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Lessons To Learn For The Next-Generation
Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it, and all of the console makers could extract some lessons from this current generation as we approach the next round of systems.
Here are some of the things that the console makers could improve based on some of the trials and tribulations each of the current systems have been through.
Got your own ideas? Please let us know in the comments section!
SONY
Come Out On Time
The fact that the PS3 came out a year after the Xbox 360 didn't help Sony's system, and the console had to take significant time to catch up. This allowed competitor Microsoft to get a good foothold with its system, and Sony still hasn't transferred all the many millions of PS2 owners into PS3 ones. It's a crowded home console market, and Sony needs to be on as equal footing as it can to avoid slipping behind.
Make the System Easy to Develop For
Before the PS3's release, many developers complained that it was hard to develop for, and this definitely had an impact on third-party software for the system. In an era where third-party exclusives are rare, the next PlayStation needs to be developer friendly so studios don't make titles for the next Xbox or even Wii U because it's the path of least resistance.
Get First-Party Games Out on Time
One of Sony's big strengths over Microsoft is its stable of first-party developers like Naughty Dog and Media Molecule. However, in the case of Polyphony Digital (Gran Turismo) and Japan Studios (The Last Guardian), these satellite studios need to come out with timely product so it can actually help the next system.
Better Security
Enough said.
Online Differentiation & Being Free
Sony's online strategy has evolved after a rocky start, and the company needs to keep abreast of the latest online features as they occur for the next-gen systems. The PlayStation 4, or whatever it ends up being called, can't have a debacle similar to the fact that it took needlessly long to develop the Trophies system for the PS3.
On the other hand, the company needs to maintain a key point of differentiation from Microsoft's Xbox Live. In other words, there must be basic online functionality – including multiplayer – that remains free on PSN.
Don't Get Distracted
Sideshows like Sixaxis, 3D gaming, and the Move peripheral have only shown to be distractions for the brand that have arguably not bumped up the PS3's numbers. I realize the company is trying to grow its brand in other areas, but until the new platform solidifies its place in the console ecosystem, such side projects shouldn't take away from Sony's main focus of consistently good software.
MICROSOFT
Create A Higher-Quality Product
Don't make gamers go through the Red Ring of Death debacle again with the next Xbox. While the brand has survived that particular situation, you have to wonder what two such disasters in a row would do for consumer confidence.
It's About the Games – And The First-Party Ones at That
Microsoft's slow move away from first-party software during the lifespan of the Xbox 360 has to stop for the next platform. In fact, it's worrying how the company seems to be putting less and less emphasis on software and more on online services.
Open Up Xbox Live for Developers
This includes not charging developers for multiple patches to fix their games, a more fostering environment for indie developers (including better dashboard visibility and marketing/scheduling), and being open to more diverse pricing models. MMOs and free-to-play titles have not been able to operate in this space because of Microsoft's strict policies. The platform has been similarly restrictive in other areas like Steam integration (Gabe Newell even had to go over to the PS3 because of this).
Keep The Number Of Models Down
This applies to Sony as well: Don't put out a console with three different versions, including some like the Xbox 360 Core or Arcade editions that are so bare bones that they aren't even realistic options for most gamers. Apart from being annoying for consumers, you could hamstring potential developers for your new console, who can't assume that everyone who owns the console has the same configuration. This happened with the Xbox 360 Core and Premium models, as the former version did not have a hard drive.
NINTENDO
Make Enough Consoles
This is a simple request, but frankly it's unlikely to happen in the early days of the Wii U's life-cycle. Still, it would be nice if the people who want to buy the system could do so without having to elbow Christmas grandmas out of the way at the store.
Keep Working On Online
The Wii has made some online inroads for the company that once declared that online wasn't that important. Slowly Nintendo's outlook has changed, and the Wii U needs to continue the job. Thankfully, the Wii U utilizes a more simplified profile system than the Wii's dreaded Friend Codes, an Achievement/Trophy system is on its way, and the company is continuing its streaming content with Wii TVii.
Less Shovelware & Better Third-Party Relationships
The Wii's crazy popularity invited the software cockroaches, but regardless of how popular the Wii U does or does not become, a more culled third-party selection would be welcome. Hopefully the system's launch window and its strong third-party lineup continues. It'll be interesting to see if the Wii U gets day-and-date releases with the Xbox 360 and PS3 and perhaps beyond.
More Timely First-Party Software
We all love Nintendo first-party software, we just wish that more of it came out and that there weren't droughts between their releases.
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