Ratchman
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Posted - 2009.10.05 11:28:00 -
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 Originally by: Ranger 1
No argument there, console games are worth big bucks. However that doesn't mean that they aren't stuck in a rut.
Console game companies must currently, of necessity, keep churning out new iterations of their popular titles. The individual games do not have much in the way of longevity.
I think, perhaps, it may be time to change that.
I have to say I agree with you. Console games are stuck in a rut, following generic ideas and formulae. Sadly, this is exactly what the public want. The public demands homoerotic space marines grunting macho dialog to each other as they 'put the smackdown' on yet another slobbering alien.
However, I suspect CCP may end up creating something unique here. There is certainly the potential for limitless replayability, as the political landscape in the main game changes. The sense of community may also prove to be a much bigger draw than the anti-console gamer crowd might expect. When you know your actions are impacting on a larger scale, there is more to invest in it, and the bigger the emotional investment, the more likely they are to keep playing.
I am intrigued by this concept and look forward to its release.
I'm no fan of micro-transactions, though. It stinks of large companies squeezing the customer for every last penny. When I buy a game, I expect to either pay once, or pay a subscription (as we do with MMOs). To then be asked to pay again to achieve full functionality is a bloody cheek in my book, and there is no way I will pay another few quid to get an extra item or bigger inventory, or whatever. Unfortunately, this does create a two tier system, where the rich can afford the 'full game' (and all the advantages it confers), whereas the less affluent (and those with principles) will have to struggle with an incomplete game. Some may say these do not have any direct affect on the game, but they must offer some benefits, otherwise people would not spend money on it (unless we now have a generation of people who will literally spend money on nothing). This 'transaction model' may not be too impacting yet, but we all know the propensity for corporations to violate all known ethics in pursuit of profits. It's the start of a slippery slope, kids.
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