I think the article really hits the nail on the head when it compares the Halo 3 launch with the Wii launch. With the Wii, everyone (media included) seemed amused and intrigued and focused on how innovative and fun it was. With Halo 3, the media (unfairly) portrayed fans as nerdy loners waiting for a silly game.
Microsoft will probably walk away this console generation as King of the Hardcore Gamers...unfortunately, this will also show that such a group isn't as large as they think they are. I really do hope that Microsoft finally turns a profit on this division (though it'll be many, many years before the money they invested is recovered). They don't have a reputation for innovation, but we have them to thank for the increased focus on onlie gaming (Live) and both Sony and Nintendo are now moving to offer small, original games through online distribution (Live Arcade).
I doubt that Microsoft will ever be my primary console (going to dual analog control on Halo 2 yesterday was extremely unsatisfying after playing MP: Corruption), but I hope they stick around.
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With the Wii, everyone (media included) seemed amused and intrigued and focused on how innovative and fun it was. With Halo 3, the media (unfairly) portrayed fans as nerdy loners waiting for a silly game.
Microsoft will probably walk away this console generation as King of the Hardcore Gamers...unfortunately, this will also show that such a group isn't as large as they think they are.
I really do hope that Microsoft finally turns a profit on this division (though it'll be many, many years before the money they invested is recovered). They don't have a reputation for innovation, but we have them to thank for the increased focus on onlie gaming (Live) and both Sony and Nintendo are now moving to offer small, original games through online distribution (Live Arcade).
I doubt that Microsoft will ever be my primary console (going to dual analog control on Halo 2 yesterday was extremely unsatisfying after playing MP: Corruption), but I hope they stick around.