What Will Make Xbox 2 A Success?
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Comparatively, how crucial is system power to the next generation of consoles?
Muzyka: Very important, but the "virtual reality gap" is closing with each console generation. By that I mean that with each generation of improved hardware, it becomes easier for software developers to make their games simulate virtual reality--and the focus goes away from hardware to some extent, towards the quality of the gameplay design and story, and the level of immersion. Platform exclusives will continue to be very important.
Croal: For developers, it shouldn't matter much, because all of the upcoming consoles should be in the same range. But if Microsoft ships early, Xbox Next will be less powerful than PS3. That might matter to consumers, because the Xbox brand was built around having the most powerful console. If that's no longer true, what will meaningfully distinguish Xbox Next from PS3 among mainstream gamers? (Hint: It won't be Xbox Live.)
Kent: In this current generation, all things have not been equal. Sony started with that one-year head start and a lot of momentum from the previous generation. This time, Microsoft has the real momentum. There is a chic to Microsoft. This is partially because the vast majority of people who wanted to buy a PlayStation 2 have already purchased it. Now they are buying a second system, and that system is predominantly Xbox.
