HD transition is not happening

I’ll be behind more and more due to other things occupying my time. But Rob Fahey’s column has been up and is about the HD transition not happening. I think this ‘HD Revolution’ mistake is really a symptom of a larger problem, of the “Game Industry” becoming more and more distant to its customers. Remember, it isn’t just about HD game consoles. It is consoles that cost $600-$400 as well. How on earth could anyone think people would want a game console that cost that much? I guess they thought people would get it because that console did “everything”. But do customers really want that from their game consoles? The sales of the Wii point to no.

When Xbox 360 launched in 2005, Microsoft hailed this generation as the “HD Generation”. When interviewed about asking whether he wished Microsoft came up with the idea of the Wii-mote, Bill Gates replied “No.” (Interview was done by 1up).

Yet, three to four years later, are we expected to forget all about what Microsoft said when it comes to their latest promises about Natal? Or even Sony’s promises with the Wand? Prior to the Wii, Nintendo did have the DS phenomenon so there was sound reason to bet on Nintendo prior to Wii’s launch. Until Sony and Microsoft have some good strategic business victories under their belt, I’m inclined to bet against them for the near future.