At its most basic, cloud gaming is the streaming of full titles. Video streaming is when games are stored on a company’s server and then streamed through a thin client to a device of the consumer’s choice. The servers handle the performance intensive work, allowing any game to be played on any gaming machine. File streaming, however, is when a game is downloaded to a capable machine and streamed to other devices within its range.

Retail

Since games became available for download through Steam, the PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, and Nintendo eShop, retailers have suffered losses. Recently, GameStop suffered its worst slump in five years with its stock falling nearly 10 percent, making it one of the top percentage losers on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

GameStop could turn into the next Blockbuster if they don’t adapt to the changing market.

In their annual report, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) reported that 40 percent of games were purchased through digital marketplaces as opposed to 60 percent that were bought as physical copies. The implementation of cloud gaming will only raise the percentage of consumers who buy and download online, further hurting companies like GameStop who make a killing off the reselling of titles. It will also affect the digital download market, allowing users to instantly stream titles instead of waiting.

GameStop has adapted to such obstacles, offering a minimalistic service that allows customers to buy and download some games from their site. They also created SpawnLabs in an attempt to provide their own cloud gaming service. Recently, they abandoned the project because they felt the demand was too low and the community wasn’t ready to adopt it. Instead they plan to focus more energy on vendor partners, selling services like PlayStation Now through their stores.

Although GameStop made a safe decision in terminating their cloud project, it could potentially be a poor one. If cloud gaming is executed correctly and takes off, there will be no need to physically purchase games. Users could instantly stream titles to their devices, avoiding a trip to the store, and enjoy an optimal gaming experience.

Console hardware sales could also plummet due to the fact that next-gen quality titles will be playable on old-gen devices. Also, selling services for vendor partners will be pointless seeing that people will just conveniently pay for the service, via they system they’re using, from the comfort of their own homes.

Closing down SpawnLabs could potentially come back to haunt the multi-billion dollar corporation. It’s understandable why they think gamers aren’t ready to adopt cloud gaming, especially seeing how it has yet to take off after the hype that was built around it in 2010, but we are now better informed and more eager to see what it has to offer.

However, the pricing must be equivalent or less than retail. I still buy physical copies of games because I like having the box art and other goodies that come within the package. If I’m paying $60, I want the most I can get. Also, I can use trade-ins to knock down the price of brand new titles, giving retail an edge.

Hardware

Since cloud gaming relies on servers to do most of the performance intensive work, users will be able to play massive, high-quality games on dated or less powerful gaming devices. This could potentially hurt the PC hardware market because expensive, high-powered machines wouldn’t be necessary to run new titles.

Already, major hardware manufacturers NVIDIA and AMD have given in to the cloud gaming hype, publicly stating they are behind the service 100 percent. NVIDIA has made moves with GRID, allowing users to stream games from the web. AMD has also taken steps towards the cloud, cooperating with provider CiiNow.

However, other companies haven’t had the same foresight, neglecting the cloud and sticking to pumping out expensive, yet powerful, PC hardware. This works now seeing that PC is the elite platform, but if cloud gaming is a hit, they will be way behind NVIDIA and AMD and have to adapt to the cloud market at a later stage.

NVIDIA is confident that cloud gaming will be a success.

Theoretically, cloud gaming could drastically change the video game hardware market, giving less incentive to pour big money into building or upgrading an elite PC. This would result in big losses for hardware manufacturers because the demand for an extremely powerful device would diminish. If given the opportunity, anyone would chose to buy a $400 device over a $1,200 if both offer similar performance.

What could potentially save hardware sales is the potential cost of cloud gaming. It is possible that service providers will charge a hefty subscription fee to users and more possible that ISPs will jack up rates due to the massive amount of bandwidth streaming HD games requires. In this case, it’ll be cheaper to buy a powerful PC in the long run.

Also, lesser machines may be able to run high quality games due to the cloud, but not at the same level as a powerful computer. There will still be a visual lack of performance compared to an elite gaming PC because, like video on demand services, playing games on demand will require video compression, making them look less sharp or detailed as they would on a top-of-the-line rig.

Conclusion

As intriguing as the proposition of cloud gaming seems, and as close as it may be, it probably won’t be optimized until a few years down the road. Even if it is, many people don’t have access to high speed internet and still won’t for quite some time. Until we have the bandwidth to support such a service, its impact on the video game industry will be minimal.

From my experience with PlayStation Now, I can say that there is massive potential for cloud gaming. I’ve had the beta for a little over a week, and despite the slightly choppy frame rate, I’ve had no issues. If the U.S. can manage to provide more people with an internet service capable of streaming HD video games, more people will begin to share the same viewpoint.

If somehow these services don’t cost an arm and a leg, more and more people will avoid buying games at stores and downgrade to dumb devices with smart networks. Net Neutrality could have a big impact on the success of cloud gaming if certain legislative amendments are passed, allowing ISPs to overcharge clients for excessive bandwidth usage.

At this point, it’s entirely speculative whether or not cloud gaming will actually affect the retail or hardware markets. There are too many grey areas within the services capabilities to tell whether it will be a viable replacement for an elite PC or cheaper, more convenient alternative to shopping retail. Although this service is right around the corner, it’ll be years before it is optimized enough to have a major impact on the industry.

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SpawnFirst will keep you updated on this story as more details emerge.

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In the interview, Miyazaki stresses that Bloodborne shares familiarities with the Souls series, but isn’t a true sequel. Some key differences he notes are the ability to dual wield with a melee weapon in one hand, and a medium to long range weapon in the other.

He also states that combat will be more intense, forcing players to practice a more aggressive style, and that weapons can transform, leading players to employ transformation in order to defeat bosses. The enemies aren’t the only obstacles you’ll face; the environment shifts and changes, creating a greater challenge for users.

For more information, check out the full interview on the PlayStation Blog, and be sure to stay tuned with SpawnFirst as more Bloodborne details emerge.

Source: PlayStation Blog

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According to the post, the PS4 exclusive is set in the mysterious and cursed land of Yharnam and players will take control of one of its hopeless and afflicted settlers. Combat will be just as intense and life-threatening as it was in the Souls series, but players will be encouraged to take a more aggressive and offensive attack style instead of a block and attack technique.

Yamagiwa also boasts that the game will take full advantage of the PS4, displaying exquisite lighting effects, and expanded draw distances so players can see more of the world at once. Nothing was said about the online except that From Software is working on innovative experiences in which users can share their adventures.

Stay tuned to SpawnFirst for more Bloodborne   details as they emerge!

Source: PlayStaion Blog

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The game is said to be a collaborative effort between Nintendo and Tecmo Koei, combining both elements of the Zelda and Dynasty Warriors series. Along with the announcement of the release date, multiple playable characters were revealed including Zelda and Midna.

North American Wii U owners can expect to button mash through the world of Hyrule when it releases on September 26.

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The next addition to the open world action series will exclusively release for Xbox One, and development will be headed by original creator Dave Jones.

The game is simply titled Crackdown, but is not a remake of the original Xbox 360 title.

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Anyone interested can register for a chance to be selected for the beta. Those selected will be able to test the new multiplayer features when the beta releases this fall.

Source: Lionhead Studios via Twitter

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I struggled for nearly two weeks with not giving into desire because all of the negative hype surrounding the system. Surprisingly, my willpower stayed strong… until I decided to visit my local GameStop. My curiosity forced me to inquire about the excellent deal, so I caught the attention of the store manager and asked him to check how many were available for pre-order.

As his fingers tapped away at the keyboard I anxiously waited, expecting to hear there were no bundles left to reserve so I could move on with my life and stop obsessing. The tapping stopped and I was informed by the bald man that there was one left. Like any rational person, I took this as a sign from the video game gods that it was meant to be and within a week, I was the proud owner of a shiny new
Wii U. In my short time with it, I can say I’ve never felt better about a purchase.

Despite a lack of third party support and powerful hardware, Nintendo’s latest console has much to offer. To this point, it has been criminally undervalued, resulting in poor sales and lack of developer interest. Although the recent release of the spectacular Mario Kart 8  was enough to compel many to splurge on the failing system, raising sales by 666 percent in the UK, others still aren’t convinced it’s worth the hefty price tag. What they don’t know is the Wii U is a fascinating, unique piece of hardware that has amazing potential and is worth their money.

It’s Innovative

Nintendo always had a strong focus on creativity, being the first console to put emphasis on motion control, influencing Sony and Microsoft’s failed attempts to follow suit. Between all three new gen consoles, the Wii U was the first to push the envelope and offer a truly unique multiscreen experience.

Off-TV Play is one of the Wii U’s most innovative features.

Being pioneers of the handheld market, they created the GamePad so users could play strictly on the controller instead of the big screen, inspiring their competitors to react with Remote Play and SmartGlass. Not only does the tablet-like device come with cool features like the ability to control your TV, it offers a high resolution touchscreen, which Nintendo does a fantastic job of incorporating in their titles.

A prime example comes from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD  where the player can access the inventory using the GamePad and change gear without pausing the game. The touchscreen is also used in Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director’s Cut  for the hacking minigame, interactive map editing, and various weapon features. Small nuances such as these don’t make a huge impact, but do their part to create more innovative and engaging experiences.

Has Great Games and More to Come

At first Wii U’s upgraded specs compared to its predecessor caught the attention of third-party developers who were itching to create titles that made use of its second screen. Unfortunately, their enthusiasm diminished, causing many to jump ship and focus efforts on Xbox One and PS4 games.

Admittedly the console is in desperate need of third-party support, but that doesn’t stop it from having a solid library of current and upcoming exclusives. Nintendo has always satisfied loyal customers, reinventing trademark titles and keeping them fresh through decades. Recent titles such as Super Mario 3D World  and Mario Kart 8  are both great and it’s because of Nintendo’s ability to alter their classic franchises, setting them apart from past installments. For instance, the antigravity features in Mario Kart 8  and remarkably creative new powerups in Super Mario 3D World  added new elements to those beloved series.

With E3 just around the corner, it’ll be intriguing to see what new titles will be revealed for the Wii U. The machine already has several anticipated titles backing it, including Bayonetta 2, Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem, and the new Super Smash Bros. Also, rumors are surfacing on what games will be announced at next week’s convention, leaving the industry buzzing about the possibility of a new Legend of Zelda, Metroid, or Mario Galaxy. If true, Wii U may be in for the best lineup of all three consoles.

Backwards Compatibility

Perhaps one of the most important features of the Wii U is its ability to play a large list of games from previous Nintendo consoles. This feature is extremely important to the success of the console because it’s not offered by Xbox One or PS4, and it compels Wii owners to upgrade because it enables them to sell their old console and still play owned games. Since there are no DRM prohibitions, users are able to transfer all downloads from one console to the other. It also caters to nostalgic gamers who want to relive the glory days of the NES, SNES, or N64.

Not only is the software backwards compatible, the hardware is too. WiiMotes are usable, allowing current Wii owners to save money on extra controllers when upgrading. Other accessories such as the Wii Balance Board and Wii Nunchuk can also be used in titles they’re incorporated in. An adapter allowing use of GameCube controllers was also recently announced, creating speculation that titles from the console will soon be available on the E-shop.

Puts Strong Emphasis on Local Multiplayer

The Wii U offers a wide variety of excellent local multiplayer content

Nintendo has always provided us with great multiplayer experiences from classics like Mario Party to contemporary games like Donkey Kong Country Returns. The Wii U alone is host to a plethora of titles that put an imaginative spin on playing with others. In Ubisoft’s Rayman Legends, for example, one person uses the GamePad in order to cut ropes, activate switches, and move the environment around in order to create a less resistant path for players.

In the modern age of video games, playing on the same TV has gone the way of the dinosaur, replaced by online experiences. Sure, it’s nice to have your own big screen while gaming with friends, but it’s more compelling when competing or cooperating with others while in the same room. Trash talking over a microphone is so non personal in comparison to gloating to the opponent sitting right next to you. It’s also much more satisfying when your buddy is there to high five after you cooperate to solve a challenging puzzle or take down a difficult boss.

Conclusion

The Wii U may not be for everyone, but the overwhelming criticisms and hate directed at the system are unjust. Although it is greatly lacking in power, visuals don’t make great games, groundbreaking and captivating gameplay does. Besides, I’m a lot more impressed with the graphical quality of Mario Kart 8  and Super Mario 3D World  than I am with Watch Dogs.

I love the Wii U because it offers features that other systems don’t, giving it an edge over the competition. I’m not insane, so I won’t even compare Wii U to the greatness of PC gaming, but as far as consoles go, it may be my favorite. Despite its minor flaws like unresponsiveness and the GamePad’s short battery life, it offers a tremendously innovative experience. It sets itself apart from its competitors, challenging gaming norms and refusing to follow the pack.

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