Video game Timeline

II SAL II · 12-16-2009, 02:38 PM

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/image...e-timeline.jpg

interesting

MikeRox · 12-16-2009, 03:23 PM

Very nice. I think it'd be interesting for some members to notice how far into the system's lifespan the titles truly associated with the PS1 actually found their release. We are actually at the stage when Final Fantasy, Gran Turismo, GTA, Goldeneye etc all arrived this year, though a lot of what would have been this year's big titles were postponed due to Modern Warfare 2.

Looking at that timeline, it would seem we're just reaching the middle of the current generation. I don't think this gen is as far gone as the people demanding new consoles and looking to the next gen think.

KEEBS1984 · 12-16-2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeRox

I don't think this gen is as far gone as the people demanding new consoles and looking to the next gen think.

Hmmm actually I'd say we are about 3/4ths the way through judging from some of the latter "generations". Last generation, for example, only lasted from 1999-2005 technically... and that's only if you truly count the Dreamcast as being part of last generation. If not then it would have started with the PS2 in 2000.

Next year is the 360s 5th birthday which would put it right on track for a new console based solely on what we've come to expect out of generational leaps in video game consoles.

In fact look at all the generations... they largely show a 5-6 year gap in between new system upgrades aside from the very 1st generation:

1st: 67-77 - 10 years
2nd: 80-83 - 3 years
3rd: 83-88 - 5 years
4th: 88-93 - 5 years
5th: 93-99 - 6 years
6th: 99-05 - 6 years
7th: 05-?? - We are at year 4 now.

That stated, however, I absolutely do NOT want a new generation of consoles to come out now. I'm perfectly content with the 3 I have (although a WiiHD-upgrade would be nice) and the graphics/capabilities more than awe me at this time. Plus I have so many games!

Edit: I do want a PSP2 and a DS2 though.

MikeRox · 12-17-2009, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KEEBS1984

Next year is the 360s 5th birthday which would put it right on track for a new console based solely on what we've come to expect out of generational leaps in video game consoles.

In fact look at all the generations... they largely show a 5-6 year gap in between new system upgrades aside from the very 1st generation:

1st: 67-77 - 10 years
2nd: 80-83 - 3 years
3rd: 83-88 - 5 years
4th: 88-93 - 5 years
5th: 93-99 - 6 years
6th: 99-05 - 6 years
7th: 05-?? - We are at year 4 now.

There is one big difference between those gens and this one though. This gen only has 1 profitable console, and it is using 10 year old technology. Also, on the PS3 front, the system launched in 2007 in Europe (PlayStation's main territory) if you count the 6 years from Europe for Sony, you would actually be more looking at 2013 for a console (from Sony) and Nintendo are this time around, a different entity entirely IMO (they'll launch one when they're ready, I'd wager it'd be most in their interest to launch first.) Microsoft this time around will want to hold off as long as possible. The earlier they launch a new console, the sooner they return to massive losses as opposed to the modest profit they're currently turning.

I'd say we're at the half way point personally, but I wouldn't say last gen started until late 2000 (March 2000 in Japan) as the Dreamcast was a launch of desperation rather than a natural system cycle and it's tricky to bundle such consoles into specific gens as it wasn't powerful enough to compete with the PS2/XB/GC but was far more powerful than the PS1/N64/Saturn, it was kind of like it's own in between generation of brilliance and amazingness

I think with the Wii vs PS3/360 and the DS vs PSP now it's at a point whereby technology alone isn't the decisive factor of a generation, and such I think it'll be purely down to marketshare and sales driving new system launches rather than keeping up with the Jones'. If Microsoft or Sony released a new console next year, and the Wii continued to stack up mega sales, I don't think Nintendo would be in too much of a hurry for a new system (look at the GB, the original 8-bit architechture lasted 12 years and saw off about 3 generations worth of rivals).

Conversely, if Nintendo released a new console and it didn't steal any marketshare from the 360 or PS3, just merely gained users from the original Wii, neither Sony nor Microsoft would be in a rush to get their next consoles out. I think basically it's a stand off right now over who dares move first, as it is in no manufacturers interest to kickstart the next generation at the present time.

kbaker2002de · 12-17-2009, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeRox

There is one big difference between those gens and this one though. This gen only has 1 profitable console, and it is using 10 year old technology. Also, on the PS3 front, the system launched in 2007 in Europe (PlayStation's main territory) if you count the 6 years from Europe for Sony, you would actually be more looking at 2013 for a console (from Sony) and Nintendo are this time around, a different entity entirely IMO (they'll launch one when they're ready, I'd wager it'd be most in their interest to launch first.) Microsoft this time around will want to hold off as long as possible. The earlier they launch a new console, the sooner they return to massive losses as opposed to the modest profit they're currently turning.

I'd say we're at the half way point personally, but I wouldn't say last gen started until late 2000 (March 2000 in Japan) as the Dreamcast was a launch of desperation rather than a natural system cycle and it's tricky to bundle such consoles into specific gens as it wasn't powerful enough to compete with the PS2/XB/GC but was far more powerful than the PS1/N64/Saturn, it was kind of like it's own in between generation of brilliance and amazingness

I think with the Wii vs PS3/360 and the DS vs PSP now it's at a point whereby technology alone isn't the decisive factor of a generation, and such I think it'll be purely down to marketshare and sales driving new system launches rather than keeping up with the Jones'. If Microsoft or Sony released a new console next year, and the Wii continued to stack up mega sales, I don't think Nintendo would be in too much of a hurry for a new system (look at the GB, the original 8-bit architechture lasted 12 years and saw off about 3 generations worth of rivals).

Conversely, if Nintendo released a new console and it didn't steal any marketshare from the 360 or PS3, just merely gained users from the original Wii, neither Sony nor Microsoft would be in a rush to get their next consoles out. I think basically it's a stand off right now over who dares move first, as it is in no manufacturers interest to kickstart the next generation at the present time.

Another factor when you look at the consoles is you really have Gen 7 with the current Wii/PS3/360 but I think you will see Gen 7.5 come out in the next 24-36 months and the companies are looking to make that last the next 5 years looking into WiiHD/PS3 Wand/360 Natal because they would all really be up to date.

The Wii is an upgraded GC, but it didn't enter the power war of the PS3/360 but it did upgrade the controls and as much as people deride the "waggle" have obviously set a standard that the other companies are matching. Thus the PS3 and 360 add their spin on motion and get their controls up to date with the Wii.

Nintendo took a HUGE risk and only increased visual power modestly while focusing on the controller (as an aside I think the IR and pointer function is much more compelling than the "waggle" function), with the other's brining on similar competition, they will have to step up their game as well. They have said they will not upgrade the console for just HD alone and I don't think they will, I think someone will have finally gotten through to Big N that their online experience is woefully inadaquate to compete in the long term, thus I think the next box will come out touting major online functionality upgrades as well as more power and HD outputs to bring them up to speed. I would also expect a 3rd Gen motion controller that brings WM+ into the main controller plus more refinement.

Ultimately, I think Nintendo will try to split their market by keeping the Wii alive (ala PS2) while offering a WiiHD alternative similar to the DS/DSi. The major difference is that the PSP is really not a serious competitor so the DSi has no software advantage. I could see nearly all 1st party Nintendo games compatible with both consoles, other low tech minigames and WiiFit etc all compatible but with third parties finally being able to port higher tech Multi-Platform games to the WiiHD exclusively like MW2, AC2, Bioshock etc.

The DSi is almost meaningless becasue there is no real reason for anyone to push DSi exclusive software, but there is a reason to push WiiHD exclusives.

Anyway, that is my take.

kbaker2002de · 12-17-2009, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeRox

Very nice. I think it'd be interesting for some members to notice how far into the system's lifespan the titles truly associated with the PS1 actually found their release. We are actually at the stage when Final Fantasy, Gran Turismo, GTA, Goldeneye etc all arrived this year, though a lot of what would have been this year's big titles were postponed due to Modern Warfare 2.

Looking at that timeline, it would seem we're just reaching the middle of the current generation. I don't think this gen is as far gone as the people demanding new consoles and looking to the next gen think.

What surprised me was the how close in sales the Gamecube and Xbox were to each other. Considering how derided the GC was and how low software sales were, they were not that far behind in console sales. I think that is a testiment to how much online connectivity meant even back then.

Cygnus · 12-17-2009, 09:56 AM

I dunno… several developers have already gone on record saying they are actively working on next-gen games. Epic also have stated that UE4 will be ready for next-gen. It is in MS’ best interest to keep XB hardware capabilities somewhat close to PC’s for ease of porting between the systems. It is also sony’s best interest not to give MS and Nintendo a head start with next-gen. I think of natal as an experiment. If it is successful, it will be used with next XB since the device will most likely work with the next console. If it fails, it will be water under the bridge, ie no major loss. BTW the same applies to sony’s motion controller. Both MS and sony want to squeeze out nintendo’s advantage this gen. Thus I see new consoles launching in another 2-3 years.

awol · 12-17-2009, 04:23 PM

I know for myself it doesn't seem like there's been as many releases of games this generation. Likely due to longer and longer development times, the first few years seemed kind of slow on game releases. It's really started to ramp up now as I've got shit still in plastic wrap at home that I'll be playing likely up until May of next year. Not to mention all the new titles coming out first quarter next year that didn't want to compete with MW2.

MikeRox · 12-17-2009, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbaker2002de

What surprised me was the how close in sales the Gamecube and Xbox were to each other. Considering how derided the GC was and how low software sales were, they were not that far behind in console sales. I think that is a testiment to how much online connectivity meant even back then.

The GC faired very well in the US compared to the UK. It was already being dropped in 2003 by some retailers here. The Xbox on the otherhand went into early 2006 and, had MS not yanked the plug so promptly from software development, have lasted longer at retail than that (the GC ended up having releases after the Xbox over here despite bombing).

In Continental Europe however, the Xbox had barely any presence at all and the GC was the strong 2nd competitor. It's not the first time the world has been divided on systems of choice. While the Genesis was no1 in the US for the most part, in Europe the SNES reigned supreme (thought the Sega system had a decent market presence)

In Japan the SNES struggled to fight off the PC Engine (Turbo Grfx 16) which outsold the Mega drive (Genesis) considerably. Europe didn't even get a proper Turbo Grfx release.

kbaker2002de · 12-18-2009, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeRox

The GC faired very well in the US compared to the UK. It was already being dropped in 2003 by some retailers here. The Xbox on the otherhand went into early 2006 and, had MS not yanked the plug so promptly from software development, have lasted longer at retail than that (the GC ended up having releases after the Xbox over here despite bombing).

In Continental Europe however, the Xbox had barely any presence at all and the GC was the strong 2nd competitor. It's not the first time the world has been divided on systems of choice. While the Genesis was no1 in the US for the most part, in Europe the SNES reigned supreme (thought the Sega system had a decent market presence)

In Japan the SNES struggled to fight off the PC Engine (Turbo Grfx 16) which outsold the Mega drive (Genesis) considerably. Europe didn't even get a proper Turbo Grfx release.

My the mid 90's I personally was onto PC games for a stretch. Playing the Monkey Island games, Wing Commander, Commander Keen, X-Wing, Wolfenstien, Dark Forces & DF2, Theif and Half-Life. During the Gensis era, I knew no one that had a SNES and everyone had a Genesis, so I thought the SNES had bombed. The N64-PS1 crowd I found to be more split. Funny how that works.

MikeRox · 12-18-2009, 06:56 AM

Yeah I hear the Genesis was extremely dominant in the US. Total lifetime sales for the consoles put the Genesis at 29 million worldwide, and the SNES at 49 million worldwide, so the SNES actually outperformed the genesis by about 60%. Yet in specific terittories the case was completely different. I think the current market makes it much less viable for such differences in userbases from territory to territory though as the games cost far more to produce. So a split userbase combined with much higher development costs is what is causing so many cross format titles this time around.

12-16-2009, 02:38 PM	#1
II SAL II PSN is POO Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Richmond, Va Age: 37 Posts: 2,846	Video game Timeline http://cache.gawker.com/assets/image...e-timeline.jpg interesting

12-16-2009, 03:23 PM	#2
MikeRox Blu Blu Skies! :D Join Date: May 2007 Location: Huddersfield, United Kingdom Posts: 14,229	Very nice. I think it'd be interesting for some members to notice how far into the system's lifespan the titles truly associated with the PS1 actually found their release. We are actually at the stage when Final Fantasy, Gran Turismo, GTA, Goldeneye etc all arrived this year, though a lot of what would have been this year's big titles were postponed due to Modern Warfare 2. Looking at that timeline, it would seem we're just reaching the middle of the current generation. I don't think this gen is as far gone as the people demanding new consoles and looking to the next gen think. __________________ Latest HD additions - The Box - The Taking of Pelham 123 - Angels and Demons - Couples Retreat - Mad Men: Season 1 HD Movies - 312 (161/151) Latest Gaming Additions - Nier - God of War 3 - Ridge Racer 7 - Monster Hunter Tri - A Boy and His Blob

12-17-2009, 09:56 AM	#7
Cygnus The Bringer of Balance Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 7,899	I dunno… several developers have already gone on record saying they are actively working on next-gen games. Epic also have stated that UE4 will be ready for next-gen. It is in MS’ best interest to keep XB hardware capabilities somewhat close to PC’s for ease of porting between the systems. It is also sony’s best interest not to give MS and Nintendo a head start with next-gen. I think of natal as an experiment. If it is successful, it will be used with next XB since the device will most likely work with the next console. If it fails, it will be water under the bridge, ie no major loss. BTW the same applies to sony’s motion controller. Both MS and sony want to squeeze out nintendo’s advantage this gen. Thus I see new consoles launching in another 2-3 years. __________________ Toshiba 57H81 Kenwood VR-616 Comcast DCT6412 III XBox 360 GamerTag Sec0nd2N0n3

12-18-2009, 06:56 AM	#11
MikeRox Blu Blu Skies! :D Join Date: May 2007 Location: Huddersfield, United Kingdom Posts: 14,229	Yeah I hear the Genesis was extremely dominant in the US. Total lifetime sales for the consoles put the Genesis at 29 million worldwide, and the SNES at 49 million worldwide, so the SNES actually outperformed the genesis by about 60%. Yet in specific terittories the case was completely different. I think the current market makes it much less viable for such differences in userbases from territory to territory though as the games cost far more to produce. So a split userbase combined with much higher development costs is what is causing so many cross format titles this time around. __________________ Latest HD additions - The Box - The Taking of Pelham 123 - Angels and Demons - Couples Retreat - Mad Men: Season 1 HD Movies - 312 (161/151) Latest Gaming Additions - Nier - God of War 3 - Ridge Racer 7 - Monster Hunter Tri - A Boy and His Blob

Similar Threads to Video game Timeline
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Digital-media sales stalled in Q1	Bravestime	High Definition Media	130	07-31-2009 05:11 AM
PC or Mac for AVCHD	nkrause	High Definition Cameras & High Definition Camcorders	8	02-13-2009 12:09 PM
What Gaming Experience Wowed You the Most?	kamspy	Gaming & Systems	47	12-24-2008 12:02 AM
The rumors of Blu-ray's death are greatly exaggerated	Bravestime	High Definition Media	194	11-10-2008 07:47 PM
System Wars 2008	pearl-drum-man	Gaming & Systems	7	12-17-2007 12:07 PM
HD-DVD Posts Good Sales Gains	Jerry1808	HD DVD Players	59	07-23-2007 09:59 AM

12-17-2009, 04:23 PM	#8
awol I'm Fabulous. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 4,144	I know for myself it doesn't seem like there's been as many releases of games this generation. Likely due to longer and longer development times, the first few years seemed kind of slow on game releases. It's really started to ramp up now as I've got shit still in plastic wrap at home that I'll be playing likely up until May of next year. Not to mention all the new titles coming out first quarter next year that didn't want to compete with MW2.