The Video Game Critic

[QUOTE=feilong80]

The problem is, however, is that Dave is in a minority position. Maybe even an extreme minority. Even people that are NOT regular online gamers have largely accepted that their console is, and they are OK with purchasing games from an online service. I see no real problem here, especially if said service is free, such as Sony and Nintendo's.

[/QUOTE]

I don't believe this.  I think only 10% of console gamers use on-line services on a regular basis.  And please don't throw out the phony statistics, because they are very deceiving.

And just look at the popularity of the Wii, a system hardly known for its on-line services.

[QUOTE=m0zart]

[QUOTE=Koopa W.]Okay, I got temporarily banned for my first attempt at a reply to this. (Dave fixed it), so I guess I'll give it a more mature, simple shot:[/QUOTE]

Hey it wasn't me!  I haven't banned anyone on this site!
[/QUOTE]

I didn't think so. I like you, man! (I mean that in a non-gay way.) You're pretty cool.

[QUOTE=The Video Game Critic][QUOTE=feilong80]

The problem is, however, is that Dave is in a minority position. Maybe even an extreme minority. Even people that are NOT regular online gamers have largely accepted that their console is, and they are OK with purchasing games from an online service. I see no real problem here, especially if said service is free, such as Sony and Nintendo's.

[/QUOTE]

I don't believe this.  I think only 10% of console gamers use on-line services on a regular basis.  And please don't throw out the phony statistics, because they are very deceiving.

And just look at the popularity of the Wii, a system hardly known for its on-line services.
[/QUOTE]

I totally fail to see where I have stated any misleading stats in my last post. I don't like being told I'm misleading people when I am clearly making a conjecture. 

Besides, you misunderstood my point.

There is a difference between using an online service and simply using the features of your console (when those features include internet based things). Perhaps someone hip to this can come in here and name figures, but I'm guessing that broadband is at least semi-common in middle class American homes at this point.

Only the Xbox has an "online service," in my opinion, as this is the only system that charges for using significant online features.

Here is a statistic that isn't misleading, seeing that it is a cold, hard fact: 4.7 million virtual console downloads total for Wii, and 1.4 million VC sales in May alone! Yeah, people
who own Wii's clearly don't give a crap about going online.
 
http://blog.wired.com/games/2007/06/nintendo_virtua.html

I'm not trying to be hard on you. I appreciate your
irritation. I do think online should never be at the expense
of off line players. Remember, I have been largely
skeptical of the claims some on these boards make
regarding online competitive play: I don't think it's that
big a deal to most. But that doesn't mean that those
same people who aren't playing Madden or Ghost Recon online don't also voice chat, download games, or do other online activities.

-Rob

I gotta back up Rob on this one.  Right now people are downloading Virtual Console games at a clip of 1000 per hour (see below link).  Nintendo's George Harrison just stated that Wii internet connection is just at about 40%.  This coming from the system with ZERO playable games online at the moment (in the US anyways).  Check the link below.

http://kotaku.com/gaming/zelda-2%7C-electric-boogaloo/vc-100-titles-strong-zelda-ii-monday-265117.php

I only play games online once in a blue moon and it will never replace people sitting right next to you...but you can't deny the numbers right now.  I'm pretty sure Microsoft just celebrated passing the 6 million mark for Live.  Online gaming and online purchases are clearly something the masses are digging.  Even all the casual gamers on the Wii are getting hooked up online. 

some rough numbers

http://kotaku.com/gaming/xbox-live/terrifying-xbox-live-stats-breakdown-242048.php

<i>More than 10 million Xbox 360s have hit store shelves since launch in November 2005,

More than 6 million people are now members of Xbox LIVE.</i>


there is no breakdown between gold and silver subscriptions, and like second life's inflated numbers, a subscription doesnt mean the console owner uses the service on a regular basis (especially silver subscriptions). so at best, live is in the homes of 60% of 360 owners. the real number is much lower than that, though we will probably never know for sure.

online gaming is niche, and will remain that way


as far as the wii virtual console numbers, the point system encourages multiple downloads. to get a number of households that have purchased VC games, you have to cut the total number of downloads at least in half.

[QUOTE=chrisbid]some rough numbers

More than 6 million people are now members of Xbox LIVE.</i>

online gaming is niche, and will remain that way
[/QUOTE]

3/5ths of your install base is not a niche.  That's one heck of large number.  Stating the difference between silver and gold membership is meaningless.  Both groups can download xbox live arcade games, demos, and movies.

Critic,

We go online to read your reviews of games; so is it any stretch to the imagination that we might actually care that our consoles are online as well? 

You tend to forget the obvious of the medium in which you write your reviews...online.  Why shouldn't we be able to download games, talk to friends, and game for a bit online as well?

Absolutely, the online medium doesn't replace a lan party or having a few friends over for splitscreen but if it works, great.  For the most part, it works swimmingly well.  Gears Co-Op being the best of the best of that example. 

[QUOTE=ActRaiser]

3/5ths of your install base is not a niche.  That's one heck of large number.  Stating the difference between silver and gold membership is meaningless.  Both groups can download xbox live arcade games, demos, and movies.

[/QUOTE]

Well the 6 million subscribers aren't just 360 owners.  Those numbers also include Live subscriptions for the orginal xbox as well.  So its not exactly fair to say that 6 of the 11 million 360 owners have tried live.  Regardless, the numbers are still growing and its still impressive.

I think online game is still considered a niche...but its on the cusp of becoming a mainstream component of gaming.  I would give it about another year or so...

I dont understand, from the way the Critic talked in his MarioKart DS review, he stated that he really enjoyed his brief online experience.

So....is it that you dont like playing with online gamers (which is understandable) or is it a principle thing (which is also understandable)???

[QUOTE=voor]I dont understand, from the way the Critic talked in his MarioKart DS review, he stated that he really enjoyed his brief online experience.

So....is it that you dont like playing with online gamers (which is understandable) or is it a principle thing (which is also understandable)???
[/QUOTE]

Neither.  I've tried online with a number of DS titles and I like it just fine - I just don't have the time.  On-line is great for people who want to get the most out of their games, or want the ultimate challenge of playing against the best players.  Me, I always have a lot of games to review at any given time, so I can't linger on any single one.  Plus, after playing a few games of Mario Kart on-line, I got tired of it and was ready to move on.  Be glad I don't spend much time on-line.  If so I'd be posting two or three reviews per month!