In response to Colin Lam’s intriguing perspective into the future of gaming, the direction of gaming as I see it is in a slightly different perspective. With the recent release of PS4 and Xbox One, both heighten the core entertainment features rather than exclusively video game development therefore resulting in alienation of customers who label themselves as hardcore gamers. For instance, the development of the new console was significantly based on forging of new partnerships with TV channels, shifting the focus on solely video gaming to diversifying the services offered in order to increase the current consumer base.

Fixation on certain features will imminently and inevitably alienate consumer who solely buy the console for its gaming value as there has been a compromise in development of video gaming experience. Some consumers will simply not require such features such as Netflix or ESPN, both of which are quite limited in provision of its services. However, both Sony and Microsoft have recognized that diversifying its services can increase sales as it can be seen when the PS4 sold over 1 million units on launch day. Thus, if markets wish to expand their consumer base, inevitably, there will be negative implications that includes the crowding out of a specific consumer segment that might potentially hurt the company in the long run.

References:

https://blogs.ubc.ca/colinlam/2013/11/15/response-the-future-of-gaming/#comments

http://www.businessinsider.com/dont-buy-a-ps4-or-xbox-one-2013-11

http://www.businessinsider.com/sony-sells-1m-ps4-units-2013-11