Crossing Some Lines
Do you remember the days when Nintendos and Playstations were used for gaming and gaming only? Well, now game consoles are not sufficient enough if that is all that they can do. No, if all something can do is be used to play a game, then that something will not be able to survive in today’s competitive world.
We now have Sony PlayStations that can see Weather Channel updates, tune into BBC shows, and even stream Netflix movies and shows. Video game consoles no longer are focusing on being the best gaming device, but they are focusing on the “video” part of the term “video game console.” Already the 20 million monthly members of Xbox Live can surf Facebook, browse for online movies and television show episodes. And yes, Xbox customers also can watch Netflix if they pay for the service.
Microsoft has decided to go all out. For instance, they apparently have held in-depth talks about an ESPN programming deal with the Walt Disney Company. What they are planning on doing is making it a per-subscriber fee in which ESPN would provide live streams of sporting events. Are you familiar with the high-speed Internet service called ESPN 360? Well, Microsoft and ESPN are hoping to do something along the same lines as that service. Microsoft wants their subscription gaming service, Xbox Live, to be thought of as a cable channel rather than just a gaming service. They even produced shows for its users! You may have heard of it; it is called “1 vs. 100,” an interactive version of a game show that was on NBC. They now are in the process of making the second season of the show.
Video game consoles have become a method to play video games, a web search tool, DVD players, and more. Many are meant to go online and to connect your living room to another living room. According to the consulting firm Deloitte, nearly 60 percent of American homes have at least one console now; it is no wonder why companies like Microsoft are trying to turn their consoles into the end-all-be-all device!
