Variety's Ben Fritz ponders why Sony's PS3 hasn't been able to become more of a mainstream success. Obviously, price comes into play, but he offers another option: it may be "too artsy for its own good."
What does that mean? Fritz looks at a few examples. He looks at LittleBigPlanet, arguably Sony's biggest game of 2008. While it has been successful, it hasn't become the runaway hit that many have hoped. It seems that the game appeals largely to game critics and those that like "quality, 'artsy' games." Fritz also looks at the PlayStation Network. He notes that Sony is "the only one of the big three console makers that's investing its own money on downloadable 'indie' games." Other platforms have downloadable games, but they feature more ports and more "junk."
The PS3's XMB, he describes is "much cleaner and more Google-esque than Xbox Live, filled as it is with ads and other clutter, or the boring grid on the Wii menu." He also notes that the hardware is "smoother, prettier, quieter -- a superior work of art." However, he concludes that these superior features don't add up to a product that appeals to the mainstream. Unfortunately, that's what Sony needs in order to recreate the success of PS2.
Reader Comments (123)
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 10:38AM (Unverified) said
Yeah the Xbox reminds me of Dreamcast (Sega), yeah its cool, it has all the features (add-ons), and it’s just as good as it competition (well almost) but it has no character, no Style! So after a while maybe Microsoft will just give up and make games for Sony and Nintendo.
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 10:50AM (Unverified) said
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 12:42PM (Unverified) said
In other obvious news, the Kia Rio outsells the BMW 330i 3 to 1.
Reply
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 11:18AM (Unverified) said
So he's basically saying the PS3 is too good for it's own good and needs to tone it down? I do strangely agree with everything he said though. In my opinion, Google-esque is a good thing.
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 11:29AM (Unverified) said
Andy Said: xbox 360 is just too anti-consumer.
Trying to sell a system for 599 is anti consumer.
The PS3 is a better overall system. We get it.
Lets say it's the Ferrari of gaming systems.
The 360 is a Jaguar since it has hardware issues.
And the WII is a Totyota.
If the PS3 is a Ferrari then you can't complain when you don't see to many of them in the streets.
Sure it's the better car but most people can't afford them.
Now that the economy is screwed I don't see how they can survive with this system without lowering the price to 279. They almost have to. It's better to sell something than nothing at all.
The system may actually be 4 years before it's time.
Two years form now it will be the system of choice.
Right when Blu Ray and HD Tv's are in every home and a PS3 can be had for under 250. They will fly off the shelves.
There is still time for them to make good with this system.
Lower the price now to 279. Improve the interface and make it the complete home entertainment system they said it would be.
Trying to sell a system for 599 is anti consumer.
The PS3 is a better overall system. We get it.
Lets say it's the Ferrari of gaming systems.
The 360 is a Jaguar since it has hardware issues.
And the WII is a Totyota.
If the PS3 is a Ferrari then you can't complain when you don't see to many of them in the streets.
Sure it's the better car but most people can't afford them.
Now that the economy is screwed I don't see how they can survive with this system without lowering the price to 279. They almost have to. It's better to sell something than nothing at all.
The system may actually be 4 years before it's time.
Two years form now it will be the system of choice.
Right when Blu Ray and HD Tv's are in every home and a PS3 can be had for under 250. They will fly off the shelves.
There is still time for them to make good with this system.
Lower the price now to 279. Improve the interface and make it the complete home entertainment system they said it would be.
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 11:43AM dzuest said
Is anyone else getting sick of the PS3 has NO exclusive titles argument??? 360 people... Tell me why you think your console is better (in an adult manner please and i MIGHT listen), I'll still going to disagree with you ( in an adult manner). But c'mon that argument is frigging dead and you know it.
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 12:44PM (Unverified) said
@Divine: That argument has been dead since launch. Resistance 1 and 2 were both exclusive, even that 4-letter word Haze was exclusive.
All the old fanboy arguments are dead against the PS3. That's why all they can bring up now is price and cross-game voice chat. Once Sony hammers both of those down, there's nothing to do but nitpick.
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All the old fanboy arguments are dead against the PS3. That's why all they can bring up now is price and cross-game voice chat. Once Sony hammers both of those down, there's nothing to do but nitpick.
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 12:30PM (Unverified) said
@DZ
I was howling in laughter after reading your reply nice one, loved it.
I was howling in laughter after reading your reply nice one, loved it.
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 1:18PM (Unverified) said
to bad that most kids cant see where the quality really is
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 1:26PM Moonchild said
If I play Boom Blox all day long, are you going to tell me that's not a quality title?
It's in the eye of the beholder. Kids are the same as they have always been. Think back to the games you played as a kid, what your feelings were. Pure bliss. Looking for fun and new experiences,. Graphics didn't matter all that mattered was the fun factor. Perhaps what we are missing is we get older and more jaded by the world and want everything to be the best of...well everything. Every game now has to have a great story, great graphics and great sound to even get noticed by the "hardcore" (which is such a marketing scam I can't believe half of you even fall for it). I'll submit to you that a person who spends all day playing Wii Bowling is just as true a gamer as the one who plays Fallout 3 until their eyes bleed.
Reply
It's in the eye of the beholder. Kids are the same as they have always been. Think back to the games you played as a kid, what your feelings were. Pure bliss. Looking for fun and new experiences,. Graphics didn't matter all that mattered was the fun factor. Perhaps what we are missing is we get older and more jaded by the world and want everything to be the best of...well everything. Every game now has to have a great story, great graphics and great sound to even get noticed by the "hardcore" (which is such a marketing scam I can't believe half of you even fall for it). I'll submit to you that a person who spends all day playing Wii Bowling is just as true a gamer as the one who plays Fallout 3 until their eyes bleed.
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 1:25PM (Unverified) said
i love when ppl name all 360 exclusives and they end the sentence with "etc..."
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 1:27PM (Unverified) said
well thats no problem with me, the artsy-ness is great!
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 2:50PM (Unverified) said
im happy with the ps3, i dont care about the quantity of games as long as they are good, I like the different approach that Sony is taking. I find the games on PSN to be better than those on LIVE. As far as Im concerned it seems that sony has the gamer in mind when you compare to microsoft and nintendo.
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 3:30PM (Unverified) said
Invisible Robot Meat said...
Yes clearly the 360 is the more "ADULT" system built for a real "MAN" like you, with your massive "MAN HANDS". Now go back to playing Halo 3 with every other 13 year old in North America who thinks they are some kind of internet gangster on Live. Ha!
Yeah, Invisible Robot Meat.....that was a real "Adult" coment. Can't I have an opinion? Oh, and I guess you didn't see when I said that the PS3 was the BETTER machine and that I was buying one once the price goes down. Sheeesh. How old are you again?????
......Oh, and for the record, what did I say that wasn't true? I'll wait for your response.......... (eventhough it's all subjective anyway.............
Yes clearly the 360 is the more "ADULT" system built for a real "MAN" like you, with your massive "MAN HANDS". Now go back to playing Halo 3 with every other 13 year old in North America who thinks they are some kind of internet gangster on Live. Ha!
Yeah, Invisible Robot Meat.....that was a real "Adult" coment. Can't I have an opinion? Oh, and I guess you didn't see when I said that the PS3 was the BETTER machine and that I was buying one once the price goes down. Sheeesh. How old are you again?????
......Oh, and for the record, what did I say that wasn't true? I'll wait for your response.......... (eventhough it's all subjective anyway.............
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 4:18PM (Unverified) said
We know that already.
That's why the only downloadable games I've ever bought were on PSN: echocrome, Pixel Junks, Last Guy.
Wow, Xboxers have to pay for online AND they get ads?
I was on the fence while shopping but my PS3 decision is looking better everyday.
That's why the only downloadable games I've ever bought were on PSN: echocrome, Pixel Junks, Last Guy.
Wow, Xboxers have to pay for online AND they get ads?
I was on the fence while shopping but my PS3 decision is looking better everyday.
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 4:12PM (Unverified) said
sounds to me like those are ALL THE REASONS TO BUY A PS3.
Reverse Stupidoloy only works on Buffalos. And most of them are on the XBOX website
Reverse Stupidoloy only works on Buffalos. And most of them are on the XBOX website
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 5:34PM (Unverified) said
something more than a piss poor effort from the marketing team would fix the problem...
other than the economy the only thing that is hurting the PS3 and it's games is the mediocre marketing... pink slips all around and start fresh for 2009.... and contrary to the ignorant the PS3 year per year sales are solid... even with the 2 problems listed above.... if you don't believe me do some math.
other than the economy the only thing that is hurting the PS3 and it's games is the mediocre marketing... pink slips all around and start fresh for 2009.... and contrary to the ignorant the PS3 year per year sales are solid... even with the 2 problems listed above.... if you don't believe me do some math.
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 6:07PM Ashitaka said
LOL Popfrogs! You're so right!
Recently, whenever xbots try do diss the PS3 they ALWAYS mention cross-game voice chat. ALWAYS.
They've run out of things to say so they keep on saying the same thing over and over again, just like a broken record.
I can't wait 'till Sony releases a new update and allows cross-game voice chat. Then the xbots will keep their mouths shut.
Recently, whenever xbots try do diss the PS3 they ALWAYS mention cross-game voice chat. ALWAYS.
They've run out of things to say so they keep on saying the same thing over and over again, just like a broken record.
I can't wait 'till Sony releases a new update and allows cross-game voice chat. Then the xbots will keep their mouths shut.
Posted: Jan 16th 2009 6:37PM (Unverified) said
HAH! well played popfrogs...
Posted: Jan 18th 2009 4:23PM (Unverified) said
Patience....They will have the quantity. This will come from price drops (as production costs fall.) PS1 = 10 year life. PS2 = nearly 10 year life. PS3 = 10 year life easily. If you disagree then you need to take an economics class. Sony is alive and well despite a rare loss in '08. Microsoft, will you please finally get your Sh#% together!! Oh, and any one want to place bets on the PSP's life?? (Nearly 4 yrs and thriving.)
Posted: Jan 19th 2009 9:41AM (Unverified) said
Yeah I've played friends Xboxs (some of which are 3rd / 4th console due to RROD) and have never been interested in buying one. Simply because i need WiFi, Charging Controllers, Online (and don't want to pay) etc.
Also I understand that in coming years the best games WILL NOT FIT on a DVD so Blu-ray is required and is a movement towards the future.
I suppose in a years time when the top games won't fit on a blu-ray you could always just get a PS3 next time your 360 dies!
How anyone can actually bellieve that the 360 is BETTER is dilusional. They don't sell better products for less than superior products, it's just not how it works.
I have never had online play problems, I play online every day.
I do wish they would add cross game chat though, although to be honest Microshaft have probably bought up the rights etc to stop Sony doing it. wouldn't be surprised. Microshaft are renowned for abusing their market position.
Also I understand that in coming years the best games WILL NOT FIT on a DVD so Blu-ray is required and is a movement towards the future.
I suppose in a years time when the top games won't fit on a blu-ray you could always just get a PS3 next time your 360 dies!
How anyone can actually bellieve that the 360 is BETTER is dilusional. They don't sell better products for less than superior products, it's just not how it works.
I have never had online play problems, I play online every day.
I do wish they would add cross game chat though, although to be honest Microshaft have probably bought up the rights etc to stop Sony doing it. wouldn't be surprised. Microshaft are renowned for abusing their market position.







