Is the Xbox 360 Really Future-Proof?

Author: Gameyeeeah

Author: Gameyeeeah

As the Xbox 360 gets further along into its lifespan as a gaming console, many in the gaming industry and community at large begin to question when exactly a replacement will be on the horizon. However, in the years since it was released, Microsoft has notably proven that the console is capable of evolving, being adapted to the needs and wants of gamers as well as developers. For instance, Project Natal will allow the Xbox 360 to compete in the realm of motion controlled titles. This, on top of already consistently strong content offered by Microsoft, continues to perpetuate gamers to purchase 360 titles as well as utilize the hell out of everything Xbox Live has to offer. But, as the 360 continues to be produced, it receives strong utilization as a gaming platform and media center, if for no other reason than people keep buying them in staggering numbers. Thus, it draws on the question of whether or not the system is actually future-proof until such time as Microsoft, in their infinite corporate wisdom, decides to replace the console with a significant technological jump. Project Natal, being announced at E3, has since been scheduled to be released to the consuming masses come the Holiday season of 2010. While this invariable means that the 360 could be susceptible to suffering through vast collections of mini-games designed to make gamers flail their arms around like idiots, there is admittedly some real potential to expand the content and experiences already being offered on the system. Primarily, as more and more designers develop an understanding of the mechanics driving Natal, there will be a leap in the games that are being created for it. Additionally, while the Wii has an entire library based around motion controls first and standard controls second (i.e. Punch-Out!!), Microsoft stands to keep the two, motion and standard controls, either distinctly separate or mature a synergy between the two. Since this could, in theory, add a sententious amount of time to the lifespan of the Xbox 360, it is truly in Microsofts best interest to cultivate a library of meaningful motion controlled titles instead of just mini-game libraries at best or kicking open the door to a modicum of mediocre titles at worst. Fascinatingly enough, developers plan to modernize older titles, allowing them to be used with Natal. Seemingly complicated at first, it would merely be amending the titles through a series of mandatory system and title updates thereby breathing new life into games that may have been collecting dust on the shelf for a bit of time. Thus, Natal stands to definitely add at least another year to the lifespan of the 360. Consequently, from the time Microsoft began development of Xbox Live and now, the service has shifted into high gear, virtually taking on a life of its own. For Gold and Silver members alike, Live really does offer something for everyone and I can say that without a single hint of sarcasm or facetiousness. Gamers can get just about any sort of fix they want from the arcade section. There are shootem-ups, tabletop, puzzle, platformers and even sports titles to choose from. Really, if youre bored and got find something interesting to try out at least once in the Arcade, its probably because you lack a central nervous system. Moreover, the Indie section is finally coming up from its humble beginnings and the expanded offerings are bringing the content of once humble creators into the spotlight, ushering in a golden age of content availability. Conversely, 1 vs. 100 is essentially rewriting the book on how a game show works. In all seriousness, I wouldnt be surprised if that is how all game shows worked in some capacity within the next decade or so. After all, if you wake up at 3am and have nothing to at least check out on Live, then there isnt enough content. Furthermore, Games on Demand has brought the simplicity of Steam to purchasing Xbox titles, old and new. Eventually, one could argue that instead of waiting in line at a GameStop for a midnight launch, theyll just queue up and wait for midnight before their download starts. On the other hand, Live isnt all about games. The diversity offered to 360 users in the form of Twitter, Facebook and Last.fm has proven that the 360 doesnt so much want to be a media center or gaming platform, as it wants to be the center of your attention. If you dont need to leave the 360 to check out what everyone else is doing, then why the hell would you? Credit: http://www.gameyeeeah.comAbout the Author:

all about video games, consoles and accessories.

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