There has been much debate about the industry shifting towards a standardized videogame consoles, eliminating the console race that we are so used to since the beginning of videogame home entertainment. What would it be like? While it will save the consumer a bit more money while at the same time making the development process easier for the developer. It also takes away competition, which brings about innovation.
After numerous people and organizations within the industry have given their opinions, Square Enix president Yoichi Wada recently discussed his thoughts on the situation.
"Videogames became popular in the 80s, and for about fifteen years, until the year 2000, the main focus was just on ensuring that everybody had a console.
"Now we have moved to a new era where we have more types of gamers and console users, and what is important for both hardware and software makers is how to deal with diversified demands from diversified users."
With that comment he leads into the concept that many gamers will want different things. Some gamers may prefer consoles such as the Nintendo Wii/DS while others might favour a more multimedia experience like the PS3/PSP/360. With a standard console, that type of separation would be gone.
For standardized consoles, he likes the idea but believes it will never happen.
"Speaking as a software manufacturer it would be convenient for us, obviously, if everybody was to standardize. But that kind of standardization would be impossible, in my opinion.
"I would like it to happen, but there’s not much chance."