As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I wholeheartedly agree that integrating a keyboard and mouse into console gaming could be a game-changer (pun intended). My journey through the world of gaming has taken me from the humble joystick of Atari days to the intricate keyboards and mice of modern PC gaming.
Both Microsoft and Sony are preparing for their upcoming next-generation versions of Xbox and PlayStation. The current scene is significantly distinct compared to previous times.
As an enthusiastic follower, I’ve noticed an interesting shift in Xbox’s financial landscape. Despite a 42% drop in hardware sales year-on-year, their overall revenue has surged by a whopping 61%. This impressive growth is largely attributed to robust software sales catering to half a billion customers across all platforms.
As an analyst, I’ve observed a contraction across the industry over the past few years, resulting in massive layoffs among large publishers and developers. This contraction followed a pandemic-induced boom, which was subsequently followed by a post-pandemic squeeze. Users have shifted their entertainment preferences, favoring other forms of entertainment amidst an uncertain economic climate. Even industry giants like EA and Square Enix have reported declines, with overall playtime sessions decreasing. Interestingly, Square Enix did report growth in one area – massively-multiplayer online games such as FFXIV. It’s worth noting that these games typically require a certain accessory, often of the QWERTY type, to be used effectively, even with gamepads.
To summarize, the status quo can no longer apply to Xbox. It seems that significant shifts are on the horizon regarding their approach towards hardware offerings, and these decisions appear to have been made already. There’s talk of potential advancements such as running popular PC platforms like Steam and Epic Games on the next-gen Xbox. However, I believe both Xbox and PlayStation could make a notable impact by altering console gaming culture and adapting it for the increasing influence of core PC gaming and the “iPad generation.”
Keyboards.
Social gaming rules supreme
In today’s gaming landscape, multiplayer games such as World of Warcraft, Genshin Impact, and Roblox are dominating the scene. Publishers strive to create these multiplayer titles in hopes of emulating the achievements of Fortnite, with varying results that can sometimes be quite mixed. The potential for both triumphs and failures is evident, even for established online social games like Destiny, which have faced challenges in sustaining their popularity. Some new releases, like Suicide Squad, have been dismal flops, while others, such as Elden Ring – though lacking extensive social features – have experienced tremendous viral success.
As a researcher delving into the gaming realm, I’ve noticed an interesting trend: even games primarily designed for single-player experiences are now incorporating asynchronous multiplayer features. The passive multiplayer elements in Elden Ring, for instance, have sparked a wave of humor and mischief among players, serving unintentionally as potent marketing and viral tools for the game.
In numerous regions worldwide, multiplayer games have emerged as preferred social hubs for countless individuals. When it comes to these gaming arenas, PC stands out with several distinct advantages. The variety ranges from flexible peripheral choices, unlimited freedom, open online play without paywalls, multiple hardware options, and most straightforwardly, the universally recognized QWERTY keyboard layout.
As a passionate gamer, I find myself yearning for a more versatile gaming experience with my PlayStation and Xbox consoles. While they both accommodate QWERTY keyboards via USB connections, it’s unfortunate that these aren’t standard features. The premium sofa-friendly options like the Razer Turret can be quite pricey.
On-screen keyboards suck
Some might argue, “But Jez, there are Xbox headsets for communication,” and indeed, they serve a similar function. However, a keyboard offers an array of possibilities that far exceed just chatting.
Let’s put aside the fact that many, MANY people just don’t want to voice chat with strangers (but may be willing to text chat). Adding in a keyboard (with trackpad or mouse too?) as standard could open up the consoles to a variety of new experiences. Whether its typing in console commands for games like Minecraft, being able to search custom games more easily, or even typing in AI prompts for the wave of predicable generative experiences on the horizon — heck, even making genres like hardcore RTS more viable or popular. Having these available in the box for people to use could bring the console culture more closely in-line with that of PC or even iPad gaming culture.
The current generation of on-screen, joystick-bound keyboards just absolutely suck. At least iPads have touch as an option, but consoles don’t even have that. Voice-to-text prompts aren’t always accurate unless you speak in American English, and even then, typing more complex commands or sentences can be difficult, or even just plain slow. It could also help solve simple accessibility issues, for people who can’t or simply don’t want to use a microphone, for any variety of reasons. I would bet money that the vast majority of Xbox and PlayStation gamers don’t even know their consoles can support keyboards and mice for that matter.
As someone who has been a dedicated console gamer for over two decades, I understand the appeal of keeping the traditional gaming setup intact. However, as a tech enthusiast and lifelong tinkerer, I’ve also dabbled in PC gaming and can appreciate the benefits that come with using a mouse and keyboard.
Regardless of the choice, I’m uncertain about the optimal design. For couch gamers, a full-sized lap-friendly QWERTY keyboard with a numpad seems ideal, as it aligns well with console gaming on sofas. However, what if people rarely game from the sofa? A standard controller attachment might be more suitable in that case. Yet, the inconsistency among PC keyboards in terms of standardization could limit some scenarios I’ve suggested.
I’ll just let smarter people than me handle those details …
It would make a positive difference
Absolutely, I understand it’s simple to voice such ideas, but a thorough analysis of pros and cons is essential before making a decision like this. The surge in PC and iPad gaming has made me ponder over the fact that incorporating some contemporary interactive methods could help console gaming align more closely with current social gaming trends.
Microsoft incorporated Kinect with Xbox One primarily to establish motion-based gaming as a mainstream choice for developers and gamers. If Kinect had been an optional feature, it might not have succeeded (or even worked at all). A detachable keyboard or controller attachment, or perhaps something that enhances the existing on-screen keyboard interface, would greatly facilitate socializing on Xbox and PlayStation platforms.
I realized this while playing Diablo IV recently. Trading items has become a big part of the experience now, but opening the chat log and thumbing in my text into the chat is an absolute pain in the arse on Xbox. The players I’m seeing there are all PC players, with keyboards attached. An entire culture of socializing in games is leaving console behind here potentially. And it could be a relatively easy fix.
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2024-08-06 21:10