The Fragmenting of Console Gaming: Stream or Die
The world of gaming has been transformed through streaming technology. Streamers, influencers, and competitive gamers have seen exponential growth in the past decade, leading to advancements that have completely changed the landscape of console gaming. As technology and cultures shift, so has console gaming. This blog post is dedicated to discussing the implications of the fragmentation of console gaming and how two different consoles, Microsoft and Sony, are providing their unique services to streamers, influencers and competitive gamers.
Console gaming has been an industry cornerstone for decades, with some of the most iconic gaming franchises originating from it. However, the landscape has changed drastically in the past decade. Microsoft and Sony have adopted different strategies in order to capture the lucrative market of streaming, influencing and competitive gaming. The result has been the complete fragmentation of the console gaming world – streamers and influencers now have access to exclusive content, as well as a plethora of subscription services/microtransactions, while competitive gamers have access to in-depth experiences that have become the bread and butter of their preferred gaming.
Microsoft is one of only two major companies that have embraced the world of streaming, Influence and competitive gaming. Through their Xbox Game Pass subscription service, users can access a plethora of games, both current and classic, for a flat monthly rate ($15). The full Game Pass library also includes exclusive Xbox content that can’t be found anywhere else. Further, Microsoft has integrated streaming partnerships with a variety of popular platforms such as Twitch, YouTube and Vimeo which enable streamers and influencers to access exclusive content and monetize their gameplay.
Sony has been the most resistant to adopt streaming culture and competitive gaming. This can be seen in their PlayStation Network (PSN) subscription service which excludes access to streaming content and incentivizes purchasing games, hardware and peripherals. This is in direct contrast to Microsoft, which has gone all-in with their Game Pass subscription service and Twitch partnerships. Sony knows that gamers haven’t quit their console, but it appears that their strategy is to turn the focus back to individual game purchases and to push subscription services from their partnered platforms (e.g. Hulu, Spotify, etc.).
However, Sony’s approach is slowly beginning to change. For example, Sony has recently announced the new PS4 Pro, a more powerful console aimed at gamers who want to experience 4K gaming – signaling that Sony is at least acknowledging the wants of the modern gamer. It seems like Sony is making calculated moves to slowly transition into the world of streaming, influence and competitive gaming, but for now the focus still remains on individual games and peripherals.
On the other hand, Nintendo has a long gaming history, with some of the industry’s most iconic franchises. As such, one would assume that they have an advantage in the world of streaming, influencing and competitive gaming. However, due to their company structure, Nintendo has done a poor job of embracing streaming culture. With the launch of their Nintendo Switch console, they have committed to offering exclusive content and services on the platform, but this isn’t enough. When compared to the other console players in the industry, it is clear that Nintendo is not yet ready to make the leap into streaming and its associated culture.
As the console gaming industry continues to fragment, it is becoming increasingly important for the console companies to recognize the needs of streamers, influencers and competitive gamers in order to remain successful. Microsoft appears to be at the forefront of this movement, leveraging their subscription services and partnerships with Twitch and other platforms to capture this burgeoning segment of gamers. Sony seems to be moving in a similar direction, albeit in a much more calculated manner. Nintendo is seemingly at a crossroads, where they can either stay the course and continue to rest on the laurels of their legacy or they can push their way into the modern world of gaming. The choice is actually up to them.
No matter which console you choose, one thing is certain: the fragmentation of console gaming has created a unique world for streamers, influencers and competitive gamers alike. Having access to exclusive content, subscription services, and different platforms for streaming is incredibly valuable. As we move into the future of gaming it will be interesting to see how each of these console companies adapt and evolve to meet the needs of the new digital age. Stream or die – the choice is yours.
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