[gekko]

Who cares if it sells?

That's the problem with gaming today, it's too business oriented. It's not about fun and entertainment, it's about sales. Sega wasn't worried about sales when it released games that had you talking to fish, slaughtering zombies with a keyboard, and dancing with maracas. Capcom wasn't worried about sales when they released a $200 game with the world's largest controller, and followed it up with an online-only sequel to further limit sales.

It all makes perfect sense if you look at it. Nintendo may trail in sales, but they have a loyal following. Sega may be all but dead, but the Sega still has a cult following. Apple owns 5% of the marketshare, yet they have a huge following. There's two different types of companies, the ones that care only about the money, and the ones that are passionate about what they do. Just as Apple continued raking in huge profits, they continue to only hold 5% of the market. Yet, they don't care, they go to work making better products. The result? I'd be hard-pressed to find another company with as high of a customer satisfaction rate as Apple.

I see Nintendo taking the same path. They have never had a money issue, since I don't think they ever reported a loss, even at the console's launch. They may not sell, they may not dominate the industry again, but as long as they keep delivering a better gaming experience, their cult following will be there, standing by their side, waiting for whatever might come next.

The gaming industry has always been run by people who enjoy games. Today that passion has been lost to business practices. Is it any wonder that I get bored to death by today's blockbuster titles like Gran Turismo, Metal Gear Solid, Grand Theft Auto, Halo and Metroid, yet I am anxiously awaiting returning to my room so I can continue playing Alien Hominid?

3 brand new consoles have just been announced. For the first time in my life, I am not looking forward to them, and I'm not the only one. So much for those sales.