Coffee Talk Archives - Page 54 of 68

Coffee Talk #148: Will Nintendo Sell Millions of Wii Vitality Sensors?

People raised their eyebrows at Nintendo when it announced that it was going with a dual-screen handheld for its next portable system. Even more people laughed at the notion of an underpowered console that relied on a “gimmicky” motion-control scheme. In both cases, the company sold millions of units of hardware. With that in mind, do you think the company will sell millions of Wii Vitality Sensor accessories?

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On paper, it sounds boring…maybe a little stupid. It’s a frickin’ heart rate monitor! While I had my doubts about dual screens and motion controls, I knew they had the potential for fun. There’s nothing fun about a heart rate monitor.

Having said that, I know I’m not smart enough to doubt Nintendo. I’ve done it too many times in the past…but I can’t help questioning the company on this one. Shigeru Miyamoto is undoubtedly a game design genius, but can he make the Wii Vitality Sensor fun? I’m not so sure. Yet Nintendo has proven its doubters wrong so many times that I’m doubting my doubts.

All this second guessing is giving me a migraine. I know that quite a few of you have this anti-Nintendo thing going (rather unreasonably, in my opinion), but forget about whether you’ll like it or not. Do you think the Wii Vitality Sensor will sell? Do you see a way that it can be fun? What do you think a Miyamoto game featuring the Wii Vitality Sensor would be like? Make sure your heart isn’t beating too fast as you answer these question. I am not responsible for what happens to you as you type.

Coffee Talk #147: How Will Gaming Get More Expensive?

It used to be that you needed a console, a controller, and cartridge/disc to enjoy a game. While the prices of consoles and games haven’t gone up too much over the years, you have to spend more money than ever to play games. On the hardware side you have accessories, on the software side you have DLC, and on the services side you have Xbox Live Gold. All of that stuff adds up!

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Monday Night Raw rocking Toronto, your American Idol pick, or Nick Johnson lasting an entire month before requiring surgery, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

While I’m surprised that Sony has taken this long to offer a premium version of PlayStation Network (rumored to be debuting at E3 2010), I’m impressed by EA’s ingenuity when it comes to making games more expensive. The EA Online Pass makes used and rented games more expensive by requiring a code to access all online content and features. I understand that company’s issue with the used-game market, but from a consumer’s perspective the company has pissed on two ways gamers can save money.

What’s left? How can publishers, console manufacturers, etc. get more of our money? It looks like all the bases are covered, but I’m sure someone, somewhere (probably Bobby Kotick *snicker*) will find a new way to part gamers with cash. What do you think it will be? How can gaming get more expensive?

Coffee Talk #146: Where Will Lebron James Play Next Year?

The NBA playoffs are moving on without the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the most interesting NBA story of the year remains with the team — where will Lebron James play in the 2010-2011 season? After the Cavs were eliminated, James’ demeanor and answers seemed to indicate that he was leaning towards leaving his home franchise. Where will the best player in the NBA end up? I want to hear your thoughts on the matter!

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, your favorite vegetable, Google I/O, or the excellent Christian vs. Kofi Kingston match from Friday (Hulu it!), Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Most sports writers favor the Chicago Bulls snagging Lebron, with the Miami Heat, New Jersey Nets, and New York Knicks having a shot too. Writers are drooling at the potential of a Bulls team led by James, with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah as the supporting players. Miami could work its salary cap flexibility into signing Lebron and resigning Dwyane Wade — that would be a killer combo. The Knicks and the Nets are two teams that could sign Lebron and another quality player (most writers are pointing to Chrish Bosh and Carlos Boozer). Playing for the Nets would mean being pampered by an awesome Russian dictator, but winning a championship for the downtrodden Knicks would be a legendary achievement that would elevate James into the Michael/Magic category.

Personally, I’m not sure where he ends up. Part of me hopes he’s eventually paired with Carlos Boozer and wins a championship with him. That would be the most devastating scenario for Cleveland. Remember when Boozer got all shady with his Cavs’ contract negotiations, going back on his word and eventually signing with Utah? That makes him the perfect sidekick for Lebron!

Now it’s your turn. Make your choice in the poll and explain your answer in the comments section (please)!

[poll id=”47″]

Coffee Talk #145: What Will You Play Games on in the Future?

At a recent financial results briefing, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said, “We do not think that the combination of a game system and dedicated software will last forever.” As we all know, nothing lasts forever…even cold November rain. Seriously though, I found it terribly interesting that Iwata was completely candid about consoles eventually going the way of the dodo. If Nintendo — which sells tens of millions of systems every year — can admit this then shouldn’t we be wondering what’s next?

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What do you think you’ll be playing games on ten years from now? Surely you don’t think the disc-and-box combination will still be around, do you? Perhaps systems like OnLive and Gaikai are glimpse of what the future holds. Maybe you’ll be plugging controllers directly into your television, which will stream games to you in the blink of an eye. Will game pads have even more buttons? Or will motion controls be so advanced that even intricate games will be easily controllable through hand gestures?

Put on your thinking caps (fact: I never owned a thinking cap) and share your vision of gaming’s future (please)!

Coffee Talk #144: Do You Like Mediocre Games/Music/Movies?

I’ve been questioning my taste in movies for the last year or so. I think it started when I saw Semi-Pro on cable. I really enjoy Will Ferrell movies, but this one got panned so I didn’t see it in theaters. I was shocked by how much I enjoyed it on cable. It wasn’t a great movie, but it certainly entertained me. It was the same exact thing with Forgetting Sarah Marshall — totally enjoyed it, despite the poor reviews. Next it was Role Models, I Love You, Man, and Land of the Lost.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Ken Griffey, Jr. sleeping in the clubhouse, whether Lebron James should ditch Cleveland, or Howard the Duck, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I’ve been questioning my taste in movies for the last year or so. I think it started when I saw Semi-Pro on cable. I really enjoy Will Ferrell movies, but this one got panned so I didn’t see it in theaters. I was shocked by how much I enjoyed it on cable. It wasn’t a great movie, but it certainly entertained me. It was the same exact thing with Forgetting Sarah Marshall — totally enjoyed it, despite the poor reviews. Next it was Role Models, I Love You, Man, and Land of the Lost.

Initially I was worried that getting older has made me lower my standards, but I don’t think that’s the case. I realize that some of these movies aren’t the best; I just happen to find a lot of the writing and scenes entertaining. Perhaps I’m just drawn to Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, and Jason Segel. I don’t know and really, I don’t care anymore. I accept that I enjoy these movies and I’m comfortable with it.

Today I want to know what movies, games, music, etc. you enjoy, even though you know they’re not the best. Let’s celebrate mediocrity on this fine Thursday!!!

Coffee Talk #143: Do You Have a Dream Job in Gaming?

Yesterday I told you about a recurring BioWare dream that I’ve had for the last ten years. For the last three years or so, I’ve been having this other dream about BioWare. I’m living in southern Thailand — probably Phuket or Koh Phangan — and telecommuting as a BioWare community manager. Life and work are pretty much perfect. It’s such a lovely dream. *sigh*

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Lost, Lebron James’ ailing elbow, or your favorite island, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Yesterday I told you about a recurring BioWare dream that I’ve had for the last ten years. I’ve been having this other dream about BioWare for the last three years or so. I’m living in southern Thailand — probably Phuket or Koh Phangan — and telecommuting as a BioWare community manager. Life and work are pretty much perfect. It’s such a lovely dream. *sigh*

Don’t get me wrong — I love writing and interacting with an audience. What I’m doing now is absolutely what I want to be doing (though making money would be nice). The only other job that I really want (off the top of my head) is working as a community manager for a developer I love. Hell, I’d work for a developer I midly disliked if I could telecommute from Thailand. Ha!

I was wondering if you have a dream job in the gaming business. Is there a certain company or game designer that you dream of working for? RPadholic bsukenyan has mentioned that he’s interested in becoming a gaming analyst, but I’m not sure about the rest of you. Kindly share your videogame dream job(s) in the comments section!

Coffee Talk #142: Do You Dream About Game Companies?

I’ve told a few of you about this already, but I’ve been having this dream about BioWare for the last decade or so. I’m at this super fancy awards show (think Oscars or Emmys). I’m wearing a tuxedo and I’m at a podium presenting an award. Finally, with complete seriousness I say:

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And the award for best white developer goes to — oh my God! — Ray and Greg! BioWare!!!

I’ve actually told BioWare’s Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk about this dream. The reason I’m bringing it up again? Well, I’ve been having another BioWare dream…but I’ll share that with you tomorrow.

For now I’d love to hear about your videogame-company dreams. I’m not talking about dream games. I’m talking about dreams that involve developers, publishers, etc. Perhaps you’ve had a dream where you match wits with Will Wright. Maybe you’ve explored caves and tended gardens with Shigeru Miyamoto. I know at least one of you has had a dream about Cliff Bleszinski in lingerie (bonus points for ornate tales about Cliffy in a thong). Share your dreams in the comments section (please)!

Coffee Talk #141: Who is Nintendo’s Rival?

Batman vs. The Joker, Goku vs. Vegeta, Steve Jobs vs. Bill Gates, Ash Ketchum vs. Gary Oak — these are all examples of classic rivalries that will be waged until the end of time. Should Apple vs. Nintendo be added to that list? According to The Times Nintendo no longer views Microsoft and Sony as its primary competition. Instead, it sees Apple as the biggest threat:

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Batman vs. The Joker, Goku vs. Vegeta, Steve Jobs vs. Bill Gates, Ash Ketchum vs. Gary Oak — these are all examples of classic rivalries that will be waged until the end of time. Should Apple vs. Nintendo be added to that list? According to The Times Nintendo no longer views Microsoft and Sony as its primary competition. Instead, it sees Apple as the biggest threat:

Satoru Iwata, the Nintendo president, is understood to have told his senior executives recently to regard the battle with Sony as a victory already won and to treat Apple, and its iPhone and iPad devices, as the “enemy of the future”.

Those comments are a stark contrast from Iwata’s previous statements. In the past he dismissed Apple as competition and brushed off the iPad as just a big iPod. (I wonder why nobody asked, “Then what the hell is the DSi XL?”)

While I think Apple and Nintendo do compete, the overlap isn’t 100 percent. Obviously the Nintendo DS reaches a younger audience than the iPhone, while Apple’s products reach an older audience. (If you’re a parent that has armed your child with a 32GB iPhone then kindly smash your head on a brick wall seven times.) Still, I can’t see Nintendo dismissing Sony like that. Sony has ruled the console world before and all it takes is one great product backed by great marketing to take it back.

What do you think of these provocative comments? Has Nintendo passed Microsoft and Sony by? If so, is Apple really its primary rival? If not, is it foolish to dismiss competitors that could swiftly strike back? I miss having a rival! I’m going to go find bleahy and hit him.

Coffee Talk #140: What Are You Looking Forward to at E3 2010?

E3 2010 is a little over a month away and I wanted to get your thoughts on the show. I’ll probably ask you this question a couple of more times in the next few weeks so I can see how your answers change as information leaks. For now let me know what you’re jazzed about.

Are you looking forward to PlayStation Move vs. Project Natal? Perhaps you’re more interested in the future of streaming gaming and want to see how Gaikai vs. OnLive plays out. Mobile gaming is growing crazy fast and there will tons of great iPad/iPhone games on display. Perhaps you’re not interested in these new battles and trends. Maybe you just want more info on an exciting console or PC game.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, your plans for catching Iron Man 2 this weekend, Nutrisystem dumping Lawrence Taylor as a spokesman, or your UFC 113 predictions, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Let me know what you’re looking forward to at this year’s show. It will certainly alter my approach going into it. While I’m not going to write every story you’re interested in — I’m just one guy and have my own angles to play too — you’ll certainly be on my mind as I process story ideas. While I’d love for all of you to attend E3 with me, this is sorta kinda the next best thing, yeah? Use your influence and shape my E3 2010 coverage (please)!

Coffee Talk #139: Do You Break Videogame Controllers?

I love watching my friend James play videogames. He gets angry. He curses out the television. And inevitably, he flings his controller. Sometimes it’s more fun watching his reactions than watching the game itself.

I’m usually pretty calm when I play games. There are a few things that can drive me into a controller-throwing rage. Cheap deaths and cheap boss fights immediately come to mind. Last year I was playing Street Fighter IV while dealing with a malfunctioning Xbox 360 that often made the screen impossible to see. This made beating Seth — one of the cheapest bosses ever — even more irritating. This also made my hand hurt from punching my arcade stick.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the latest American Idol elimination, Milton Bradley being stressed out by earning millions of dollars playing baseball, or 61* being in the HBO rotation again, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I’m usually pretty calm when I play games, but there are a few things that can drive me into a controller-throwing rage. Cheap deaths and cheap boss fights immediately come to mind. Last year I was playing Street Fighter IV while dealing with a malfunctioning Xbox 360 that often made the screen impossible to see. This made beating Seth — one of the cheapest bosses ever — even more irritating. This also made my hand hurt from punching my arcade stick.

Do any of you throw or break your controllers? What drives you into that zone? Consider today’s Coffee Talk therapy and release your videogame rage!