Apparently, gamers that have the current generation of console aren't really concerned with all the details and tiny features, they really just like to play video games. Who knew?
In one documented instance, a gamer that owns a PlayStation 3 will play it for video games without even knowing it has a download feature for downloadable content (DLC). Xbox 360 owners and PS3 owners can both download stuff on their console and have been reported to say they would download content if it was available to do so.Well... it is available and some just don't seem to know it. How can a gamer manage to not trip over the download feature? Or the fact that the 360 can play your ipod music or watch game trailers or instant message with friends? Because they're too busy using the system for its primary design: video games.
"This study verifies what many of us already know: features related to playing games are by far the most important to consumers of video game systems," said Anita Frazier, industry analyst, The NPD Group. "While systems' capabilities of providing owners with additional features may become more important in the future, currently the importance of these features and the awareness among consumers of these features is far from universal. To make headway in this 'next-gen' race, manufacturers still need to be primarily concerned with the quality and entertainment value of the games themselves."Really, to be "next-generation" you have to improve on your base features and add new ones, a few are obviously going to get more use than others. We're all aware that many have some network capabilities, even the Wii has WiFi and the ability to connect to the Internet. Gamers may not know that same WiFi can be used to link up their Nintendo DS but who cares? Most gamer's just want to play Wii Sports anyway.
What about some obscure features that get a lot of press? "Other findings show that over two-thirds of owners and potential purchasers list backwards compatibility as a major feature of the PS3, yet little more than a third know it exists." We've seen both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in the news for back-compat issues in the past but to know most gamers don't really care shows that the "vocal minority" tend to speak up first and make a big stink about minor features.
There you have it, home entertainment consoles number one priority is games. Who knew?
source: gamedaily
