170°

Analysis: Are console contracts the future?

Price promotions are an industry staple, but few have got the trade talking like Microsoft’s latest offer.

The platform holder’s US stores are selling a 4GB Xbox 360 and Kinect for just $99. The catch? It comes with a two-year subscription to Xbox Live, priced at $15 per month, and an early termination fee.

This model is commonplace in other sectors: smartphone handsets are discounted or free with contracts, and media packages like Sky+ come with a free set-top box.

But it’s rarely been tried in gaming before.

dangert124790d ago

It's sort of happening now with mobile phones and Ps3's/Wii's etc In the package...Or even Brighthouse style contracts...though I wouldn't personal do this ish

Amazingmrbrock4790d ago

It's not in my future thats for sure.

There's thin thing purchasing things where when you have alternatives you can get something else.

That's what I'll be doing. If the next box requires me to get a contract I just won't involve myself with that system. If the next playstation needs a contract I will do the same.

There's always the pc.

TBM4789d ago

I know i will not be ripped off to play my hobby like i im with my cell phone. i will not purchase a console where i have to pay for more in the end when i could just purchase it in full right from the off.

ShaunCameron4790d ago (Edited 4790d ago )

Exactly. I never heard of such. But I wouldn't be surprised if Sony goes that route.

dangert124790d ago

I said when you get mobile phones you sometimes get phones In the package so It's sort of whats going on here...or If you go to brighthouse you can get a contract for these sort of things...
http://www.brighthouse.co.u...

and
http://www.phones4u.co.uk/s...

WrAiTh Sp3cTr34790d ago

I can see this as a win win in some sorts. It means a company like Microsoft can go all out on the specs of their next console and have customers pay the premium price through contractual obligations, which would bring the initial investment of the customer, down to something more feasible. If not, then I suspect next-gen hardware won't be as advanced as some would hope.

GraveLord4790d ago

If you think about it all the successful products out there are on contracts with monthly payments.(Cell Phones and Cars...etc)

iamnsuperman4790d ago

I wouldn't be surprised if this occurs. Think about it. It is great to advertise at a seemingly low price and it is very successful in the mobile market. We will see if it is implemented and more importantly how (really expensive/hidden costs) to see if it is actually beneficial.

MariaHelFutura4790d ago

Remember this. Software is where these companies make most of their money. People usually buy 1-2 consoles and dozen and dozens of games. One day consoles will probably be free w/ a contract (2-5yrs) to the online subscription (just like the 360 and cell phones). They will be required to be online to play and will be disconnected from the network for non-payment. Like I said software is where they make their money, could you imagine if they had 500 million in the wild how much they would make off of a blockbuster game release. Basically the "cell phone business platform" will take over intergrating the payment of the console and the payment of the service into a monthly payment. It probably won't just be videogames that sees this business structure forced into it, the more things that become "connected" will see this happen (TV, Music, CPUs, Etc).

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50°

Split/Second Is The Explosive Racing Game That Deserved a Sequel

The Outerhaven writes: Split/Second was the explosive arcade racing game that outshone Ridge Racer and Burnout. That is, until Disney shut it all down before a sequel could happen.

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theouterhaven.net
OmegaSoldati0m ago

As a kid i had some heart attacks playing this game. The soundtrack right on point with those close calls. I love this game.

50°

Project: Horned Owl Review

From the mid-1980s to the early part of the 2000s, light gun rail shooters were a staple in both arcade and home system gaming. Arguably, the genre started to really hit its stride in the mid-1990s. While games like Time Crisis, Virtual Cop, and House of the Dead, among others, dominated both the home system and arcade space, some one relegated to only home game systems. Today, we’ll be talking about a little-known cult game published by Sony called Project: Horned Owl. This game was developed by Alfa Systems, and all in all, this is a fun game.

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90°

Bizarre & Forgotten Final Fantasy Games

Just like you don’t ask a woman her age, you don’t ask a Final Fantasy fan how many games there are in total.

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culturedvultures.com
gigoran87d ago

I don't quiet get who it's directed at. General player? Sure, I can believe them not knowing some of the less popular final fantasy games. But final fantasy FANS? There is nothing forgotten about these games.

gold_drake7d ago

i was just about to say the exact same ha

i played all of those games haha