Continuing the Movie Metaphors – Systems’ Markets.

This console generation has seen a divergence in style for each platform’s exclusive titles. All three home systems have carved out a segment of the market and audience of their own by virtue of this. To revisit elements of my last post, each system’s niche could be best compared to movie genres.

Admit it, you want to see the Mario Pixar movie.

The first and maybe the most obvious is the Wii that occupies a space similar to that of the family movie. Mario could sit happily next to Toy Story and Zelda snuggle next to The Princess Bride. While the system is renowned for its kid friendly image, when put in the context of the movies the power of this becomes apparent. Like a Pixar movie Wii offers entertainment that any audience can enjoy. It offers games that are entertaining on a number of levels and free from inappropriate content. Maybe some would prefer other titles, or kick up some meaningless fuss based on preconception of childishness, but if the audience would let themselves then the games offer simple fun.
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I suspect more Colony Marines would have made it off LV-426 if Mater Chief had been there.

Every system has games that could be described as blockbusters, but the dominance of the 360 in this field is unmatched. The Halos and Gears of War (GoW) are comparable to Aliens, Starship Troopers or if you want something more contemporary (philistines) Transformers. These are games and movies that I can enjoy regularly. Not a year goes by that I don’t revisit some of these games and movies but they are not titles that I feel a deep attachment to. They are fun, mindless and throw away experiences. Do not misunderstand me; these are among my favorite entertainment experiences. I just mean they do not challenge the audience, and rarely inspire further thought or discussion. They are pure escapism and provide mindless, frenetic fun.

Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich - Yeah, I got nothing.

Finally comes the more art house domain of the PS3, movies and games that engage the audience on a deeper level than their peers. While entertaining these titles manage to introduce questions and initiate more discussion. Being John Malkovich may not at first glance seem to have much in common with Metal Gear Solid 4, but the level of engagement required and the questions they force the audience to consider are distinctly weightier that of their contemporaries. The result of this is that the audience is affected more deeply than the explosion heavy blockbuster style offerings, but they are less eagerly revisited. I would be happy to revisit GoW, but MGS will stay firmly on my shelf kept more for nostalgia than any practical use. The after discussion is where the entertainment lies for me now in these titles.

Of course this is painting in very broad strokes, focusing on each system key titles (and the perception of each system). Now with the market being considerably more diluted than in previous generations, with fewer exclusives eventually nearly every game will find its way onto your system of choice (assuming the Wii isn’t your only option). Thinking back to the 16-bit era your choice of system would heavily dictate your library. Now though it is only the first party published (with a few rare third party exceptions) which limit player’s selection. This relative freedom is liberating for gamers, assuming that players pick their system wisely based on their interest in the exclusive titles.