This is a generalization, so don't read if you get offended easy.
I'm finding myself at a loss for words. I don't know what to think of the gaming industry anymore. First of, the PS1 launches with semi-hype. It launches the gaming industry into an erra of digital entertainment, where games were now on digital compact discs. This was gaming at its finest. You sat back, put on a game that would just keep you occupied for hours. You didn't have to wait in line for a console because there were many available, you went into the stores, bought one and you were off. You didn't have to work 3 jobs full time to pay off your gaming needs, you went in, bought some awesome games and just played to your hearts content.
Then a new system is announced, one that is promised to be bigger better and overall the best system on the planet. PS2 launches. Hype is a new tactic that brings the worst out of gamers. You had to nearly sell your soul (and some did) to get a console at launch because the people behind the product (Sony) were late in delivering the goods. Whats worst is there was nothing decent to play at launch. You had to wait nearly 24 hours in a line just to get your hands on something you will use just to play movies on until real games come out. Then to top it off, people were buying the console to sell it for a PROFIT. A profit? Doesn't make sense.
Then another two system launch, each one with decent to stellar games at launch. Lots of systems available, and none of the "waiting in line" to get one. Lots of great games release with the console, and tons of gamers are happy.
Then another console comes out, and its promised to launch us into HD. Hype is generated and then lines ups form. Decent games available, but you still had to SELL YOUR SOUL to get one. Again, most bought it to sell it for a PROFIT
Limited supply available, and you nearly freeze to death to get one. You get one, with what ever you can find that is decent to play, you play it for a little until something good comes out. But then...
Hell is launched. Hype beyond tomorrow. Many promises broken, many fans lost. 1 good game at launch, the rest are just passable. Hundreds of dollars more, and retailers tell customers that they will have enough to fill pre-orders. Then the console makers send out a statement, "We have to cut shipments, we can't meet our goals". Retailers panic, lines form days in advanced, solicitations start and customers don't want to shop while there are weirdo's in line. System launches but games are barely touched. Accessories are sold, but 100 percent of the buyers are going to "resell" for a profit.
What the hell is this industry becoming? What has Sony done to us? What has Microsoft done? This has become hell, not a hobbie. You have to sell your soul just to get in line. HELL its coming to the point where it is DEADLY to stand and wait in line:
http://www.startribune.com/535/story/818079.html
I mean what the fvck? Why do people have to be afriad to be shot while waiting for a gaming console. Why were people attacked just because they were "first in line"? Why do YOU HAVE TO LINE UP?
I mean we are supposed to buy these things to take our minds off of violence, to escape reality. Now its getting to the point where console manufacturers have to warn you to "be first in line" to get one because they want to make money.
The worst thing is today, we sold consoles. No, I mean JUST the consoles. No freaking games were sold, no freaking accessories (aside from two people). No warranties, nothing nadda. Just the system. Number one response: "I am going to make a killing on Ebay!".
I feel really bad for those gamers who actually WANTED the system today. I feel really bad for all those gamers today who waited in line for hours and hours, and the ones who are just going sell it were the ones who are going to buy it.
Honestly, in the end, Sony killed the industry.