14 DAY TRIAL // I don't know how many of you have had the opportunity to play on a classic Commodore C64 gaming platform, but I have good news for those nostalgic C64 fans! Commodore is prepared to make a comeback into the IT world with a new gaming rig that will be showcased next week, during the CeBIT fare in Germany. The actual configuration of the revamped system remains unknown, but Commodore CEO Bala Keilman promises that the new gaming system will restore the Commodore brand, putting it back where it belongs in the gaming industry.
"25 years ago, Commodore launched the best selling personal computer of the late 20th century, the C64, and defined the early computer games experience for millions of people worldwide," Keilman said in a statement. The Commodore Gaming website was updated, but for now, only a graphical teaser and countdown clock are displayed. From what the countdown clock presents, we understand that the Commodore gaming PCs will be shown on March 15th, and these will be demonstrated live, with participants being able to test them. "We are privileged and excited to bring the commodore brand back to the gaming community and mark a new chapter in its history with this exceptional machine. We're sure that it will deliver what gamers need and want," said Keilman.
For the time being, Commodore gaming rigs will be available only for the European market on release, but the company does not exclude the possibility of launching the systems in North America and Asia. Commodore is expected to supply some more details at CeBIT.
Commodore's comeback strategy might not be a fortunate one, because the current gaming market is radically different than the one C64 entered 25 years ago. There are all sorts of companies specialized in gaming systems, such as Alienware and VoodooPC. Moreover, there's a dreadful battle between Microsoft's Xbox360, Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii gaming consoles. Commodore will have to bring out some innovative stuff if it really wants to survive on today's competitive gaming market.