Features and Services Are More Important to Consoles Than Exclusive Games, Analyst Says

Current generation consoles need to evolve past their gaming-focused roots and adopt as many services and extra entertainment features as possible in order to continue selling well, at least according to analyst Scott Steinberg, who believes that extra features are even better than exclusive games.

Seeing as how current generation consoles like the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 are showing their age in terms of actual game performance when compared to current PCs, many people are awaiting next generation devices.

As we heard earlier this week, however, this might not happen in 2012, so companies like Microsoft or Sony need to focus on adding even more features to current devices in order to keep customers interested in them.

According to TechSavvy Global analyst Scott Steinberg, this is something every hardware manufacturer needs to plan, as consoles can no longer rely just on exclusive games to promote them over their rivals.

“Ultimately, it’s becoming obvious that in addition to software selection – the perennial killer app – such devices will increasingly look to added features such as motion controls, digital downloads, multimedia streaming and on-demand content playback to fuel continued growth,” he told Industry Gamers.

“With many popular games available as cross-platform purchases, expect manufacturers to push value-added options (live streaming TV and 3D downloads, digitally distributed titles, pay-per-view options, telecommunications capabilities, online multiplayer, community elements, etc.) as core selling points.

“Rather than expand through hardware accessories and add-ons, we’ve reached a point in the current console cycle where the major players will look to unique services and special features to make a compelling case.”

Microsoft is already following this strategy, making a big number of partnerships all over the world to offer entertainment through the TV on Demand service on its Xbox 360 console to consumers across a variety of countries.