14 DAY TRIAL // Apparently, Sony doesn't have anything above Microsoft, especially not PlayStation Home. As GameIndustry.biz reports, Microsoft's Internet service for the Xbox 360, the Xbox Live Marketplace is growing by double digits every month. So, by the looks of things, a substantial price cut for the PS3 is inevitable for Sony, along with the release of PS Home, which - for their sake - let's all hope that it turns out to be a great service.
GI.biz posts the following statement coming from Ross Honey, senior director of Microsoft's media entertainment group, according to the New York Times: "The people we've partnered with see this as a good way to re-connect with the consumer," said Ross Honey. "We allow a consumer who's very engaged in games to shift, with the same box, to watching The Departed."'
He went on saying that they "...absolutely believe that Happy Feet being available brought families to use Xbox in a way they haven't used it before. And when you bring them there, they start to browse around."
So, as I mentioned above, Sony needs a pact with the devil or something to pull the PS3 out in the light with Microsoft and Nintendo each dominating about a half of the gaming market today, each bringing something truly unique.
But remember this: both Microsoft's and Nintendo's consoles, the Xbox 360 and Wii, sport an amazing array of titles to go with whatever else they provide for users. Sony first needs to start with some good next-gen games, to get people really interested in the PS3, and then see if more can be achieved with Home.
As everyone remembers, they've got some 380 titles for the PS3 waiting on the launching pad, while just 180 will actually be what people call next generation games. Still a lot, yes, but this has to be done along with a price drop and the release of a powerful service such as Home. If Sony manages to pull their act together and do all these three things before it's too late, who knows, maybe they'll even get Microsoft's and Nintendo's users aboard too. Time will tell.