IanLivingstone
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Eidos exec says more innovation is what we need
Eidos bigwig, industry vet, and all around gaming guru Ian Livingstone recently lashed out at the stagnant state of gaming during Tim Wapshott's Games Central podcast. He criticized the industry as a whole, stating that most studios weren't interested in taking risks, and that's resulted in a few genres, owned by a few big titles and a legion of knock-offs. One of the few areas in which we do see innovation is in technology, and it's no surprise he lauded Nintendo's DS and Wii in that area. "Nintendo has demonstrated that you can carve out a new market through innovation. The DS and the Wii will demonstrate that gameplay, gameplay and gameplay are the three most important aspects of a game, and that technology and graphics support that experience." And we fully agree. Slick and stunning graphics are one thing, but the game should drive the graphics, not the other way around. Though speaking of companies doing the same ol' thing, we kinda want to bring up that whole Tomb Raider thing they have going on over at Eidos ... but since Legend was a vast improvement, we'll let it slide.
More e-books coming to the DS and PSP
Darren Reid, fantasy author who will be bringing his books to a DS near you, is now going to receive some company from Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson, who are responsible for the Fighting Fantasy series of books. In announcing the series heading to the DS and PSP, Ian sees the series of books' interactive nature perfectly suited for both handhelds."Fighting Fantasy built up a huge, worldwide fan base over the years. We believe that players will really enjoy the adventures in a new way on DS and PSP. Fighting Fantasy's interactive structure is ideal for bite-sized chunks of gameplay which is important for these devices"We must admit, we've never read a single book in the series. How many of you have read these books? Enjoyed them or hated them? Think this is a good move in bringing them to the handhelds?
Stop the presses! Positive PS3 news!
It's a rare thing nowadays to come upon gems like this, but we take every opportunity to do so when it pops up. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Eidos' Ian Livingstone had some mighty positive things to say about Sony's PlayStation 3.When asked what he thought of the inclusion of Blu-Ray and the role it played in the PS3's ultimate success, Livingstone had this to say:It's extraordinary quality, that's the starting point. If people are seeking the ultimate machine, the PS3 is clearly the best spec machine as far as next-gen goes. As with all things in life, you have to pay for quality. It is absolutely beautiful to look at and you are getting virtual interactive cinema in the comfort of your own home. It's a very compelling selling point and Sony just has to educate people that yes, it's a lot of money, but it'll be worth it.But it wasn't all daisies and lollipops. Livingstone did admit that Sony had a tough road ahead of them when it came to marketing the PS3 to the masses.... they also appeal to a different consumer. Sony is going to have quite a lot of marketing to have to spend, to let consumers know that the PS3 is not just a games machine but a complete home entertainment system with Blu-ray. To get the consumers to understand exactly what that means, and how that justifies the cost of the hardware -- that's going to be the challenge for them.Check out the full interview, because Livingstone had some great things to say about Eidos and the other consoles in the next-gen rat race.[Thanks, HEYYOUTHERE]
