iPad Is Fastest Growing Gaming Platform; Wii U Integrates Features From New Platforms With Dedicated Game Consoles [EA CEO Says Consoles Only Make Up 40% Of The Gaming Industry]

Posted on TFTS by Mariella Moon on Friday, 29. July 2011 under: Computer/Console Gaming, PCs, Notebooks, Netbooks & Tablets

EA Games CEO John Riccitiello reveals dedicated consoles only make up 40% of the gaming industry – a huge fall from its 80% share back in the year 2000. And according to him, the Apple iPad is the fastest growing platform. Riccitiello says Nintendo‘s new Wii U is doing the right thing by combining what the industry is learning from new platforms like the iPad with the dedicated gaming console design, as it is the opportune time to do so.

The CEO also spoke of graphics quality, because critics of the Nintendo Wii U say it can’t really be considered the next-gen console when its graphics can only compare to the PS3. Riccitiello argues that while dedicated gaming consoles provide higher graphics quality, improving upon that aspect won’t do consoles any good after a certain point. Gaming companies could instead work on other things to better people’s gaming experience.

Of this issue, he says:

I would argue that there’s more to be provided in terms of value for the consumer in micro-transactions and social experiences and driving those better in cross-platform gameplay between a console and a PC and a handheld device and a social network than there is supercharging graphics.

Source