@Gitaroo_Dude:

Trumping business-wise, but to the core gamers, they don't care. If for the sake of business, certain games can't be made due to hardware limitations, I don't see that as an advantage as much as it is a waste. I'd rather play Oblivion over Wii Sports, simply because I believe it's a better game, and most would agree.

Very different games granted, but the point is that either one won't work on the native console of the other. And that's that.

Diversity is always the key. The Wii may dominate but must not eliminate the other two consoles. Of course, this is the onus on the consuming gamer, and apparently, both the 360 and PS3 are doing well enough to continue the status quo.

Right up to the day that Nintendo releases a console with the horsepower of the other current-gen consoles along with motion control. Given the standard lifecycle, we have a bout a decade till that happens, at least.

However, I guess it's only fair to note. For Nintendo, the Wii is their SOLE breadwinner. For MS and Sony, it's just an extra thing in their conglomerate. They can survive easy enough as companies without depending on their console sales. For Nintendo, it WAS do-or-die, so it's fine that the Wii dominates for Nintendo to continue.

Byakko

@Gitaroo_Dude: My gripe with that disruption view is that it gives Nintendo superpowers. Sony beat Nintendo in past console generations. Twice. Sony is the only company that made a handheld that could stand up to Nintendo's. Nintendo had to "create" a place for non-gamers. Sony had an audience of 130 mil+ gamers. Nintendo can only go so far with the disruption strategy and widening the market thing. But the market that existed before, the one Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo had before is still largely untouched. None of them has really touched it. The proof is all those PS2s still flying off shelves. Next-gen has only partly started, as long as these gamers still prefer a last generation console over the new ones. And I think if MS just gets up and leaves to Nintendo's party, they will just leave Sony with that crowd that they themselves controlled before. What will happen if MS focuses on "casual gaming" while Sony just kills PS2? Where will those gamers run? Will they leave Singstar and Socom for Lips and Wii Fit? I don't think so.

slomo788

@Yuki:

It's not really a non-issue.

It's something that really needs to be addressed. Both the hideous response by gamers on the internet in addition to the ignorance that spawned it.

When rational people like Croal are being slandered by the people he's trying to represent in the mainstream media, there's a serious problem.

Gitaroo_Dude

Please, people, never mention the whole racism issue again regarding Biohazard 5. Ever. This video was not even about it. Even if it was, no one should bother commenting about it, because the whole issue is ridiculous--a non-issue, if you will.

Yuki

Yeah, my last comment on disruption is totally stupid and missed the point on a monopoly. Gotta see if I can edit that. :(

Gitaroo_Dude

@Byakko:

If you want to discuss econ, then you'll probably want to read up on disruption. It's the strategy behind the Wii, and what allowed it to trump MS and Sony.

Gitaroo_Dude

@Gitaroo_Dude: Thank you! I personally think that he's one of the best writers/critics in the industry. Too bad his readers are not all as smart.

slomo788

@Vanguarde: E3 is hardly the place for that. Besides, Capcom (and every single gamer out there) already made it clear that RE is not racist. If anyone was confused, they should be at peace now. If not, they obviously didn't make any research even after their claims and so deserve to be ignored. E3 is where gamers are informed of what to expect for the next months, not a courthouse. Gamers already know that it's not racist so talking about that could even upset shareholders. N'Gai is wrongly put in the same basket as the other "critics" imo because he didn't say the game would be racist (he should know better). He just said that the scenery lacked tact and that if any black person or someone informed of African culture had worked on the trailer they would have foreseen the shitstorm. Yes, it's about zombies. Yes it's in Africa. But the first trailer shows a white man killing black people acting like monkeys. In its context we all know it's not racist, but the issue could have been avoided altogether if they showed more tact with that infamous trailer. The way they handled the second trailer shows that he was right. Anyways, all this is to tell you that the issue barely exists now (except maybe for people tired of saying "Grand Theft Auto" to bash video games in their shows/books) and E3 would be the worst place to revive it.

slomo788

What's with all the hate on Croal?

He didn't even say RE5 is racist; simply that the game can EASILY be construed as such because the imagery carries a very long, brutal history.

The problem is that Capcom is a Japanese company that has no interest in said history, and the people complaining don't realize that white people have nothing to do with this.

Gitaroo_Dude

As for the Microsoft taking over the casual market I agree with what was said in the video. They'd need much more than just a motion control. Magic behind Wii is much more than that it's the whole design. Neither 3600 or PS3 in their current state look like they could even take a bite of casual cake, although they might take away some of the hardcore crowd from wii. If Sony came up with something new that involved Blue-Ray and targeted at casuals it might be a competition. Right now it's just wii baby ;)

julians

@Gitaroo_Dude:

You're talking about a demographic that Nintendo has created for themselves, which before Wii, was sufficient to support the 'core' gaming population as you say.

Good for Nintendo, but honestly speaking, anyone who thinks a mono-led market is a good thing needs to go back to Economics 101 and read up about consumer advantage.

Byakko

Great talk, looking forward to the rest of it.

All in all, I don't think this E3 will be quite as big as last year's, considering that the public has seen most of the stuff that will come out this year.

But E3 is a fun time, no matter what year!

DigiMish

@Vanguarde:

Perhaps if Jack Thompson were to suddenly appear in black-face, it would be a good wake-up call to everyone involved just how ridiculous this whole thing with Resi 5 is becoming.

But I'll go out on a limb here and say, in Resi 4, it was a lot easier to see that the Spanish people were pale and pasty and pretty much closer to dead than alive.

Unfortunately, with their darker skin tone and because the overall tone of the game is more brightly lit with higher contrast, you can't see that the Africans are actually walking dead.

Byakko

@Byakko:

Uh... in an industry that's seen consoles sell over 120 million units, 20 million that really only targets North America is certainly small beans.

Why do you think Nintendo has made no serious effort to target that demographic?

Simple, it's irrelevant in the grand scheme of things.

Gitaroo_Dude

@Gitaroo_Dude:

Last time I read up 'small', it wasn't defined as '10 million and below'.

What dictionary are you using?

Byakko

@keitai:

And people got upset over my comments?

This is a blatant troll.

Vanguarde

@Byakko:

The reason why it was 'ok' to shoot Spanish Zombies is because the Spanish culture does not totally flip out the very second anything comes along that could be seen as racist in any way.

Meaning, Spanish people were smart enough to understand the game is about Zombies, FORMER people who happened to be Spanish and were in the wrong place at the wrong time in the game world. They did not see Zombies as Spaniards.

For some reason, it seems some Arfican Americans lash out at anything they can and try to make it into a HUGE deal.

We all know this kind of behavior - it usually is called....

Jack Thompson

Vanguarde

@Sodergren: I feel stupid myself by responding to a comment like yours but how is N'GAI stupid? Because you can't understand him? Dumbass.

@Denalin: Did you watch the video? That's basically the point, just putting it at the level of the Wii will alienate the "hardcore" (especially that PSN will basically be Live for free with fw2.40), and worse, the non-gamers won't buy it (imagine your girlfriend's best friend telling her how she had a blast with her Wii and your girlfriend replying "I just played with my 360 Arcade" Doesn't quite fit does it?). Nintendo did something no one else thought of doing, I think the others should just move on. Sony didn't sell 130 million PS2s to people interested in "non-games" like Wii Fit and Wii Sports. Obviously the market is much bigger than the Gears of War fanatic and the occasional Wii-fit curious gamer. If anyone, Microsoft should be worried with their identity crisis. They're about to lose the crowd they had to Sony and they won't even get into the markets Nintendo and Sony were aiming for in the first place.

slomo788

The best thing MS can do at this point is realize that the 360 is a failure to everyone outside of a small core of "core gamers."

Simply adding motion control is destined for failure. MS will simply be playing the birdmen role again, much like their Zune.

No company besides Nintendo has really bothered to study the mass market and target them, and until they do they'll continue to fight over the scraps of the dwindling core market.

Gitaroo_Dude

@slomo788:

I am guessing that Resident Evil 5 is going to be at E3..

Capcom should come out at the show and say that it was never their intention to upset people, but that the game is staying as is as per their vision.

End of the debate right there!

I can't wait to see more of this game at E3!

Vanguarde

@Aethyr:
i think he deserves a PhD for that too.

mentalboy11

I don't think it will be a big E3 for Microsoft at all, to be honest-- though I want it to be. Gears is obviously the showcase title, and that's just not very exciting. It'll be excellent, of course, but we all know exactly what we're getting with that one, so a bit of a nap for me, there. Banjo, Fable-- OK, we've already seen those, too. Alan Wake might be shown, but it's not coming out any time soon, so who knows. Halo Wars isn't seeing this year, so not much there. We might see some new Forza, but I doubt it'll look much different from the last one-- the development cycle seems to be hurried. I hope the motion control rumor just blows on past-- I'm not interested in that at all. I'd prefer if Microsoft just continued to focus on their strengths-- maybe show off a redesigned Live Marketplace, detail the fall update, show off some more XNA content, spotlight Castle Crashers... maybe have Ballmer and Shane Kim play LIPS on stage?

But considering how Microsoft seem to be giving it up just a bit of late, we'll probably just see them tout LIVE Anywhere-- AGAIN, and after Apple's Mobile Me totally drank their milkshake. Or maybe they'll show some footage of Huxley, and tell us it's coming out soon. Or maybe a teaser trailer for True Fantasy Live Online, coming Q4 2012.

Oh well. At least Crecente looked awesome in the video.

wild homes and gardens

@keitai: Gee, thanks for the input. Glad to know you didn't watch the video with any bias at all.

Aethyr

Keighley was playing the devils advocate a bit too much, he was being a bit harsh on Microsoft.

hk458

Bummer there aren't any credits. I would of gotten an appointment with Crecente's stylist for sure.

egyptomix

@Vanguarde:

I think the problem is, to people outside of the gaming community (or at least, ones who don't actually know what Resident Evil is about), the issue is racism and apparent racial genocide.

To those in the gaming community and who do know what Resident Evil is about, it's not about racism but rather mainstream media's tendency to hyperbole and completely miss the point.

As it is, the most obvious issue to me is how it's alright to shoot Spanish zombies but apparently, not African ones.

Oh, and Brian looks way shorter than I thought he'd be.

Byakko

whats with all this motion control, why do they think people WANT motion controls. I am more then happy with the joysticks on 360 and ps3 and dont want a full motion one.

YourAnthony

lulz @ Ngail. The guy aint just stupid, but also fat.

keitai

@excaliburps: I thought Brian looked fine.

The topic they covered is a tough one.. How does Microsoft court the casual gamer? I really think that if they jump in now with a wii-like experience, the consumer is just going to see this as a cheap knock off and probably pass over it.

On top of that, the casual gamer isn't interested(as seen by the sales) in additional software. The Mii creator and Wii sports is enough for most people, and for those who want more, they get Wii Fit because they know they like Nintendo games. So these casual gamers are going to buy an Xbox, even though they've no experience with Microsoft games or the hardware? Just not going to happen.

I don't think you can have your cake and eat it too. I don't think it's possible to court both hardcore and casual, as seen by the current landscape. The Wii gets the first-timers but really hasn't delivered for us hardcore players, save for a few games. Microsoft and Sony please the hardcore, but don't get any of the casual gamers.

If Microsoft really wants to get the casual audience, I think they should wait until the next-gen systems arrive and have a totally separate platform from the Xbox that's designed to look like the Wii, but a fun, new, online, next-gen version. Motion controls, simple bundled games, perhaps REALLY introduce them to online game play, cheap, and marketed well. That's the only way I see Microsoft from not looking "me-too!"

GiantEnemyCrab

How rude Crecente asked Keighley how he was doing and Keighley just ignored him. "Great to have you here" thats not, a how are you, response. =p

hk458

@Vanguarde: Oh God don't go there. Just comment on the damn video, if not the kotaku civil war could flare again.

Yeah i saw the video early today. I really do hope MS with show something new and have some sold release dates. I must say out of the coverage i saw last year, MS needs to learn how to put on a show better. I think they started throwing some early news bits out to try to head of the PS3 sales for MGS4.

DanteODiabo

@Vanguarde: No, we need people to stop making an issue out of a non-issue, starting with you.

I_Hate_This_Place

Wait, I just read on the site this is a four part series. Is part four about the PC, multiplatform/third-party gaming, or something else entirely?

Nirolak

If Microsoft can get a $250 X360 shipped with a 360-mote and some casual game. It will sell well, word of mouth will shoot that way past the Wii. They'd have the ability to do the basic games, but with greater graphics and physics/processing capabilities. People would be able to pick up a casual system, but even later hit up some more hardcore games like GTA4 and others. Sony really needs to catch up.

Denalin

@Vanguarde: How's that related to E3?

slomo788

Hahaha I just started watching this on GT

TheExiledLeader

its gonna be a good e3 for Microsoft :)

YourAnthony

@Americo: Actually probably even when they are announced, as when that happens marketers run the risk of making people think their game is coming out for the actual next generation of consoles instead.

Nirolak

I just finished watching that segment not too long ago. I believe this year's E3 will be focused more towards marketing strategy than games and peripherals. I agree that Microsoft must provide an identity to their console. They are a mess right now with all the leaks that has been appearing (Wii-mote counter, Lips, avatar use, etc.). However, for all we know, those leaks are just a way to stir up conversations and bring more awareness towards the 360. As of right now, their main problem is trying to do too much at once. This may explain why a spring dashboard update was not provided this year since they have their hands full with research and development. Their business model for the 360 is a complete mystery since they are blinded by Nintendo's success with the Wii. Microsoft is not a market-driven company when it comes to consoles and you can't blame them since they are still learning their mistakes from their previous generation console, the XBOX. We know for a fact that they are capturing more exclusives. Despite that, exclusives exactly haven't done well for them. Besides Gears of War, Microsoft have not panned out well with third party exclusives. Ninja Gaiden II was a total disaster in Japan as it sold very poorly at launch. Ace Combat 6 was not exactly a console mover that changed their position between the Wii and PS3. Mass Effect sold well, but there was a PC option. I also agree with Brian's comment on how Microsoft can get burned by underestimating Sony with their PS3. A price drop is imminent for the 360 since I don't think they can afford to lose any more ground to Nintendo. I am very interested on the upcoming BONUS ROUND episodes when they preview Sony and Nintendo's consoles.

Kyouya

Again with the talk of "next gen graphics"... When can we start calling it current gen? A few years down the line when newer consoles are on the assembly line, maybe?

Americo

Pfft, what would they know. :D

Seriously though, that was a nice watch. Look forward to seeing more of it.

Thorn

Do you guys talk about the "racist" Resident Evil 5?
N'Gai Croal has been outspoken about the game.

If gamers want to be treated with more respect we need to start facing these kinds of matters head on instead of the gaming community flaming anyone who says that Resident Evil 5 is racist.

Vanguarde

I saw this earlier as well, it was really interesting. I was surprised though that no one mentioned Forza 3 as one of Microsoft's announcements at the end but considering that it's hypothetically no official I can understand. But yeah I have a sincere feeling that both of those E3 announcements the rumor mentioned were LIPS and Forza 3 so I'll be (pleasantly) surprised if we see anything else announced.

I was also surprised in the clip for the next one that they don't think the PS3 will have a price drop this year, meaning it should make for another interesting twist this fall.

Nintendo's should be the most interesting though just because Nintendo has next to nothing announced. (Well, that or be unusually short :P)

Nirolak

I've seen this earlier in the day. Stephen was pretty much doing all the talking. Crecente did look a bit rundown. Was he sick? Oh and he didn't have any bird shirt on...His fashion sense was still better than the 2 though.

Shame that they all agreed that MS' lineup is pretty much set. Not to mention N'Gai thinks whatever surprises they have left, it's more for the casual crowd than anything.

They did offer logical sentiments on what the 360's identity should be. I hope MS watches this and maybe try to instill some of what they said.

Good stuff! The PS3 E3 preview is next!

excaliburps

hahaha crecente from pirates - nice one

shichi

"...and Brian Crecente from Pirates of the Caribbean..."

Why of course! I knew the name sounded familiar.

slomo788

@I_Hate_This_Place:

Yeah, I know exactly what you mean, but I think the problem is really a matter of mindset with the developers, rather than something that's inherently wrong with the console. Until now (and it might unfortunately continue into the wave of not-so-casual games to come), it seems like games have either been developed specifically for the casual audience, or trying to imitate the experience of the other consoles in a stripped down way. Developers need to recognize the constraints of the platform, and develop things within those constraints. As for the use of the Wiimote itself, it has been used as a replacement of a normal controller. While it might work to some extent, it's not really taking into consideration what the controller was made for, being more intuitive and geared towards movement.

GyrFal

@Gitaroo_Dude: That's why I can't help but think of MS as the platform holder with the wax wings. At first the 360 was that amazing console with revolutionary online. Until PS3 came. Then it was all about multimedia, next gen and smack talk, stuff they should have left to Sony, because their strategy was designed around that. Now they would go after Wii? That would really suck, especially if they just "patch" those wings instead of coming up with a real (and different) strategy to take those non-gamers from Nintendo. Like N'Gai said, the Wii is a phenomenon not just because of motion sensing. It's just the way it was advertised and the market Nintendo aimed for. Wii Fit is surely not selling so well because of the Wii-mote. Sony's first party studios and engineers will probably keep the console fresh enough for consumers to not be too curious to go outside. I could bet that many features like in-game XMB were kept inside to not give too much too fast and make droughts seem less painful. Sort of like they pushed KZ2 back to spread out the games. Nintendo did the right thing by leaving the fight, and that's a detail Malstrom is overlooking too much. Nintendo did not "trump" Sony and Microsoft. They just tried something new and succeeded, while leaving the "old" market to the others.

slomo788

@Gitaroo_Dude:

The problem with MS, IMO, is really one about momentum. I personally really think that they should ignore the casual crowd, mostly because if they bought a Wii already (which the would have), they're the kind who wouldn't consider having multiple consoles in their house (even core gamers don't usually do this, at least not at the prices current-gen consoles are).

Honestly, the Wii has a stronger library for the casual and nostalgic (I'm bringing in the virtual console library here), one which both MS and Sony can't hope to trump by entering the market so late.

Applying motion control to games that appeal to core gamers might work though...personally, I'd love to see an MMO (maybe Age of Conan even?) that could utilize motion control.

Anyway, back to momentum. MS and Sony are dead-set rivals. No question. MS should've focussed on extending their 1 year advantage and take advantage of the PS3's slow start-up far more than what has already been done. What could they have done? Discontinued the arcade SKU and put out only SKUs with harddrives and allow developments to take that into account from then on. Heck, providing a free LIVE service, or at least, a possible compromise that would allow Silver members multiplayer experiences too.

All these development leaks that we've seen? Would've set better at the very beginning of the PS3's debut in order to curtail it.

In the end, MS squandered what could've been the sort of lead that the PS2 had on the Xbox. Sony is catching up, and unfortunately, MS doesn't seem to know what do about it besides mimicking things just so they'd have virtually the same status quo as the other consoles.

I own a 360. I don't have any intention of getting a PS3. My back-up console choices would either be a Wii or even a PS2 (if I can get one cheap). So it frustrates me that MS doesn't know what it's really doing at this point.

Byakko

@GyrFal: Every time I see a 3rd-party Wii title I'm interested in, I always think "wow, this would be so much better on the 360/ps3". I rushed out to buy NoMoreHeroes, only to quit playing halfway throgh out of boredom.

To me, no game other than wii sports has utilized the wii-mote enough to make me want to play it knowing the limitations the wii has. Not just graphics, but also processing power, which leads to smaller worlds and bland AI. Especially considering that I would have to stop playing one of the many amazing games that are in my 360 collection to fiddle with the Wii, it's become a ghost in my house. Nintendo and third-party developers need to try much harder to give me(and my wife) a gaming experience that I cannot get anywhere else, and just adding "waggle" doesn't do it. If my wii wants some attention, it needs to have the games to earn it.

I_Hate_This_Place

@Byakko:

Yeah, that no edit rule seems pretty smart. Forces us to keep our stupid posts, hahah.

I don't disagree with the gist of your post. I mean, as of now, it's fairly obvious that the 360/PS3 can co-exist with the Wii since they target different demographics. They complement one another well.

I do think the problem is that the North American "core market" could turn out like the Japanese one in a few years. Don't forget that the collapse of the traditional market in Japan is what led to the DS and Wii.

But until that happens, there's really nothing to worry about. And with Nintendo's strategy of going upstream, they'll probably bring in enough new gamers to sustain the traditional industry, at least imo.

Gitaroo_Dude

@slomo788: I couldn't agree more Slomo. N'gai not only has his finger on the pulse of this industry, but additionally he has the intelligence and critical background necessary to present video gaming in a manner that is beginning to lean more closely to that of the art or film world.

This goes for you too, Crecente.

Man, but Geoff Keighley, he really seemed pushy in this video, I get this feeling of discomfort when he drives to steer the conversation by cutting people off.

JohnnytheFuture

@slomo788:

I actually think that's the really interesting wild card left in this race.

By and large, the PS2 generation hasn't committed itself to a console yet. I mean, most of the recent games I've played have been PS2 titles (Persona 3, Nocturne, GoW, etc).

The Wii has pretty much locked down the new expanding market. The 360 has done an admirable job at targetting those of use looking for a traditional experience. And the PS3 is kind of a mix of Sony loyalists, tech fetishists, and the 360 crowd, imo at least.

And I think that's also the biggest weakness in Malstrom's articles too. He kind of just brushes aside the PS2 crowd. Obviously, the more "casual" ones have gone on to the Wii. But obviously, the vast majority are still content with the PS2.

Again though, it comes back to MS's identity problem. They were too short-sighted to notice the threat Nintendo posed, even though they've already dealt with disruption. They can't seem to branch out between the North American gamers who supported them last generation.

Gitaroo_Dude

Boom Blox should cost cheaper. The first Katamari Damacy was cheap to get and well received game.

sladee

What I really want to see at E3 is whether or not Nintendo is going to be able to showcase things that can get core gamers excited about the Wii again. Honestly, I haven't put my Wii to much use, but things like MadWorld are really getting me interested in what 3rd party developers can bring. I think that, because Nintendo has such a hold on the casual audience, they may be able to utilize third party games that have a bit more depth than just minigame compilatons, and bring casual gamers and hardcore gamers closer. Not to say that the casual gamers will become hardcore right away or that the hardcore gamers will become casual, but some kind of "middlecore", if you will.

GyrFal

@Gitaroo_Dude:

Yeah, they must be crying themselves to sleep each night over the fact no one seems to buy their software.

I mean, god knows Microsoft doesn't actually have a strong first AND third party line-up. I mean I love buying third party titles for the Wii and DS... :-/

Algebraic

@Gitaroo_Dude:

Ah we can't edit posts on Kotaku, but anyway, yes, I'm saying the need for diversity, and the disadvantage of a monopoly in any market.

Of course, I'm thinking that the Wii has pressured a lot of developers into going multiplatform for the 360 and PS3 to maximize profits, and for that I'm very grateful.

Byakko

@Bisonisblack: Nevermind, it appears your only 2 comments on this site are about the RE5=racism tirade. I have no further interest in your reply if the only thing you can talk about on Kotaku is the RE5/racism non-issue.

I_Hate_This_Place

@Bisonisblack: N'gai keeps EVERY panel he's on from devolving into fanboy banter. He and Keighley are my favorite personalities in the industry at this point.

Until Jade Raymond comes out of hiding that is.

liqideos

@Bisonisblack: So Capcom is in on a conspiracy against black people in their games? Who, other than race-baiters and those looking to be offended would even look to figure out that the first character killed by a zombie is black?

Also:"The bottom line is that Capcom needs to answer why a Multi-Billion company with years of successful games and franchises would steep to such horrendous stereotypes to sell a game--AND NOT FANBOYS ON THE INTERNET"

Capcom has to answer to no one except it's share-holders. As long as the game sells, they could care less. Besides, what stereotypes did you see in the RE5 trailer that I missed? Was is black people in Africa? Was it that black zombies attack a non-zombie just like any other zombie lore? Please, inform me of the stereotypes that were so grossly displayed in the RE5 trailer.

I_Hate_This_Place

@Byakko:

Byakko--thanks for your intelligent words. I love Kotaku and have seen Crecente at Industry events--I think he and the content (not comments) of this site are a welcome reprieve for our industry..as one of the few African Americans in the Industry though it doesn't surprise me the level of ignorance that sits on the net--on game sites around issues like this and permeates serious discussion of racism and misogyny in the Games Industry.

RE5 will catch hell this fall--there is no doubt. The first trailer was abominable and as the industry continues to gain more billions, more consumers and the world's economy goes through headaches--the idea that a game showcasing such hideous depictions of African people (mind you the 1st trailer did NOT show there were enhanced until the end which is beyond odd) in some non-described town versus the typical Japanese super personification of white/ japanese men was getting hoots and howls from people in this industry without any non-african or african americans understanding how silly it looked is a commentary on our industry that I have no doubt will play out on MSM (for those of you who think we are discussing it too much--oh man..I wonder where your head will be when CNN gets a hold of it).

What's more disturbing is the ignorance of the comments:

1. Keitai--really? Ngai is ignorant? I could easily start a flame war by asking how did the one black guest who works for the most prestigious media outlet and is more senior than anyone else on that panel (no offense to Brian) get labeled as ignorant? Is it racism? I'm sure it was ignorance but it's comments like this coupled with real examples in this industry that's going to cause it some turmoil.

2. That somehow Spanish people are more acceptable to kill and that African Americans are just being whiny. Let's not forget that Resident Evil has a history of savage depictions of blacks. The first character killed by a zombie (with his head coming off..so gruesome that they actually chopped it from the US release -- only to lose it again when they had the 'Director's Cut') was black, the first enemy in RE 2 to kill (as Leon) is black and subsequent heroic supporting characters were never black. Do any of you mean to say that none one questions how a government agency, black ops, corporate executives in the RE world are never black or Latino but only white or Asian?

Likewise, who from the trailers of Re4 even knew they were Spanish? I am appalled that this straw man is being used because it is so evidently not a case of Spanish people being slaughtered. One cannot even compare it to RE5--the look of the Africans vs. the 'Spanish' (most in the Industry thought they were Croatian or Yugoslav when 1st shown) are so incomparably different (and not from an accurate standpoint either..show me an Ethiopia or Somalia where the Africans look like the inhuman beings in the RE5 trailer and I'll show you a place in America, Japan or any country on Earth where blond hair blue eyed 6 ft tall white guys have names that are 100% Japanese).

The bottom line is that Capcom needs to answer why a Multi-Billion company with years of successful games and franchises would steep to such horrendous stereotypes to sell a game--AND NOT FANBOYS ON THE INTERNET. They clearly changed their tune with the mild uproar started--introducing a black female character who was always there? Yeah right..why wasn't she shown from the get-go? Every RE game trailer has always shown the multiple characters except for RE4 (due to the surprise of a major character- Ada- returning) has shown the second playable character if only briefly (Code Veronica, Dead Aim) come to mind.

Regardless, I'm a fan of Capcom and of RE--I think the company has a poor track record with minorities (don't even get me started on Streetfighter - going back to 1 and 2 for egregious stereotypes and the recent Megaman powered up for a character named Oil Man that was one of the most ridiculous stereotypes in recent years) and as this industry makes more money---do believe that they will begin to get major pressure from consumers.

To the outspoken critics against speaking about the Racism in RE--please know Capcom is not worried about the audience of Kotaku..in a global world..Wii has made clear the future growth and revenue is the average consumer who thinks games are too stupid, difficult and laborious to enjoy. They would see 28 Days Later for zombies and not give a damn about RE. That said, Capcom needs those people and once this situation begins to blaze then perhaps the industry as a whole can step up to the plate. Movies have suffered it as have TV and it's not surprising that games are now getting called to the carpet for racist and sexist imagery that colors not just who can enjoy the games but colors the people who make them.

As for the GT-- thought it was great. All of the panelists were clear and well-spoken..I've waited a long time to see serious roundtable discussion about state of industry affairs and not have it devolve into silly "OHHH I like playing this game..it's going to rock." The industry is far too big now, far too important for that sort of fanboy mentality (although I'll admit it exists and is core to who we are) to prevail against more serious discussions of politics, financials and business strategy.

Can't wait for PS3 talk as I see Blu-Ray playing a bigger role but minus the price drop in this economy--Sony is in serious trouble.

Bisonisblack

Think they were on the money. It may have sounded like they were putting Microsoft down, but they praised their attention to the hardcore market. The more negative talk was focused at them trying to get into Wii territory, which is obviously quite risky for them.

I'd like to hear the talk on Sony/Nintendo though. It's obvious Microsoft is going to have a boring E3, Sony and Nintendo should both be more interesting. When's the next Bonus Round? (no clue when these things air...)

Mit

They sounded very bleak for a system still turning out great AAA exclusive titles. Gears of War 2 and Fable 2 will be hard to beat come Christmas. I am very satisfied with M$ and the upcoming games they have, find me a person that actually owns the console that isn't.

The thing that gets me is that everyone thinks they know better then one of the biggest companies in the world. M$ will never turn their back on the hardcore and having the best online features. That is their identity, to me at least.

Muisee

@Bisonisblack,

You know you need to get your fact straight before accussing someone of their Traits N' Gai Coral I have alot of respect for the guy he he looks at things from a positive side from all companys and explain realiticly from each company stand point.

Also Sterotypically Games from Capcom?? Are you serious where did you see Steroytypes portaited in the trailers.
The only Ignorance I've see developed from the game is from People like you who get so damn Butt hurt at every little thing.Yes thier black so what I'ma still kill them the same way I did with the White Zombies and Spanish Zombies.

Ryosukekun21

@I_Hate_This_Place:

How am I a race baiter? What does that even mean? Isn't it more interesting that black people see racism when it hits and that you didn't?

Why are you defending Capcom? Do they pay you? This is what I mean by ignorance..my comments are my own based on my experiences. If you said you didn't find it racist I don't question it but I do question people like you coming out of the woodwork question those who do.

If you talk to any African American and ask them "do they notice things when African Americans are left out of situations where logic and reality say they are or should be?" then you will get an AFFIRMATIVE.

Remember Friends and Seinfeld? They took place in NYC and for first few seasons didn't feature african americans..not even in the background. Star Wars?--George Lucas caught hell and in the second one came Lando Calrissian.

Why do people like you deny what others feel? Does it make you feel better about your life that racism doesn't exist in your mind?

As far as the truly ridiculous comment about Capcom answering to shareholders...trust me, when sales drop..they will. Do you think they added the black female character to make you happy? Or to make sure the game sales and isn't decried for racism.

@I_Hate_This_Place:

Uh thanks? I don't know you and wasn't seeking your approval. My point was made in my comment and to your whatever it was you tried to say. Bottom line, is first trailer was suspect and it will most likely play a role in the fall regardless of what I say and what people like you wish to not have exist. Best way to avoid it is to be more inclusive of the content they make.

@Ryosukekun21:

Butt hurt? You have issues and that comment was the poster child of ignorance and I bet you will still kill them cowboy. But to answer your question since you don't know game history--Capcom themselves have referenced their issues. Dee Jay (do you know who he is?) was created specifically by Capcom US BECAUSE of Japan's insensitivity to African Americans and their horrible use of stereotypes. OIL MAN in Megaman Powered UP [quanmadrid.blogspot.com]

Let me be clear. I like Capcom. Clearly more than some of you who just want to shoot white, spanish and black zombies. In fact, kind of like being a liberal...I like em so much that I feel like they should know where they could be better. I understand that some of you would rather never criticize games..but maybe one day when you young men have kids..daughters maybe and have to explain to them why their favorite game character isn't fat or isn't curly haired or isn't pale like they are (or whatever criteria defines them) then you can understand why some of us who pay the money that employs these shareholders understand how to stand up and hold them accountable for their imagery.

Bisonisblack

I like how that was a really balanced interview that looked at both the strengths and weaknesses of Microsoft. The big point I agree with is that Microsoft is really stretching themselves a little thin this generation. Their identity is really muddled, and Crecente's comment on how it might make them lose an edge against the PS3 - the console they're really competing against - is definitely valid. Especially when they didn't build up their image that way. When I think back to what Microsoft did early on, I think of a lot of 'hardcore' genre games, publicity with MTV and various 'pop' celebrities. Even mainstream media sees it as a 'serious' game machine (I recall being surprised that Halo 3's release and sales numbers were being talked about on a radio news station that normally never mentions anything about gaming, ever).

To suddenly try and target the casual market really seriously right now just really feels like an uphill climb, which I don't think Microsoft needs to attempt.

@I_Hate_This_Place: It's a non-issue to gamers, because in the end, gamers will see RE5 as just another installment in a series known for pitting the protagonist against zombies. They'll care more about the gameplay, and, if they take the story seriously at all, whether the story plays out decently.

It's an issue to non-gamers, because now the gaming industry is actually being looked at by mainstream media with increasing severity, and images that show racial ignorance (if not racism) is a cause for concern. To a non-gamer, who doesn't know that Resident Evil has always been about killing zombies, the first trailer looked very much like a white man slaughtering Africans who are being portrayed with a Colonial stereotype of being mindless savages. On top of that, the history of white people oppressing African-Americans is long and only resolved within the last fifty years. It's a question of why did Capcom release a trailer like that for a game that will be sold in North America, where the context for those types of images is still sensitive ground.

It's an uncomfortable image for many non-gamers (and evidently gamers as well), and one that needs at least a nod of concern, as many people who don't know what RE5 is about will just see the images and cry "Racism!" which doesn't help the non-gamer view of the gaming industry.

epherlite

Somtimes I think we compltely over analyze the game industry way to much....

Ps. Why does every Bonus Round have to have N'Gay Dueche?

Fermbiz

All I can see here is the anger oozing out of Stephen's eyes when he looks at Brian's magnificent head of hair.

Jeremy

LOL @ "why-box"

Vipre77

That entire video missed out on the most important question. What shampoo does Crecente use????

Just look at his hair.

NightMystic

@Vanguarde: Oh shut up.

neoraul20

This is so annoying. Wasn't E3 in May 2 years ago.. I don't feel like waiting.

Well, at least until then we can watch people discuss their thoughts and points of view.

peacefuloutrage

Great Clip :) and E3 is cloooooose! cant wait.

bubble-bee

I really hope that the comments section in the next roundtable videos don't revolve around N'Gai/RE5.

The talk was very informative and I look forward to the next one about the PS3.

P.S. For those who thought that Geoff was being pushy, he's the moderator, it's his job to steer the conversation and make sure they don't go off topic, and I think he did a good job.

Kj719

That really was more of the Wii's pre-E3 Bonus Round since all they did was talk about how the 360 isn't the Wii (Can you stop asking the same question over and over again Keighly?).

Syndicated Terence

"I don't think any hardcore gamer would be satisfied with just a Wii."

That's why you have a Wii and a PC.
FPS, RTS, MMO's on your PC, and the completely different experience from the Wii.

phor11

I hate that E3 is in July now! Last year, I missed it because of a trip to a church camp! Anyway, this talk was really interesting. I'm sure it will be similar for the PS3.

P.S: I wouldn't bet ANYTHING with Peter Molyneux! Okay, maybe I'd bet some of my old games, or at the worst, my PS2.

dawimp523

Funny how Nintendo was aiming at being a number 2 console and wound up as the number 1 company.

Reneg