Specifically, EQ. Just read Thinking Out Loud, and one point I failed
to see as a hurdle for EQ and EQ style games moving to consoles is
the difference in gaming philosophy the two camps still hold. Console
gamers play by themselves, or with up to four others in the same
room. Interaction in the game, and cooperation to achieve goals, is
just not part of the console experience.

The social aspect of EQ is boring and a burden to finger twitching
console players. Action is faster. Rewards are more immediate, in the
console world.

The addition of online technology to consoles will cause an evolution
in console games, and over time educate console gamers to a more
tolerant attitued toward EQ like games. They will learn the value of
playing cooperatively and attaining in-game goals. But that will take
time.

Ultimately the two worlds will become more integrated, but the time
frame is an unknown. What ideas will investors back? How will this
affect the products we can buy, and at what cost?

Again, flexibility will be the key to finding the optimal gaming
experience. The pc and the console, and whatever new is to come, are
but the tools for gaming. I see the potential for games to become
deeper, more involving, and very fulfilling, if we are willing to
grow with the industry.

Barto Proudfoot