Maybe I’m old…
I’ve raged about a number of next generation features (or lack thereof) for a while. At the top of my list is mandatory internet connection for single player games. There’s a special place in Hell for the assholes responsible.
At the bottom: reverse compatibility. It’s the last thing I’d complain about.
Reverse compatibility is not the norm for console. We had it once.
I never complained about my NES games not being playable on my SNES, or SNES on the 64. As the Sega Genesis evolved into the Dreamcast, I never sighed and thought “well, damn everything I’ve done up until now has become meaningless.”
I still own the previous console as the new one is released. If I feel like playing an “old game,” I do so on it. I don’t even bother unplugging the previous console for about a year and it’s never a problem. Modern TVs have more holes to plug than your mom.
Just because the PS2 allowed full reverse compatibility with no DRM and no hassles doesn’t mean every modern console should. The fact that it made more money than any console to date and sold 150 Million units over an eleven year period should, however.
I guess what I”m saying here. I’m not upset about a lack of reverse compatibility. I still horde my old consoles and games.
On the other hands, it’s not that difficult to accommodate from a programming standpoint. When console PR guys use the words “different architecture” it’s a clever euphemism used to insult consumer intelligence. “We’re lazy” would be a more accurate statement.
The Xbox One, PS4, whoever you’re cheering for, are being built for Publishers not consumers. That’s the real problem.
Maybe I’m old because I remember each generation in gaming… I remember exclusive titles driving sales. I remember a console still working even when the new one was released…
Or maybe it’s because I remember when consoles were about playing video games.
Video gamers buy a console to play video games. The less hassle we have to play our video games the happier we’ll be with your new console. If you pay a nod to reverse compatibility or accommodate our existing libraries; bonus.