Next-generation gaming hits new heights

The evolution of video-games has been rapid over the last 20 years and is a topic which now interests a wide variety of people. The array of content and diversity from the major players Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, has meant a much larger number of people are enjoying gaming as a leisure activity.

Online communities such as ‘Xbox Live’ and ‘Playstation Network’ have boosted sales considerably and have created a new generation of gaming. Players no longer aim to simply complete a game and move on, but are given the opportunity to take part in competitive online gaming lobbies with people from all around the world.

Playing online offers the unique opportunity of joining a team of multi-national, multi-cultural team-mates, in any scenario imaginable. Whether you’re lifting the World Cup, fighting in guerrilla warfare, racing supercars, or playing through a compelling story mode, next-generation gaming is grabbing the attention of more and more people.

The sales monopoly is currently held by Nintendo’s Wii, with its casual image and fitness-based titles encouraging families to come together. A games console providing exercise is a novel idea and the Wii's motion-based controller has been a runaway success since its release.

Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s Playstation 3 are aimed at hard-core gamers and are battling it out to become the most succesful console of the current generation. These consoles are the leaders in graphics, game-play and online capabilities, but that is reflected in the higher price in comparison to the Wii.

Next-generation consoles have become more than just for games though, with DVD or Blu-ray playback and even BBC iPlayer as key elements of these systems. Graphics have become increasingly realistic and many games have attempted to feature a strong, emotional narrative to banish the idea that all games involve shooting and killing.

Fans are now anticipating the release of games like never before, with last year seeing the release of several long-awaited games, such as Modern Warfare 2, FIFA 10, and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. These three were the highlights amongst a plethora of top titles, which saw gamers once again confined to their homes for a marathon of finger-tapping, pad-flailing goodness.

This golden period could be seen as the spark of technological advancement, with another epic year ahead for gamers. Xbox’s ‘Project Natal’ is about to make its debut, which along with the excellent Xbox Live community, make the 360 my recommended choice of console, despite it potentially being the more expensive option.

Must Have Games of 2009

Modern Warfare 2
FIFA 10
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Mass Effect 2
Halo 3

Hot releases of 2010

Max Payne 3
Bioshock 2
Gran Turismo 5
Lost Planet 2
Final Fantasy XIII
FIFA 11