It makes me wonder. Could a similar "effect" ever happen again in today's gaming landscape? With so much emphasis on live service, interconnected ecosystems, and monetization over the long haul..it feels like the kind vision the Dreamcast embodied is “almost” impossible to replicate. Perhaps that's probably why its legacy resonates. Back in its gaming era, it prioritized unique experiences over endless engagement metrics.
The Dreamcast is so interesting because it feels so ahead of its time, but like you said, it feels like gaming has pivoted away from the future it envisioned and into an enshitified, predatory version of it. But, the closure of a hardware division from reactionary business practices COULD very well be happening to another brand now 😉
I enjoyed reading this and am always interested in the history of video games, it can be fascinating to look back on. I actually owned Sega consoles growing up, from the Master System, Mega Drive (UK) and then the Saturn. I did want to get the Dreamcast, and looking back it might have been good because it has a lot of fondness, but buying my Saturn did leave me with regrets and taught me that you should go where the games are.
I remember reading all the news at the time of how Sega were doing, how they were spinning it in their favour, and it was genuinely a shock when they announced they would not produce hardware anymore, it was unfathomable at the time. History now shows that things worked out, and like you said can sometimes repeat itself.
Since their hardware divisions closure, they have published some of the greatest franchises I have ever played personally! I believe, although it was sad, it has worked out for them in the best way. Thanks for reading!
this was such a fun read!! I especially loved all the flavor text here and there like “No surprise this is who created Kiryu” and “The Super Nintendo Entertainment System has entered the chat”! I feel like the sort of thing combined with the very thoughtful commentary helps keep the article as a very fresh and engaging read!! ✨
Thanks so much! I really appreciate the specific feedback. The goal for me is to write well, but also keep it comedic and fun, even if its a deep-diving analysis. ♥️
Honestly, over the course of the last semester, I found myself really enjoying writing papers (when it comes to shit I find interesting), so this has been a fun one especially to pick back up. Excited to drop the next part, it should be within the next few weeks!
I think the gaming industry for Sony and Microsoft has been different because they were already big conglomerates with other tech products keeping them afloat. I'm glad things happened the way they did bc at least we get the great games and that's what i care about.
Also don't bother with Sonic Frontiers, i got 1.5 hours of fun out of it and after that felt like i was doing the same thing over and over. Play sonic mania. I actually was surprised that i enjoyed Forces too tbh.
It is actually crazy to think about how PlayStation was a hidden project in the background at Sony that the higher ups didn't know was being worked on, to see how quickly their tune changed when they started dominating with the PS1.
Also, I own Sonic Mania on like EVERYTHING and have never played 🤐 I gotta change that soon. Thanks for the comment bemmy! ilu!
It makes me wonder. Could a similar "effect" ever happen again in today's gaming landscape? With so much emphasis on live service, interconnected ecosystems, and monetization over the long haul..it feels like the kind vision the Dreamcast embodied is “almost” impossible to replicate. Perhaps that's probably why its legacy resonates. Back in its gaming era, it prioritized unique experiences over endless engagement metrics.
Looking forward to Part 2!
The Dreamcast is so interesting because it feels so ahead of its time, but like you said, it feels like gaming has pivoted away from the future it envisioned and into an enshitified, predatory version of it. But, the closure of a hardware division from reactionary business practices COULD very well be happening to another brand now 😉
Thanks for the read!
“Enshitified”? Haha love it 🤣 But it’s so true. Most have forsaken themselves for the almighty dollar.
I enjoyed reading this and am always interested in the history of video games, it can be fascinating to look back on. I actually owned Sega consoles growing up, from the Master System, Mega Drive (UK) and then the Saturn. I did want to get the Dreamcast, and looking back it might have been good because it has a lot of fondness, but buying my Saturn did leave me with regrets and taught me that you should go where the games are.
I remember reading all the news at the time of how Sega were doing, how they were spinning it in their favour, and it was genuinely a shock when they announced they would not produce hardware anymore, it was unfathomable at the time. History now shows that things worked out, and like you said can sometimes repeat itself.
Since their hardware divisions closure, they have published some of the greatest franchises I have ever played personally! I believe, although it was sad, it has worked out for them in the best way. Thanks for reading!
this was such a fun read!! I especially loved all the flavor text here and there like “No surprise this is who created Kiryu” and “The Super Nintendo Entertainment System has entered the chat”! I feel like the sort of thing combined with the very thoughtful commentary helps keep the article as a very fresh and engaging read!! ✨
Thanks so much! I really appreciate the specific feedback. The goal for me is to write well, but also keep it comedic and fun, even if its a deep-diving analysis. ♥️
I think you are absolutely nailing that so far!!
Dope, deep dive! Glad to see you writing. Will be awaiting pt. 2!
Honestly, over the course of the last semester, I found myself really enjoying writing papers (when it comes to shit I find interesting), so this has been a fun one especially to pick back up. Excited to drop the next part, it should be within the next few weeks!
I think the gaming industry for Sony and Microsoft has been different because they were already big conglomerates with other tech products keeping them afloat. I'm glad things happened the way they did bc at least we get the great games and that's what i care about.
Also don't bother with Sonic Frontiers, i got 1.5 hours of fun out of it and after that felt like i was doing the same thing over and over. Play sonic mania. I actually was surprised that i enjoyed Forces too tbh.
It is actually crazy to think about how PlayStation was a hidden project in the background at Sony that the higher ups didn't know was being worked on, to see how quickly their tune changed when they started dominating with the PS1.
Also, I own Sonic Mania on like EVERYTHING and have never played 🤐 I gotta change that soon. Thanks for the comment bemmy! ilu!