Reality Check - What if the PS4 or Xbox One Fail?

My only comment is this: Just because we may be biologically programmed to take pleasure in the pain of others doesn't make it any more acceptable. Pedophiles are biologically wired to be attracted to children. Yet it is expected and demanded by society that they suppress these urges, no matter the cost.

I know that's an extreme example, but I will go ahead and make a blanket statement: it's never good to take pleasure in another's misfortune. There is absolutely nothing to be gained by it. The ability to overcome unhealthy biological compulsions is what typifies higher intelligence. It's largely what separates us from the lower species.

So that's what the TF2 taunt means! I never knew and for some reason never looked it up. Oh Valve and your smart and witty humour.

@Daniel Green Xbox one also comes with a headset.

@Cameron Robinson - The assumption that it isn't wrong because it is biologically present is a bit faulty. That study that you referenced I was made aware of also through NPR, and taking pleasure in seeing abusive acts perpetrated on dissimilar people when described in less euphemistic language is, in that very study, racism. They were talking about how they enjoyed people who were mean to babies that didn't look like them. Racism isn't moral because it may be a practical defense mechanism during our most tribal beginnings.

It was, however, a very good article that I am disappointed to find on no other gaming websites to enlighten us about the foolishness of the "console wars."

And that's why all kids are dicks!

Great episode, Cam. I have been wanting Xbone to fail this go-round, can't lie. I just don't like the way MS has been doing things and targeting to casual gamers. It gives me nerd rage.

Schadenfreude seems like a more technical way of explaining how comedy and tragedy go hand-in-hand. :p

Why did Nintendo concede next gen? No one talks about them now. People only talk about Sony and MS as being the major players. Everyone's writing Nintendo off.

The Wii was underpowered. Wii U was an opportunity for a clean slate, to rectify their lack of competitiveness in hardware, and instead they chose to be a generation behind for a second time running, and give the big two less competition.

@Katie Lazzelle-Baily Isn't this what next gen is all about? Better tech? Next gen is not giving us better game mechanics, it's giving us better graphics. So, I don't think it's absurd to squabble about.

Great video, the games will matter, like it has always been.

You shouldnt just leave Nintendo out of this, they were major factors and whether you consider it or not, Wii U IS next gen. And frankly because of Xbox One and PS4 just coming out, Wii U has arguably the best next gen christmas line-up, especially considering Knack was dissapointing and Super Mario 3D World just keeps getting better despite its underwhelming showing at E3.

All in all, its great to have every bit of gaming, or atleast in utility and everything in the industry has been vital for now, and the coming future.

I have a PC, and getting a Wii U and Xbone. I get the best of each instead of hanging to just one console and thinks the industry should only lean to them.

The industry together needs to evolve together as one as they each push the boundaries of gaming to new heights and potential.

So what WILL happen IF (aka , most likely not) Xbone and PS4 fail? The industry will learn, and try again, together. They pushed together with the help of Nintendo to help back in the 80's crash and it will happen again IF anything horrible were to happen.

Just because something's biological doesn't mean that it's good or the right thing to do.

What if the PS4 or Xbox One fail? Good.

What if Microsoft, Valve and Sony fail? Even better.

Three horrible companies that just make sh**. Apple >>> all.

Nintendo still quietly dominates

I'm still waiting for something to really shake up the industry. I don't know what that is, but I get the feeling it's coming in the next 4-5 years.

No, I'm not talking about the Steam Machine, though it does sound promising for casual PC gamers.

I personally enjoy each console (including handheld machines, Nintendo systems, etc) and PC gaming, so if one of them failed, I would be quite upset.

Competition within any market allows the consumer to have a larger voice, or at least that's how I see it. If one company completely dominated the market, they would not care if the majority of their player-base was upset because there wouldn't be anywhere else to run. Having choices is one of the best feelings in the world as a consumer, and the console market is no different.

that third console sneaking in is Steam machine

more puppets...i like puppets

I really liked this episode. I was pondering the same thing while I chose my side of the console race. Wondering what would happen if competition was no longer there. I think it's direly important to have this in the entertainment industry(at least gaming industry). In my opinion, these major gaming companies(as a whole) create products purely for the sake of money. So, if there was no risk of losing customers(money) to the competition, the companies would no doubt cut corners and take advantage of the power and monopoly in some shape or form. Competition, in this instance creates motivation in the form of quality to keep their customers from joining the other side. Great episode Cam :)

Haters Gonna Hate

Platform that will support Shenmue 3 and Half life 3 wins!

I dont think Neither system will fail

I have no idea what he talking about.

that study of the babies showing approval of harm in others proves that we all have original sin. Science is miles behind what is already known and is just catching up.

Babies are racist?!

wow, not one mention of the wii u in that entire video? like it or not, the wii u is competition to the new consoles (a weak one at the moment). me, i'm supporting ps4, but at the least your competition should be acknowledged. and no, i don't think it is biological to feel a sense of joy in other people's pain. only when your own life is miserable is it more likely for someone to be spiteful and hurtful towards others (out of envy for the other person). people who are happy themselves are less likely to act in that manner and will instead feel empathy towards people suffering.