LAB+1

Question: What 'Digital Innovation' do you feel deserves the title 'Revolutionary' and Why?

Answer: The most revolutionary event to happen to electronic console gaming  In the attempt to make clear the decision of why this ‘digital innovation’ deserves the title ‘revolutionary’, it is important to define the terms ‘innovation’ and ‘revolutionary’. The definition will determine the boundaries of the assignment as well as the appropriateness of each device candidate. ‘Innovation’ simply means the introduction of a new things or methods. ‘Revolutionary’ is defined as pertaining to, characterized by, or of the nature of a revolution, or a sudden, complete, or marked change. So the appropriate candidate for the title ‘revolutionary’ must pertain to these defined definitions and boundaries outlined. But to this I will add another obstacle or boundary to the candidate. The device or innovation must be such a positive change towards that field, category, industry, etc. that it will not revert back to the traditional methods or devices, rather it will create such an impact, that its influence will continue to radiate strong throughout future generations. That is to say, the innovation will now always be considered a vital element in all future planning, development and consideration related to the overall process. The area for the candidate will be sought out in the Gaming industry, more specifically, console gaming.  The two most recent major movements in console gaming development happened with the introduction of ‘Online gameplay’ and ‘Motion Sensory technology’. Out of these two innovations I believe that ‘Online gameplay’ to be the better candidate for the title ‘Revolutionary’ than ‘Motion Sensors’ in the area of consumer gaming. Also in hopes to show that, the latest and newest advancements in technology does not always necessarily equate to a breakthrough. Once again, its the ability of the innovation to have a strong enough impact to change the direction of the industry, category, field, etc. in its present form. It goes without question that the title of most technologically advanced, complex and innovative device is better suited to the Motion Sensors, however, I am reluctant to dub it ‘revolutionary’ to the console gaming scene. Motion sensor strays from traditional conventions and offers a full body experience, of course, all the past console games limited motion to just the fingers and the only time the entire body participated was when the gamer got too exited and leap from their seats. But it hasn’t revolutionized console gaming or even changed gaming entirely, rather, its an addition to gaming consoles. Motion sensors will always be limited to the type of game it can be enjoyed on. For example, games involving dance and some sports like boxing will really excel when paired with motion sensors but will slump in most other games such as racing, football and RPGs. In the end, Motion Sensor will not replace the console controller or change the way console games will be developed in the future. Instead, specific games will be made specifically for Motion Sensors and a new category of gaming genre will be created.  Online gaming was not a completely new concept when it was first introduced to consoles. However it completely changed the way consoles are viewed and how games are played and valued as well as developed. Pre-Online console, players essentially played by themselves against a programed computer or players must physically be within close proximity of the console should any kind of multiplayer gameplay be experienced. As a result, the most dominating games on the market at the time relied heavily on the game's content and very little on the players involved. However, the best selling and most popular games today are heavily dependant on the online feature. Online gaming is the reason why games like //Halo// and //Call of Duty// are the most popular games today and why sports games will intensify. Online Gaming has actually shifted a large part of its audience towards online gaming. All future games consider the online feature, but no all will consider the motion sensor, a feat only suitable for the most revolutionary digital innovation in the console gaming arena.