The Next Big Thing in The Games Industry – Introducing OUYA
Out of nowhere, a new kickstart games console project is looking to be the next big thing in the games industry. Founder Julie Uhrman announced OUYA, the inexpensive games console built on Google’s Android open source technology that brings the mobile gaming space to your TV.
OUYA looks to revolutionise the way we game and stay ahead of the market in terms of content delivery and it’s gaming model – the free-to-play model that continues to be adopted by more developers with their games on a variety of platform will pioneer the console, a model that players can pay to extend the rewards they get from their games. The idea of micro-transactions isn’t new, however OUYA will be the first console to heavily adopt the model.
The project will likely go ahead as the kickstarter project (for those not aware, kickstarter sources crowdfunding to produce the project and reward ‘backers’ in many ways) gathered over $2 million in it’s first 24 hours and still has 28 days to go. If you think it’s a prime opportunity and the next big thing, you can back the project here.
The idea of OUYA is simple – quality and simple hardware, cheap costs, cheap games. Pushing the motive of not needing to invest heavy cash in hardware makes it friendly to the market, meaning easier access to these games on TV with a higher resolution experience. In the video we see a slick TPS, Shadowgun, known for beasty graphics on the mobile devices. The potential is huge and could be another cornerstone of a change in the gaming industry.
My reaction? Cautiously excited. You’ll hear many say that and within reason. OUYA could break the mould of how we perceive gaming should be in terms of access and experiences. Cheaper developer costs would encorage developers and since it’s built on Google Android technology, the transition from Android development will be very easy. People would love the mobile gaming experience and it being the inexpensive choice to Sony’s and Microsoft’s established brands. I’m tempted to back the project and get my hands on OUYA and a controller.
Something to stay reserved about is security, the ecosystem and the establishment. Based on open source technology and allowing developers to hack the system causes inconsistency, piracy risk and instability of an ecosystem for games and development. The free-to-play-model is less certain and we’ll suspect an archive of mediocre games with a few worth playing like that on the mobile app stores. How OUYA can stay secure and the business proposition to profits for themselves and developers is fogged at the moment, however over the coming months, I’m sure a clear plan will quash those fears – or raise them.
What are your thoughts on OUYA? Do you think it’s the next big thing? Sound off in the comments section below.
