Electronic Arts’ CEO John Riccitiello is very bullish on internet TV services and how they will affect the gaming industry. He is so upbeat on such technologies from Apple and Google, he thinks they’re more important than 3D is for gaming.
“If I had to pick between IPTV and 3D and which one would be more important for gaming – not necessarily for installed base for homes, because I’m sure that people are definitely going to want to watch Shrek in 3D at home – but for us, I actually think it’s probably more potential in terms of new revenue and business model for us,” said Riccitiello. “What derives from the IPTV side, we’re watching that very carefully. So it’s a priority that’s high for us.”
“I think the long-term opportunity there is significant. I think we’ll ultimately move to be more-than-just-casual games, he added. And I think it bodes well as we go from a world where, if you think about it, a minority of consumers around the world have got a game-ready device connected to their plasma or high-definition television to that being sort of a universal standard.”
As for cloud gaming, Riccitiello acknowledged some logistical issues have yet to be worked out, but he says the company is already working on it. “It’s likely to promote more direct-to-consumer digital models, which, as we’ve indicated up until now, leave more of the money in our pockets of business than they do of various folks taking a piece out of the middle,” said Riccitiello. “So I think it’s a long-term positive. I think it supports both core and more casual offerings. I think it’s a growth driver, and I think navigating the specifics is going to be tricky and interesting to watch.”
Source: GamesIndustry.Biz
