== New Media Technologies Annotated Bibliography ==
Forster, Winnie. (2005). the encyclopedia of game machines – Consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 – 2005. New York: Game plan. ISBN 3-00-0153594
Forster and Winnie are specialists in the field of computer entertainment, and this books academic viability has been recognized. This has made it a suitable reference and recommended reading in many American universities. The book catalogs almost every video game system from the birth of gaming to present day. The book is extensively informative about all game systems, even the systems which did not make into the commercial market. The chapters within this book have been set out relating to the advancing generations of game systems, and cover the 1st to 5th era of gaming. These chapters are then sub categorized with particular machines from that era, making the layout and history logical to follow. The only information not covered is the future era of gaming machines and technology, though due to this information being only speculation it may not fit into an encyclopedic style book. Due to it writing style and comprehensive information on the history of video games, this book will be a clear reference in my new media wiki.
Sarrel, MD. (2003). Personal Technology. PC Magazine 22(17): 144
This journal article is structured as a comparative product review, comparing and reviewing the Microsoft Xbox and its online capabilities, with the Playstation 2 and its networking feature. Due to the fact that this article is written in ‘PC magazine’ rather than a console based publication, the article should have no biases for either of these online features. The author first reviews Xbox Live. The article first goes into the approach Microsoft has taken with the Xbox Live network, by taking absolute control and centralizing the network. Microsoft requires game publishers to include certain features (online enabled, voice communication) in games and insists on controlling the infrastructure of each game. Xbox live is a subscription offer having customers paying $49.95 for a starter kit coming with 12 months of access to the network. The Playstation 2 uses a completely different approach to the networking of its online games. Sony has come up with a more open approach, the user is free to select their own ISP (Internet Service Provider), and game publishers can supply an infrastructure for its games. This article will become an important reference when comparing the different companies which have created online play for their consoles.
Gaudiousi, J. (2003). Online Gaming Gains Console Converts. Video store magazine. 25(49): 8
The journal article seems much the same as the previous (PC magazine, 22(17): 144) reference although it is structured differently. In the previous PC magazine, Sarrel performed a comparative product review; this article does not compare but only educates the viewer on the facts. This article presents many statistics of console sales and percentages of online games in relation to offline only. Although due to the year of publication (2003) I would need to find another source to verify its factuality at this time. The article also gives predictions of the next generation of game consoles and their effect on the online game market.
Diot, F. (2002). Datamonitor: Consoles Tipped to bring renewed growth to the online gaming market globally. M2 Presswire August edition 2002: pg 1.
The author of this journal article, Frederic Diot is a game analyst within Datamonitor a premium business information company specializing in industry analysis. Due to this the article will contain educated and academic content, making a reliable reference for an encyclopedic entry. The article highlights what effects online console gaming will have on the global online gaming market. It is stated that the introduction of online console gaming will promise the launching of online gaming into the mass-market, because “consumers are bound to move inexorably towards consoles.�?(Diot, F. 2002, 1) The article also demonstrates how the PC online gaming market is a paradox, although it attracts a large number of players, it has failed to generate any revenue in accordance. Diot believes the introduction of console online play will change this, devising ways to bring the market into balance. This academic article is a positive representation of online console gaming, becoming an important reference for the new media wiki.
Rouse, R. (2001). Gaming & Graphics: the console & PC: Separated at birth? SIGGRAPH Computer Graphics. 35(2): 5-9
Richard Rouse, the author of the article ‘the console and PC: Separated at birth?’ has been involved in the development of many video games found on both PC and console systems, such as Playstation 2. Rouse has also written a book titled ‘Game design: theory and practice’, giving detailed instruction behind creation of video games. His detailed background within the industry makes this article a stable and suitable reference for the wikipedia entry. The article compares the PC & console as game machines, exploring the benefits of each system. The article is sub categorised into four different sections:
The journal articles academic style and contents will make sure it will be a strong reference within my article.
PVC. 2005. Pc vs. Console. http://www.pcvsconsole.com/news.php?nid=3088 (accessed August 5, 2005)
PCV (PC Vs consoles) is a website which is dedicated to bringing the viewer information and news about both PC and console gaming. The website also features articles about the different gaming experiences on pc and consoles. The information is up to date, due to the vast activity on the website. Articles which are topical to the research essay include, “Xbox live community doubles in just one year, new member added every thirty seconds.�? There is a review section on the website that gives information on every recent console system and the range of games and accessories. It important to have a third party such as PVC reviewing these products, as there is no bias throughout their review process. The website includes a console specifications table which includes specs of consoles from the 1st generation of gaming up to the future of 6th generation systems. The Website also includes articles about the future generation consoles, such as: “Xbox 360 to feature fonix voice technology�? and “Microsoft & Marvel massively multiplayer online game development.�?
Xbox. 2005. Official Xbox website. www.xbox.com (accessed August 7, 2005)
This is the official website of the Microsoft Xbox, making the information posted reliable and factual. The website includes a vast up to date section on the whole selection of Xbox titles including soon to be released games and accessories. Within the site is a section on Xbox live, which contains information on the setup of the online system, abilities to enhance your online play such as content download, friend’s lists, invitations to online tournaments and clan creations. There is also a section within Xbox live which hosts official world wide tournaments with some its more popular online games. Not only does the website host a section about Xbox live, but it also supports in depth information on the new Microsoft console; Xbox 360. Interviews with the creators of the new system are also included, which cover some of the new features of the Xbox 360. The Official Xbox website is an important reference as it contains reliable information on all aspects of the Xbox, focusing on Xbox live; the most used online console system.
Playstation. 2005. Official Playstation website. www.playstation.com (accessed August 8, 2005)
This is the official website of Sony’s gaming system, the Playstation making the information reliable. The website provides the same layout as the previous website only that its focus is primarily on the Playstation 2. The Playstation is the only console besides Xbox which has incorporated the use of online play for there console. The website details the functions and design of this online networking and its benefits. The website includes information on the most recent of Sony’s gaming systems, the PSP (Playstation portable) a huge advancement for handheld gaming. This will be included as a sub category within my new media wiki entry.
Nintendo. 2005. Official Nintendo power website. www.nintendo.com (accessed August 8, 2005) This is the official website of the Nintendo Company, giving details on all Nintendo products. Although Nintendo have been dominating the console market for almost two decades, it seems the newer companies in the console market, such as Microsoft and Sony are taking over. This may be due to the Nintendo Game cubes lack of any sort of online play. Although the Game cube doesn’t include online play it does have the ability for LAN (Local Area Networks), something which is described vividly within the website. The website includes information on Nintendo handheld systems, such as the Game-boy and the Nintendo DS (Dual Screen) and the addition of Wi-Fi with these systems. This will become a handy reference for the sub section focusing on handheld gaming.
Wikipedia. (3/08/05) Xbox Live. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/xbox_live. (accessed August 5, 2005)
This Wikipedia entry relating to Xbox live is regularly updated (August 3rd 2005) and improved upon to keep the content factual and academic. This entry focuses on the features of Xbox live, the centralised structure of the online network, its brief history and the soon to be introduced version two (2) of Xbox live. The article also raises points which the official Xbox website did not report, thus gaining a deeper understanding of the way Xbox run there online systems.
Yarron Frauenfelder 12:03, 12 Aug 2005 (EST)
