So here http://digg.com/newsbar/topnews/valve_steam_box_console_rumor_sounds_like_a_bad_idea is a link to a news story about Valve, a privately owned game company, that is making prototypes for a new gaming console called the "Steam Box". So what's so fancy and new about this system? According to Digg.com "A standout feature is rumored to be a controller that could provide real-time biometric feedback from the player to the game. For example, a shooter would be able to adjust the intensity of the action based on the player’s pulse rate." But does that really make you want to toss your Xbox or PlayStation out the window to get in line to buy this new console? That would mean updating games too, just a couple more hundred dollars. The real question that most game makers and fanatics have is will this system take off and become a best seller or will it flop like many other consoles have such as the 3DO, CD-i, and Nuon?
What I'm interested in, however, is if little features that promote "new technology" are really worth all the money? Gamers already invest so much in new games, system updates, DLC's, etc. So would a new feature like this really drive the average gamer to go out and buy all new gadgets and games for it? Or are companies just exploiting gamer's needs for something new just to get a few extra bucks out of them?
I'm wondering how something like this would impact a gamer's experience...?
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