Electronic Entertainment Expo 1999
"I'll Be Back"
by Jim Bennett (May 1999)
On the technology side, Sony and Sega are starting to announce new game platforms that will include 3-D, DVD and on-line gaming capabilities. More powerful CPUs such as the Pentium III improves 3-D imaging and "Internet Everywhere" capabilities. Other features such as satellite connectivity, voice control and television convergence offer additional growth possibilities. With increasing sales volumes and more competition, costs will continue to be driven down and multi-platform formats continue to be important as consumers are expected to buy more.
Emerging "play anywhere" segments, such as vehicle and personal mobile communications, coupled with Internet gaming systems, will play a big role in the near future. This is especially true when the standards for emerging wireless Internet technologies such as Bluetooth and WAP get resolved in the near future. For example, the Ford Motor Company and Nintendo deal for rear seat video games is the start of an important corporate and entertainment trend to watch. While I didn't see many examples of this at this event, I'm sure it will be more prevalent later this year and at upcoming shows.
Copyright
© 1999 Jim Bennett All rights reserved.
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