Amazon's Fire TV device

[VectorX]

Gads, here console gaming is supposed to be on its last legs, yet more and more devices keep on getting released!

games.yahoo.com/blogs/plugged-in/amazon-fire-tv-compete-gaming-device-183527821.html

$99 U. S., which streams movies, books and tv shows, as well as plays games.

[TrekMD]

Yep, saw this today as well. Looks interesting but not sure it is something I'd get.

[wyldephang]

More news about console gaming:

www.engadget.com/2014/05/13/xbox-one-without-kinect-harmonix/

I always felt the Kinect add-on was more of a gimmick than an essential input device. All of the Kinect features I'm familiar with have the distinct feeling of having been shoehorned into the game in order to justify Kinect's existence.

First, I don't think it's wise to divide the consumer base like that. Xbox One developers will need to decide between continuing to make games that enforce using the Kinect or making games for the non-Kinect owning audience. Second, what the game studios have said about this decision is disheartening. Harmonix released a statement claiming, "As game makers, this platform change doesn't affect our strategy – it reinforces that we must continue to focus on building innovative, compelling and well-designed motion experiences to motivate consumers to buy our games." It used to be the case that a good overall package of storytelling and gameplay was what sold games. Now, it seems gimmicky motion controls are what attracts consumers. In a rare moment of vexation, please permit me to say that this whole generation of gaming can stick a great, big butt plug right up the . . . well, you know.

[akator]

I have enough gaming devices. I care about non-cable TV. I've been happy for years with net-tops and Roku plugged into TVs. No cable, both computer and "video box" solutions. We can watch TV *and* play games on any TV anywhere in the house.

Yes, we are freaks. However, while Amazon Fire TV may catch on as a TV box, I don't see how it will ever be a serious factor for gaming.

Amazon will certainly gain traction, but I doubt they will ever "own" a gaming market any more than they have with gaming on tablets. People that have Android phones and tablets, let alone iOS, don't want to throw away everything for the Amazon ecosystem.