Although fanboys existed to some extent in the previous generation, we can all however agree that this particular generation has seen that matured into something more definitive, where traits like bias, insecurities, rivalry, dislikes and most of all passion, have been cooked in a fire of consistent - almost daily - furnace of debates and clashes; and this in itself is significant.
The PlayStation 2 was the dominant leader and popular console of the past which you would be hard-pressed to find any member here on N4G to have owned the console (except me ironically) and so with the unveiling of the PlayStation 3 by Sony there was no shortage of support and loyalty from the masses. The Xbox 360, coming out a year earlier, was significant to the birth of the new reality of fanboyism in my opinion. For the first time, we saw a large amount of support coming from Xbox 360 owners to join the band of previous Xbox owners. Upon the unveiling of Sony's newly tagged "heir" there was ofcourse the common conception that it would once again dominate the industry.
But the delay in its release forced some gamers to look elsewhere for some 'next-gen' gaming and once they fell in love with Microsoft's new box, there came a sense of defiance from the battle cries around them - marching to an ever loud beat of impending victory of the PS3. It was this single fact that had stemmed a sense of passion and bias from the Xbox camp. The arrogance from the PS3 invasion lining up on the horizon triggered defiance. Even the $600 price tag of the PS3 was not really enough to silence the drums and so when it launched, frustrated loyal fans who waited for the console - who really invested in a whole year of biting their nails whilst the 360 was there on the shelves - packed the Internet speaking of how the 360 would become yesterdays news and the "big boy" was coming to trounce it.
Ofcourse it didn't exactly turn that way. Sales declined significantly after its release, with only the European launch window, somewhat being a saving grace in terms of positive media coverage. The Xbox 360 continued to sell well and the 2nd generation of games were launched - its fans were gleaming whilst the 'opposition' were left to go on the defensive themselves, with little to no ammo other than "wait and you'll see".
Sales for the console slumped largely in North America, sometimes failing to even break 90,000 per month in Spring 2007. The Xbox camp sensed a change of wind in the industry - their console had the games given the best ratings, it had the best online interface, it was affordable, and Halo 3 was about to be released to extend their lead and for the first time in a very long time, put them in a solid position to claim victory and also silence the arrogance and mockery they received from the over-confident Sony politicians.
I'm summing it up but we honestly had and still do, a case of two sport teams, shall we say, one with a larger and more richer history in this game than the other which was classed as the underdog but came up and gained the respect, and preference, of many in the game. Have any of you came across a team with such a great history and reputation, but being overcome by a younger and fitter team - signalling the end of a reign and the beginning of a new one? It's very similar in this console war business.
Each point scored by the underdog is seen as small knocks to the larger opposition - but with them unable to hit back, eventually giving the notion they will fall down. And each time the larger team hits unexpectedly, it's a huge hit because it fuels the belief that they're gaining their form back that could see them finally win the match.
There are many more PS3 fanboys in this world than there are 360 fanboys, but that's not to say there are more "bad" apples on one side of the other, especially when you consider the fanbase is significantly larger on the Sony side - so you'll most likely have to compare the ratio of fanboys to come to any conclusion in regards to the amount of them. But, my point is there are really no bad apples on either side. One team was born from defiance, and another was born on momentum and brand recognition and each are eat each other's throat to justify their stances. This is more about psychology than it is with Xbox/PlayStation preference. When you're part of one side, its human nature to defend that side to the nth degree and use whatever means to smack the opposing side - with bias and propaganda and exaggerations of each victory.
The fact that Xbox fanboys have/had basis for their claims, has sent shockwaves in the corridors of Sony-fanboy hallways. And thus, we see any sign of a comeback to be exaggerated and a quick hurray is done to once again find those drums that were put down so long ago, to march to that victory beat. I said earlier clashes were almost daily - what a change of time we're at for that to be even possible considering the notions before this generation actually began, that it'd be another dominate show for Sony and Co. This simple fact echoes loudest in this generation so far in terms of where we are at. Regardless of what happens with these consoles at the end, no one will deny how close it was at this early point.
I won't speculate and say which side has more going for them than the other - that's up to your personal interpretation and, perhaps, even preference.
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Good well written article...although the big ass wall of friggn text has me thinkn your Nasims 30th account
j/k
Great read, thanks Meus. I'm going 2 read over ur other stuff now, very well written
Nice blog. You deserve all the arse-kissing you get, Meus ;)
Seriously, though. It's a good article, although some would argue that you're 'blaming' the 360 for fanboyism (I'm not one of those people, but I can assure you there will be some) but nonetheless, a very good blog indeed.
I don't know if you know this. But you say alot of smart things.
You are a shining light for great thought on N4G. keep up the good work someone will hire you for sure.