Check out this video of the PlayStation 4. My verdict? I think they developed a good vision, made the right choices and executed well accordingly. To summarize it in my own words:

– Instant access to your favorite games

– Relevant offers based on your current catalogue

– Connected and sharable experiences (multiplayer & sharing scores & moments)

– Elegant (simple & easy)

Since I will be speaking about games, gamification, applied games and my book the upcoming two days in Istanbul I might as well share this slide about the evolution of game platforms, also because the most recent addition to platforms can be pre-ordered per direct. The Game Stick that works with a controller and a USB stick is a sheer novelty!

Although they (Ouya, Gamestick, Onlive) still have to prove their success I am really curious if they will change the way we will play our games in the living room. Yesterday I tweeted that Apple will introduce the ‘next gen’ game console in a form called ‘Apple TV’ probably this year. Providing gameplay through their iPhone, iPod Touch and iPads as controllers. How great it may sound, personally I still prefer controllers that have buttons. And what will Sony introduce along with their PlayStation 4…? Indeed – touch screen – in between their two sticks. Another mistake in my opinion. They could better have made their buttons even MORE analogue. So I can use the buttons as a ‘gas pedal’, or for sneaking (pressed slightly), walking (pressed normal) or running (pressed all the way). I advice the traditional companies to stick to their competences and optimize their systems in line with their own vision to keep hold of their fan-base instead of trying to become a ‘all in one- product… Stick to the Core I say! And let the young innovative companies try to shake up the world with novelties like the Game Stick….

Forget all you ever heard about Gamification! Check out this 15 minute presentation about how to build loyalty through the ATARI model (Trigger, Action, Reward, Investment). It strongly ties into what I believe of how you can change human behavior. You can use this model along and in line with my Cocha-model.

I think you should consider this circle a ‘vicious’ circle like and the experience that happens when players reach a state of ‘flow’ through the ‘game loop’…

If the video doesn’t play, go to Nir’s website:

www.nirandfar.com

You can find a full explanation of the Cocha-model here.

A great short film by Sight Systems. Will this be my future…?

Where can you find me the upcoming months?

6-2-2013 Marketing Information Event in The Hague (The Netherlands)
19-2-2013 Gamelab – Moderating the ‘Bloopers in the gaming Industry workshop’ in Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
20-2-2013 & 21-2-2013 Gamification Workshop in Istanbul (Turkey)
1-3-2013 Joining forces with Today Designers in our new office in Utrecht (The Netherlands): De Vechtclub XL
7-3-2013 until 14-3-2013 SXSW in Austin Texas (USA) attending as press
14 & 15-4-2013 Euroforum Gamification conference in Hamburg Germany at the ‘marktplatz’

Work in progress of our new office…

Yes! I received the program for SXSW the coolest digital interactive film music festival of the world! I will be there the whole week and also be covering the music & film events thanks to Molblog!

Be sure to follow all my updates through Twitter and this spot right here!

Here’s the line-up / schedule for this year: http://www.sxsw.com/schedule

I am proud to say that I am one of the ‘mentors’ to help out the guys that invented this crazy app to spice up your life and make it more playful. If you have the feeling your life is all-right, you should definitely install the app. You will get a task every week that helps you to get out of your comfort zone… And you have to complete every task a.s.a.p. and make a picture of it and show it on your Facebook timeline (sharing is caring 😉

Check out the screens below and if you think it’s not for you… DOWNLOAD IT AND START PLAYING !

Minute Race is the first mobile app that helps you move beyond your comfort zone in an exciting and playful way!

The app challenges you to be courageous, playful, self-ironic and adventurous! It’s your turn!

*Do you have a crazy idea for a race? Tell it us on our Facebook page or send a tweet @minuterace.

We’re still looking for a CTO so if you live in The Netherlands (preferably Amsterdam) and are a genuine hacker. Contact Peter (peter at minuterace dot com)!

Support these guys at startup bootcamp or rockstart accelerator!

Download the app here

Check out this model of Gameplay Mechanics that I developed and the short video with explanation how I look at game design and share your thoughts. Maybe I left things out that you feel are essential, but I tried to keep it as simple and generic as possible. I hope you like the voice over… it’s inspired by Fallout 2…