Posted Nov 08, 2006 at 10:28AM by Jex H. Listed in: Interviews Tags: Atari, Sony, CEA, Nolan Bushnell
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nolanbushnellRegardless of whether you're a gamer or not, as long as you're American and weren't deprived of a happy childhood (hahaha), we're guessing you've probably heard of Mr. Nolan Bushnell.

No? Oh c'mon! Mr. Chuck E. Cheese? Still doesn't ring a bell? Oh alright then, Nolan Bushnell is not only the founder of gaming icon Atari, he's also responsible for the wonder that is Chuck E. Cheese, the restaurant chain that first brought together kids, food, pizza, and video games.

Red Herring was able to score an interview with this video game and consumer electronics association hall of famer (he's a founder of more than twenty companies), where Bushnell talks about his new business venture that once again brings food and gaming together, the uWink.

In that particular interview, Bushnell was asked about his thoughts on current gaming systems, he IS (or WAS) a major player in the gaming industry after all.

Red Herring asked Bushnell which areas of the game industry he's following now, and we quote:"I’m very curious and interested in the Nintendo Wii. I think it may expand the market beyond the hardcore [18- to 24-year old]. Xbox Live is interesting because it potentially becomes the platform for the living room."

Safe answer right? But wait, it gets better. When asked what he thought of Sony's PS3 strategy, Bushnell says:

I think Sony shot themselves in the foot… there is a high probability [they] will fail. The price point is probably unsustainable. For years and years Sony has been a very difficult company to deal with from a developer standpoint. They could get away with their arrogance and capriciousness because they had an installed base. They have also historically had horrible software tools. You compare that to the Xbox360 with really great authoring tools and additional revenue streams from Xbox Live... a first party developer would be an idiot to develop for Sony first and not the 360. People don’t buy hardware, they buy software.


So, Red Herring then tried to rebutt his argument by saying, "But what about Sony’s success with the PlayStation and PS2? They sold more than 100 million of each system." And Bushnell's answer? Sony's success with PS and PS2 was nothing brilliant and that they were merely able to hit the market right on spot because of perfect timing. Bushnell even calls Sony as "almost the accidental winner." Ouch very much for Sony!

As for his predictions about Sony's next-gen console? "It would not surprise me if a year from now they’ll be struggling to sell 1 million units. [Factoring in the PS3’s price], I think in the U.S. the number of early adopters you have is actually around 300,000."

Just another rich man who can afford an opinion? You decide. But it wouldn't be a surprise though if Sony luvvvers all over suddenly decide to boycott Chuck E.Cheese (and be deprived of a happy cheesy childhood. Awww...).


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113 Comments


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   by bigp (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » why does everyone diss ps3?????

why??? why dont they talk about how the DS is for kids, xbox360 overheats and freezes alot, wii has a homo controller. no they pick on ps3 well ***** u


   Re: Nitefire (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » Xbox360 and Wii is better

Everyone disses the PS3 because it sucks. I have a 360 and I'm gonna have a wii. The PS3 is too expensive, has no good games coming out anytime soon. Gran Turismo and MGS games are not what I'd call good. I bought a PSP and sold it 2 months later. It was a waste of money due to no good games and sony trying to restrict homebrew games. My DS on the other hand has great games.

I really hope Sony Fails with the PS3. It would help Nintendo regain the #1 spot, which they deserve.

**** sony fanboys

   Re: Spector - 2006-11-08
 » No games what?

Ok let me give you a genre by genre breakdown of games PS3 will have that will be amazing...

Action Adventure - Devil May Cry 4, Metal Gear Solid 4 (what part of MGS is bad the great story telling or the great gameplay? Either way its loved by many and doesn't need your approval.), Ninja gaiden Sigma, Genji, Heavenly Sword

Platform- Only need to say this one game Ratchet and Clank sequel

Racing- Motor Storm, Gran Turismo (you may not call it good but tons of other people do), Formula 1

Fighting- Tekken 6 and Virtua Fighter 5

RPGs- White Knight Story, Final Fantasy XIII, Untold Legends

FPS- Resistance: Fall of Man

Many of those games will be out soon so your a liar (lets switch that I and A and we got another PS3 title showing promise Lair).

It's a shame Sony won't fail and Nintendo will stay in its normal spot. Have a nice day.

(insert profanity about other console)

   Re: haaaaa (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » ps3 is better

360 games are not what i call good. i bought a ds and sold it 2 weeks later. it was a waste of money due to no good games. plus i want to be cheap bia and play free homebrew games so i got a psp.

i hope nintendo fails with the wii and joins sega in sony's RIP list.

how you like that......hahaha

   Re: Mr. Common Sense (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » bigp is angry

My XBOX has never frozen or overheated. It's well known that was only a problem with launch units. PS3 will have problems too with it's experimental technology. I guarantee it.

   Re: Steve (Unregistered) - 2006-11-16
 » 360 great?

thats funny, my xbox360 freezes all the time for no logicial reason except that its a POS. Time for a new frying pan and i think the 360 is up for the job
   by Spector - 2006-11-08
 » Definately Personal

This guy definately shows a lot of spite towards Sony this sounds less like a nice little opinion of his but rather bad blood between him and Sony.

Either Sony turned down something of his or whatever, but to dismiss PSX and PS2 completely, when even your big time xbox guys know it deserves some credit, shows that this man has something very personal in the matter.

I think all Sony fanboys should write this man a letter not to flame but just to notify him when PS3 hits 1million units sold easily. Just so he gets thousands of letters notfiying him that the company he hates is still going strong.

   by fistfight (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » Old guy stinky attitude!

Is'nt this the guy who stole pong? What did he do for gaming besides py into affect cpoyright laws and force some old engineer into retirement? all of his ideas he stole and he is not a gamer with fresh ideas. He is however a capitolist who would steal Sony's ideas and then comment on how great it is.

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   by Anger (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » To Nitefire

You insecure loser. You can hate Sony as much as you want but they are still going to win. Micro$oft already said they are working on a new system. I could see why you would want a g@y wii, the 360 is just starting to get games after being out for a year. I have good news for you your freaking prick; you now have two games Halo and Gow. Sony is b3yond losers like you.


   Re: Anger (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » To you

Microsoft is b3yond g@y $ony fanboys like you

   Re: the cheif (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » retard

all companys start work on the next system as soon as the launch of their previous system is complete.

   Re: KaNo (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » lol yeah but PlayStation

yeah but 2 console in 12 year 94 we know ps3 ll gonna be there for at least 6 years and price gonna go down
   by [EM1]Bobby (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » sony sells more

this guy is a moron. spector, you are right on this one. im sure sony dismissed one of his games or ideas because just like chuckie cheese he thought it was a good idea. chuckie cheese is for dirtbags, and hicks.

anyway, yeah sony sucks and the 360 is way better. is that why they sold more PS2's, (that have been out for what, 5 years?) than they did the 1 year old xbox360 this year.

sony is a huge company and people are loyal to their system. i know personally i was never a big fan of nintendo as a kid, the sega and genesis were aweseome and to me sony has went in that direction with there machines, idk nintendo just seems like a childs toy and the PS lineup seems like a full on experience.


   Re: Chuck Fan (Unregistered) - 2006-11-25
 » Dirtbag and hicks???

#1 this guy hasnt been the CEO for chuck e cheese in over 15 yrs # 2 one of the main ideas behind chuck e cheese is to operate in areas were parents cant afford to go to disney land so yeah rift raft will be there since its the best things those parents can give their kids
   by Joe (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » well..

Are you telling me that PS3 price isn't too high?
Are you telling me the online is really free or even going to be any good? we have to pay other developers(EA)?

I think the main point is that.. WI and 360 will outsell the PS3 until next year when those questions above are answered.


   Re: Spector - 2006-11-08
 » Yes online is free

Check back to the PS2 they had games from EA and other companies online for free. Even Socom a great FPS on the PS2 had free online with no strings attached. The only pay to play were Final Fantasy XI and Everquest as far as I know (and MMORPGs don't count).

So it is possible to do free online they've already done it. Nothing stopping them from doing it again.

And the price is a personal matter for each person. I for one have saved up and can afford one and will get one, and I think I'll get everything I payed for and more in fun and happiness.
   by Wii (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » sony greedy

screw sony, you know all these corporations are greedy but sony is the worst. With their storage formats they release all of which failed. Remember they created memory sticks which only they use,blu ray,you can throw um in their kind of,md players and probably other formats that failed. man they even got Liksang.com out of Business due to Multiple Sony Lawsuits. I use to be a sony fan boy too then i seen what Nintendo DS and XboX.LIVE has to offer.. PS3 what PS3?


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   Re: Spector - 2006-11-08
 » You guys crack me up

Sony is the most greedy evil corporation eh? Well should I introduce this company called Microsoft to you? They have a pretty poor and controlling track record themselves (far worse than Sony if you ask around a bit).

Sony trys to be inovative with new storage formats and devices and you shoot them down. Unless people try these kind of things we will never move on so your really anti-progressive in your thinking.

PS3 what PS3... oh the one with the great titles... yea that one... I'll take that one.

   Re: haaaa (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » i see what they offer too!!

Nintendo has Pokemon!! yeah~~ dont forget donkey kong and mario party?~~ any more kid games im leaving out? people better start having more kids or nintendo will be out of business soon. btw.... i have 80 bucks now.... should i buy a gamecube? hahahahhaa... i'll accept the Wii as a contender as soon as someone explains the success of the gamecube.

i agree with spector tho MS has a track record of their own too~~~~~


   Re: rd261 (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » ....

I would have bought the xbox if it wasnt made by microsoft. Sorry but I have had lots of bad experiences already with their products.

   Re: animeGhost (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » dvd

have u heard of a format called "DVD"... yeah that is a SONY product... and u call sony evil and greedy, do u kno the biggest thing holding back the evolution of pc's... its m$ inability to code an operating system outside of the x86 standard (a standard thats been around as long as the pc has)

   Re: Birk (Unregistered) - 2006-11-09
 » Sony Fails

Remember Beta Max? I bet a lot of you don't because, hey, its not around anymore. ASk your parents about it kiddies!

   Re: Spector - 2006-11-09
 » Yes I Do

Beta Max was actual a great idea if you look at it closely. Higher qualities movies just on a shorter tape. VHS won out though because of its larger storage and people wantted to record TV shows and such. Not many companies went with Sony and Beta and it died off.

You can't directly compare Blu-ray to Beta though because now Sony is a much larger corporation and has movie companies in their pocket. This garuntees movies on Blu-ray for a good long while, and the PS3 gaming aspect of it will keep it alive even longer. So this is going to be a totally different game than it was with Beta.

Like I said before if nobody is out trying to be innovative we will never make a leap forward. Atleast Sony is trying and thinking. You're thinking is just anti-progressive.

   by skidz - 2006-11-08
 » PC User Standpoint.

Nolan hit this one on the nail. This is basic business and everyone should realize why the PS2 did so well.
I am very surprised these "fanboys" as they are called pick sides based on false loyalties. Neither Microsoft or Sony are any better than each other. Its just business.


   Re: Spector - 2006-11-08
 » not totally

He basically said Sony got lucky twice. I could agree if they just got lucky once, but they did this twice so they have an idea how to make it happen imo. Lightening struck once, twice, and let's make it three times for Sony.

   Re: sinjinn (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » ..

good point spector. this 'got lucky' bull***** is ridiculous. sony actually goes round to developers , gets them onboard , makes sue they have a great product with great software and support ... they dont 'get lucky' or are ' at the right place at the right time' unlike other componies sony has control and foresight of where the market is going and how to stay ahead of it. they are used to making complicated electronic equipment and know how to stay ahead of the game . microsoft will NEVER catch them. i have a 360 and the damn thing is noise pollution compared to the ps2. and the ps3 is virtually silent next to a 360 , just check out comments of anyone whos already recieved one. microsoft dont have the technical abilty to make soemthing like the ps3. they are just the sega and nintendo of thier time , getting a part here and there to make soemthing that half way decent...but that wont work anymore because a huge company with vastly greater experience in technology has parked thier mercedes slk right next to microsofts chrysler neon .

   Re: animeGhost (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » about timing...

and on the timing thing... sony has never been first to the market (ps came out after the sega saturn and ps2 came out after the dreamcast) so what makes this time around so different?
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   by NiteFire (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » To: Anger

Whos a loser? Getting pissed off because I insulted your favorite console? Just because I want the PS3 to fail?

Also, how is the wii gay? I dont see anything that could classify the console as a Homo. The games coming for it are ones that spank Sonys and Microsofts console completely.

Example: Zelda. No game comes close to the awesomeness of the zelda series and twilight princess looks like the best game yet.

Virutal console is another example. Classic games from Sega, Hudson, Nintendo and other companies from the 90's? Best Idea Ever. Microsofts live aracade and Sonys Live Ripoff wont even come close to that.

So, Mr. Anger. Grow up and realize that flaming a person over his/her opinion doesn't help anything and helps make you look like even more of a moron. Have a nice day


   Re: Spector - 2006-11-08
 » Hmm

Well you'd do the same if this guy insultted your Wii and don't pretend for a second you wouldn't.

I'd say the Metal Gear Solid series and Final Fantasy Series do a good job of coming close to your almighty savior of Zelda (please don't take this as a huge attack on Zelda I know you all love him ever so much).

Virtual console is just a small bonus imo because I certainly don't buy a next-gen console to play old games on it. PC emulators (oh yea you guys ripped of those in the first place so don't call anything else a rip off its hypocritical) have done this for me for a long time.

And you don't have that many great games on Wii. Sony has just as many super titles coming its way (as I listed above).

   Re: haaaaa (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » zelda

Wii will suck.... as good as Zelda is too you... it didnt help the n64 or gamecube did it? but for sure it will help the Wii because cmon.... it will.

   Re: Ytse (Unregistered) - 2006-11-22
 » liukgf;i

"Example: Zelda. No game comes close to the awesomeness of the zelda series and twilight princess looks like the best game yet"


Apparently you've never heard of Metroid.


"Virutal console is another example. Classic games from Sega, Hudson, Nintendo and other companies from the 90's? Best Idea Ever"


Apparently you havent heard of PSP Homebrew Emulators


"Microsofts live aracade and Sonys Live Ripoff wont even come close to that"

Yeah just like all the other companies "ripped-off", Analog Sticks + Rumble + Motion Sensing PS1 controllers + Touch Sensitive Buttons + Home buttons(PSP).

Apperently your a 360 Moron.
   by phalanges - 2006-11-08
 » NiteFire ...

you obviously don't plan to get a PS3, but to say it sucks without playing it, is stupid. You say GT and MGS are not good games, I know people who would say Zelda is a rehash of the same game 10 years ago. Nintendo is rehashing the same franchises 10 years ago. What's this virtual console crap? Wow, I can play my NES, SNES, Genesis game on the Wii. Wait, can't I play that on my PSP for free or my orginal consoles?

   by DoctahhDooom (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » ha

This old man really pissed off all the playboys, you guys are pathetic. What did I read in that article? Founder of more than 20 companies? He must be doing something right.


   Re: Spector - 2006-11-08
 » And..

Yes he's doing something right in the business world, doesn't mean he knows anything about games now does it. Like Fistfight said above he's more so a clever thief with a piss poor attitude towards Sony.
   by Ralph (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » chucky cheese sux0rs

i F***ing hate chuckie cheese, it sux0rs. i like to touch little boys, and the wii sux 2.

   by Lurker (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » OMG Fanboys

You fanboys are really something. I mean, come on. From reading the article i donot see him slamming sony, and praising MS or nintendo. He is stating his opineon based on years of experience. I have heard much the same that sonys dev tools are sub par or hard to work with. And none of you fanboys can tell me that Sony hasnt shown its arogance many many times. And to boot, the Ps3 isnt even out; so your all relying on hype. This is how Sony has sold its gaming products. Hype. Dont get me wrong, i fell for the Psone and PS2 hype. But we were also in the age where Sony really could tell us anything they wanted, and we ate it up. Now with the majority of people having interent access and such. We are able to make are own judgements, and look beyond Sonys hype. And guess what, many many people have seen through Sonys BS, Lies (what ever you want to call them) and are not going to just slam down $600 on there false claims. Ill let the Sony sheep do that.


   Re: Spector - 2006-11-08
 » almost... but no

He only mentions positives abot Wii and 360 in the article if you didn't notice either and no negatives for them. Sony on the other hand he only has negatives to speak of.

"Sony's success with PS and PS2 was nothing brilliant and that they were merely able to hit the market right on spot because of perfect timing. Bushnell even calls Sony as "almost the accidental winner."

That fact that man can discredit PSX and PS2 both of which were extremely solid system and had so many amazing titles in some many genres. The delivered on their hype the last 2 times and game sales and console sales over the years prove it (from a business stand point atleast).

Even with those sub-par dev tools still seems to me amazing games are coming out for the PS3 so I guess they are usable atleast.

Sony has done it twice before with great systems that have great games. I'm guessing it will happen again. If you want to bring up the internet part it is causing problems to with creating spin and such on subjects. If you want to discuss what "BS" Sony is putting out there post it in here cause I'd like to know honestly.

baaaahhhhhhhhhh
   by PHuck all u (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » He is right

phuck all of u! Any one who thinks the wii is gay is a 12 year old boy who is insecure about his own sexuality the xbox 360 to me is a pretty good sytem aka a B-A system the ps3 i wanted to get one this year i looked a the launch titles and they all suck (P.S. God of war and gran turismo are some of the worst games i played!)


   Re: sinjinn (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » ..

yeah but how noisy is that 360 ... damn thats one noisy *****

   Re: matt54 (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » lol who gives a ***** about how noisy it is.

omg, my 360 makes noise, it must suck.... LOL my pc makes more noise and its in a larger case.. not only that, the machine is less than 2 months old. my 360 isnt that noise. yeah maybe the dvd drive in it is, but who the ***** really cares.

   Re: Spector - 2006-11-08
 » Movies

People who watch movies on their consoles most of the time like to have it quiet so it doesn't have a droning that interupts the mood of the movie or a very story driven game as well.

It's all about the ambience.
   by Mr. Common Sense (Unregistered) - 2006-11-08
 » Spector needs a job. Unless this is it

Spector must be an undercover $ony operative. He doesn't listen to what people say and sees anything against his opinion as an attack. Exactly in line with sony's PR campaign. Not getting off topic, Nolan Bushnell is the main reason video games even exist, and everybody is attacking his opinion. Does anybody even know how sony entered the videogame market? They originally had a partnership with Nintendo to make a CD add on for the Super Nintendo to compete with Sega CD. Both companies realized it was too late and next gen was approaching so the project was cancelled. sony had a lot of money invested, so thought to use that research to make their own console. Their time was right and Sega botched the Saturn big time so their timing was perfect. The N64 was technically a much better system, but they made it cartridge based and that ruined their chance to get the top spot, due to the high price of cartridges. He is also right on the mark about sony screwing developers. PS2 had to be programmed from an assembly level, just because they didn't need to make it easy. They have the installed user base and people are more likely to buy a product they are familiar with. sony is doing it again with the PS3, even blatently saying people will pay the hefty price simply because it's sony. So go ahead and say Atari sucks, Chuck E Cheeze sucks, etc if that makes you feel better. This guy is a genius, and he has a good sense of business ethics.


   Re: Spector - 2006-11-08
 » Spector has a job

I wish I was an undercover guy working for Sony but alas I am not. I work at a local Gamestop actually and today is my day off so I'm just playing games and reading my favorite news feed. And no I don't feel attacked or anything I just like to try and set straight any false information. If I'm saying something wrong correct me as well (that's what I enjoy here).

About this man though "Isn't this the guy who stole pong? What did he do for gaming besides put into affect cpoyright laws and force some old engineer into retirement? all of his ideas he stole and he is not a gamer with fresh ideas. He is however a capitolist who would steal Sony's ideas and then comment on how great it is." is a very relavant comment Fistfight made about this guy.

And honestly unless I'm a developer I only care about the end result the developers come out with and for PSX and PS2 it was great stuff. Yes I will pay more because it's Sony because Sony has delivered in the past and from the games they've annoucned look like they will be doing it again.

He has done stuff right in the business world for sure, but he comes across in the interview as bitter to me (can't prove that though so however you read into it).
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   by Figboy - 2006-11-08