Kickstarter: OUTA Video Game Console

Anyone remember the old days of Commodore 64? You could sit down and write code from scratch or re-write existing code to make your own game and share it. An explosion of new independent programers came to the scene and programming for PC became the norm.

Anyone remember the old days of Playstation 1? There was a $750 version (Net Yaroze) that allowed ANYONE to make their own game and share it. An explosion of new independent programers came to the scene and Playstation became the #1 console... mainly because all the programers learned to program to it cheaply.

Now, all video games are being developed for mobile devices... and the console is dying a constrictive and expensive licensing death. Only the ones with lots of cash can actually make some games.

Enter the ultra cheap OPEN Console. Enter... OUYA Gaming Console

Designed with both players and developers in mind. Each console will cost $99 (includes 1 wireless controller) and will be HD (1080p) compatible. The rules is that at least some part of the available game has to be free; be a Free Demo (with option to buy full version), a Free Basic Game (with subscription for updates) or just plain FREE! Each console IS also a Development Kit, so programers can start right away (out of the box) porting or writing their games. That means that EVERYONE can potentially write something. Did I mentioned that the console is hackable? Regular screws for hardware, open software based on Android v4.0. The rise of emulators, hardware hacks and homebrews could start once more.

Specifications:

• Tegra3 quad-core processor
  
• 1GB RAM
  
• 8GB of internal flash storage
  
• HDMI connection to the TV, with support for up to 1080p HD
  
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
  
• Bluetooth LE 4.0
  
• USB 2.0 (one)
  
• Wireless controller with standard controls (two analog sticks, d-pad, eight action buttons, a system button), a touchpad
  
• Android 4.0

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I think is an interesting project. In 3 days they have raised over $4.3 MILLION dollars (out of the desired $950k)... $2M on the 1st day! The prototype is playable and some industry gaming heavy hitters are interested too!



Project Update for OUYA Gaming Console

34,440 Backers
$4,391,440 pledged of $950,000 goal
26 Days to go

OUYA seems to be the talk of the town. Google search results in 3.9M hits and I've been reading articles in major PC and Console online magazines. So... what do you think?

Dude WTF!!!! This is cool. I don't play video games that much but this is a freakin great idea for those who create phone games but allows you to play on a TV. Freakin brilliant.

They are at $4million and 26 days left. LOL. This is going to be HUGE!

I might get in...but i will wait...Thanks for sharing.

Project Update for OUYA Gaming Console

38,444 Backers
$4,906,520 pledged of $950,000 goal
23 Days to go


The project seems to be stabilizing. They gain $500k in pledges over the weeked. While that is VERY impressive, is a far cry of the pledges of the 1st 3 days. On the update front...

• Talks with Nvidia are strong, so they are receiving good support to optimize the Tegra 3 chipset and video drivers.
  
• Probable adaptations to the controller to help the color-blind.
  
• Possible inclusion of an Ethernet Port.
  
• Meteor, the maker of Hawken (a great-looking upcoming free-to-play mech game, LINK), just pledged that they’re also in on OUYA
  
• Added more Complete Developer Rewards (Hardware & Software).
  
• May add Software Developer Rewards (just Software).
  

On the Media news-front, many 'experts' are skeptical of delivery times. They don't think that is possible to have such project done by an Independent by the ultra-aggressive deadline of March 2013. The same was said about Rasberry Pi, the ultra cheap $25 Linux all-in-one PC (LINK)... it could not be done EVER. Instead it was only 3 months late. The little guy works great (some of my co-workers at Canon have it) and now the company is expanding and allowing Customer to buy more than one Rasberry at a time ( GASP! )

So... what do YOU think?

Hmmm.....I was interested until I got to the Android software...... and that's when I went.... (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

There is much much better software out there for people to use. The games produced on this are going to be a joke compared to other game consoles, and the ONLY way a free console would gather any steam to compete against the big boys is to have games that are comparable to them.

I'm going to pass on this.

I see no downfall here as far as mobile platform games (that are free purchase with microtransaction) alot of fun games are made on game engines like Unity. And with a larger data storage and not having to worry about download time as much you could have some really good games out of Unity Engine.

Unity Engine goes between all platforms, pc, iphone, android whatever.

CryEngine is already talking about a development suite for iOS and Android. That gaem development set is amazing we used Cysis Sandbox 1 at school.

Also HeroEngine would be cool for a MMO.

Not to mention if this hits the shelf running other game engine developers will jump at the opportunity as pay to win and micro trans games are where it's at right now.

Android is just the OS it has nothing to do with what games can be produced for it beside the limitation of the game engines not supporting it. And it looks like some of the big ones are going in that direction.

Hell if the controls on iphone where better and you could make it longer, NOVA (link) would be a really good game I think.

Project Update for OUYA Gaming Console

41,743 Backers
$5,337,177 pledged of $950,000 goal
18 Days to go

The project has quiet down A LOT. Some good news, on the games front...

First OUYA game exclusive. A prequel that will lead to the events of the Zombie Apocalypse survival game, Human Element.

Quote :

We’d like to introduce you to Robert Bowling, president of the game developer Robotoki, and an early backer of our Kickstarter. You might recognize Robert from his work with the Call of Duty franchise.

Earlier today, from his Twitter account (@fourzerotwo), Robert hinted that he had some news.

Well here it is: OUYA gamers will get FIRST access to the ravaged world of his post-zombie-apocalyptic game, Human Element.

Robotoki is the first studio to commit to building a game exclusively for OUYA: an episodic prequel that will set the stage for his eventual release of Human Element in 2015.

We keep watching...

Project Update for OUYA Gaming Console

49,372 Backers
$6,495,234 pledged of $950,000 goal
5 Days to go

OUYA is doing great. Several large developer houses have signed on board!

• Robotoki: developers of The Human Element.
  
• OnLive: Multi-platform online gaming distributor, with thousands of games ready for OUYA. http://www.onlive.com/
  
• Square Enix: Will release Final Fantasy III (missing FF from Japan) to the console.
  
• VEVO: Premium music video and entertainment distribution center. http://www.vevo.com/
  

The current Beta Consoles already connect (beta) to those distributors and can play games from them. For $99 you get the limited edition console & 1 controller.

Project Update for OUYA Gaming Console

54,485 Backers
$7,256,833 pledged of $950,000 goal
32 Hours to go

OUYA is doing fantastic! More updates and items to add...
Several large developer houses have signed on board!

• Robotoki: developers of The Human Element.
  
• OnLive: Multi-platform online gaming distributor, with thousands of games ready for OUYA. http://www.onlive.com/
  
• Square Enix: Will release Final Fantasy III (missing FF from Japan) to the console.
  
• VEVO: Premium music video and entertainment distribution center. http://www.vevo.com
  
  
• NEW iHeartRadio: Free streaming radio, courtesy of ClearChannel’s iHeartRadio. http://www.iheart.com/
  
• NEW U4iA: Developers of game industry standards like Guitar Hero and Call of Duty will bring OUYA’s first confirmed first-person shooter, Offensive Combat. http://www.offensivecombat.com
  
• NEW XBMC: The award-winning, open source media player and entertainment hub is coming to OUYA. http://www.xbmc.org
  
• NEW TuneIn: A free service that lets people listen to the world's music, sports and news from wherever they are. With over 70,000 stations and two million on-demand programs for listeners across 230 countries and territories. http://www.TuneIn.com
  

Personally? I will skip the pledge. I'm not a console gamer anymore and there is nothing for me on pledging right now. After the release (Spring 2013) I can get the same console & controller although not limited edition... meh) for the same price; $99. I will still have to pay for the same premium content; I get no credits for future purchases. They have all the cash and attention they need... rather buy some models.

Project Update for OUYA Gaming Console

59,036 Backers
$7,976,967 pledged of $950,000 goal
10 Hours to go

OUYA is doing fantastic! More updates and items to add...
Several large developer houses have signed on board!

• Robotoki: developers of The Human Element.
  
• OnLive: Multi-platform online gaming distributor, with thousands of games ready for OUYA. http://www.onlive.com/
  
• Square Enix: Will release Final Fantasy III (missing FF from Japan) to the console.
  
• VEVO: Premium music video and entertainment distribution center. http://www.vevo.com
  
• iHeartRadio: Free streaming radio, courtesy of ClearChannel’s iHeartRadio. http://www.iheart.com/
  
• U4iA: Developers of game industry standards like Guitar Hero and Call of Duty will bring OUYA’s first confirmed first-person shooter, Offensive Combat. http://www.offensivecombat.com
  
• XBMC: The award-winning, open source media player and entertainment hub is coming to OUYA. http://www.xbmc.org
  
• TuneIn: A free service that lets people listen to the world's music, sports and news from wherever they are. With over 70,000 stations and two million on-demand programs for listeners across 230 countries and territories. http://www.TuneIn.com
  
  
• NEW NAMCO BANDAI: Brings with it a rich history of iconic gaming franchises, from classics like PAC-MAN and GALAGA, to seminal franchises like TEKKEN, Ridge Racer, Katamari Damacy, Soul Calibur, Ace Combat and DragonBall Z. https://www.facebook.com/NamcoBandai
  
• NEW Four Controller Support: More multiplayer mayhem!
  
• NEW PLEX: Another media player and entertainment hub. http://www.plexapp.com
  

If you are a gamer... this will be AWESOME for you!

Project Update for OUYA Gaming Console

63,416 Backers
$8,596,475 pledged of $950,000 goal
ENDED

Partial Developer list:

• Robotoki: developers of The Human Element.
  
• OnLive: Multi-platform online gaming distributor, with thousands of games ready for OUYA. http://www.onlive.com/
  
• Square Enix: Will release Final Fantasy III (missing FF from Japan) to the console.
  
• VEVO: Premium music video and entertainment distribution center. http://www.vevo.com
  
• iHeartRadio: Free streaming radio, courtesy of ClearChannel’s iHeartRadio. http://www.iheart.com/
  
• U4iA: Developers of game industry standards like Guitar Hero and Call of Duty will bring OUYA’s first confirmed first-person shooter, Offensive Combat. http://www.offensivecombat.com
  
• XBMC: The award-winning, open source media player and entertainment hub is coming to OUYA. http://www.xbmc.org
  
• TuneIn: A free service that lets people listen to the world's music, sports and news from wherever they are. With over 70,000 stations and two million on-demand programs for listeners across 230 countries and territories. http://www.TuneIn.com
  
• NAMCO BANDAI: Brings with it a rich history of iconic gaming franchises, from classics like PAC-MAN and GALAGA, to seminal franchises like TEKKEN, Ridge Racer, Katamari Damacy, Soul Calibur, Ace Combat and DragonBall Z. https://www.facebook.com/NamcoBandai
  
• Four Controller Support: More multiplayer mayhem!
  
• PLEX: Another media player and entertainment hub. http://www.plexapp.com
  

Well... they did very well!