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Next gen video game consoles to change entertainment: OTX survey
MUMBAI: OTX, a global consumer research and consulting firm has released the first results from its new weekly video game tracking survey, Video GameTraxx.
The research from the initial waves of GameTraxx shows that next generation consoles coming into the marketplace in the coming months will clearly evolve gaming to a new entertainment experience.
But this evolution may bring about changes in consumer behaviour that impacts the entire entertainment industry, including traditional media like movies and DVDs, as the improved game experience attracts more players who spend more of their leisure time involved in game play.
OTX CEO and co-founder Shelly Zalis says, “These new consoles offer nema-like’ quality along with an immersive, interactive experience, and consumers are already anticipating that they will make improvements to their home theater experience to maximise the enjoyment
of this new media. The combination of this evolved game experience and an improved home theater experience may create new challenges for media like movies and television that are increasingly battling for gamers’ attention and time.”
Gamers who said that they planned to purchase the new Xbox 360 console are twice as likely to upgrade to HDTV, purchase a widescreen television, improve their home audio system or purchase a new DVD player. As GameTraxx is a weekly, flexible tracker, subsequent surveys can be adjusted to go into more depth on an important finding like this one, in order to deliver useful, timely data to the industry.
The report adds that consumers expect that more of their entertainment wallet is going to be invested in these new game consoles and titles and on the improved home equipment needed to enjoy them. That creates greater competition for companies that provide other leisure time activities, like going to the movies, watching TV or renting DVDs.
These improvements in the home theater experience in anticipation of the next generation consoles will be significant for other media as well. An OTX survey of moviegoers in October 2005 had showed that consumers said their primary reason for seeing fewer movies in the theater was related to an improved home entertainment experience. Gamers are quickly becoming a key audience for all entertainment companies and advertisers, and OTX’s new weekly GameTraxx survey provides ongoing insights into this audience.
In response to the continued evolution of gaming into such a dominant form of entertainment, OTX introduced Video GameTraxx as a weekly tracker to help the gaming and entertainment industries stay on top of trends and understand consumer gaming behaviors on an ongoing basis.
It gives game publishers, platform manufacturers, advertisers and other media and entertainment companies an up-to-date picture of gamers’ awareness and purchase/rental intent of upcoming major game releases and products, as well as information about news, advertising, game play and more. GameTraxx surveys gamers across all platforms, console, PC, and handheld, as well as addressing both retail and casual games.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
