The Challenge Dividend: Weekend Competition Updates

Every once in a while I like to re-examine some historic posts where I've come across new news. Here's two examples:

The $100 Laptop:
A few weeks ago I wrote about the growing competition between Intel and the not-for-profit One Laptop Per Child foundation (OLPC). Both groups are fighting to build a low-cost computer that can be produced in vast numbers and sold to developing nations around the world. My argument was that this competition between the two groups - each with different strategies and tactics - would be good for the overall mission and society as a whole. Simply put, competition would lead to a cheaper, better laptop, sooner.

However last week the competition ended. Intel joined the 10 other companies that are members of OLPC. After publicly chastising Intel on 60 Minutes, OLPC leader, Nicholas Negroponte, said:

"Intel joins the OLPC board as a world leader in technology, helping reach the world's children. Collaboration with Intel means that the maximum number of laptops will reach children."

We really won't be able to tell if a truce in the $100 laptop war will help or hurt the ultimate mission. I believe it will slow progress for three reasons. First, it eliminates the pressure of competition. Second, it reduces the number of strategies to employ - like in evolution, divergence usually results in a better way. Third, there are now 11 companies in the project, each with its own selfish goals and bent on using its own hardware and software; OLPC will be under pressure to keep its partners happy, rather then the poor children that are its customers.

Guitar Hero
Back in April I gushed about my experience playing Guitar Hero 2 for the Xbox 360. My point was that the game is filled with a variety of small challenges and rewards that help players learn how to improve their skills and increase their enjoyment.

For a while, the Guitar Hero franchise has owned the guitar play-along category. As a result, one could argue that they have not improved fast enough. Guitar Hero 2 is very similar to the first version, but simply adds a few songs. It also lacks the ability to jam with friends over Xbox Live - a function that is increasingly expected among games. Activision is preparing to launch GH3 in the Fall, but it too looks like more of the same.

Meanwhile, some new competitors are pushing the boundaries in the category and might drive further competitive benefits. The biggest news is that MTV is partnering with Harmonix (an original developer of GH1 and GH2 who was case aside when Activision bought the franchise) to launch "Rock Band" this holiday season. Rock Band will take the basic set up of Guitar Hero, but add the ability to sing along and play drums. It will allow Internet play, and brings cooler new Fender guitar controllers.

While I keep working on my Guitar Hero skills, I am psyched that another developer is working to feed my hunger for more. Bank on the guys at Guitar Hero quaking in their boots and working on adding new features and functions in response to the huge buzz already surrounding Rock Band.

Yeah, it's a goofy example to most people - but you cannot deny that challenge is driving improvement in the rock-a-long video game category!

UPDATE: OK, it stopped being goofy today because The New York Times featured a story today on how Guitar Hero is becoming the next karaoke at big city clubs. I might have to start the Cincinnati version...

Comments

Interestingly, the importance of 'community' that you mention via xbox live is being solved in the 'real world' via karaoke-like competitions...but will that form of challenge actually make better guitarists?

See the NY Times article this past Sunday:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/15/fashion/15guitar.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Posted by: Jay | July 16, 2007 at 09:30 AM