JULY 10, 2012 • Very similar to the concept that launched the mobile phone hardware-based Zeebo console a few years back is a new Android console system called Ouya. The main differences are that the Ouya is being directed far beyond emerging markets, and instead of relying on cell towers for connectivity, the console works in concert with Internet-connected TVs. Published specifications include a Tegra3 quad-core processor, running Android 4.0, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of internal flash memory. The unit comes with an Xbox-style controller and also supports a touch pad interface. Priced at $99, all the games available for the system will be free-to-play to some extent. Boxer8, the start-up behind the console is currently seeking development funding. A posting for the company appeared on the start-up listing platform Angel List on July 5, and on July 9 a $950,000 funding appeal was launched on the viral fundraising platform Kickstarter that was surpassed within 48 hours. Julie Uhrman, formerly head of distribution at IGN is Boxer8’s founder and CEO. Advisors include former Microsoft Game’s head Ed Fries, and Jawbone chief creative officer Yves Behar. Behar is working on the Ouya technical design.
Impact: Kickstarter is a neat little concept for the indie game developer looking to get around traditional sources of funding. However, the idea of starting a new hardware platform via Kickstarter is definitely a new one. Normally we would dismiss such products automatically as just another attack on windmills. The number of issues and challenges we see are too numerous to list. However, we can say that if they can get some knockout AAA titles they do have a price point to appeal to the masses. Of course, it is a major uphill battle to get any type of traction with these type of devices in established markets.
