Closed systems vs. open systems

This is an opening of a discussion I was having with Diamond.
 
The discussion with him was wrapped as PC vs. Console, but in reality the real discussion is closed systems vs. open systems.

Hopefully I can get at least one thoughtful response to this question:

Why do gamers - and more so, gaming journalists - support the closed nature of the consoles?

With a console, you are fully at the whim of a single company. They control everything.

They can shut down multiplayer servers, remove backwards compatibility, change the media formats and peripherals their console will accept, limit who can put content on their system, limit what kind of content is permitted, pull user-created content as they wish, force software updates on you or call it quits and stop making their system all together. It's a closed and controlled system. This is nowhere near a full list of downsides either.

These are events which have already happened on various consoles too, so these are not simply presumptuous predictions.

Why are gamers okay with this?

Again. this isn't even a PC vs. Console debate - as it's possible to make a console with an open system design.

Let's keep personal attacks to a minimum, I haven't made any and if I'm wrong anywhere feel free to correct me - I don't claim to be a book of facts.

Go.

Oh and seriously: 
 
This isn't PC vs. Console. A console can be an open system - or at least, a more open system than it is.

It's a matter of control and the fact that right now console gamers are handing it all over.

That's a good question. One question that I have ponder on. I'll say this for now, as much headaches as the PC gives me in comparison to consoles, I've got much more freedom with my PC, I know what hardware I've installed on it, I know which games and mods I've got as well as I find the PC easier to use in a lot of respects.

I don't support those closed systems. That is why I'm an open-source developer, and that is why I abhor the idea of OnLive.

Why do we not live in a total state of freedom rather than let out lives be controlled by the government?   
 
Edit: To comment on the topic, some people might prefer closed system because they are dedicated platforms designed specifically for gaming and "easier" to just get in a game. Closed things tend to be more structured, but this comes at the price of control. I really just stated the above because, in my opinion, this topic can really be applied to a lot of things not just video games.  

We discussed your definition of PC but we didn't really discuss our preferences as far as closed versus open systems.  I make that point so I can give my opinion to the forum.  Personally I enjoy both.
 
Closed systems (at least in the cases of gaming consoles) are far more efficient, technically and in cost.  Companies sell most of these closed systems at a loss, meaning the customer gets a good deal, and the company makes money on software.  Companies can control closed system standards and hardware, so when you buy software for it there's a larger guarantee it will work 100%.  Generally the risk of MP servers being shut down, getting content removed (when user content is allowed), or generally anything that disrupts the already existing level of service is a low one.
 
In terms of open systems, I enjoy them when I get something out of the open nature.  A freeware game like Vanguard Princess, emulators for old systems, or the occasional cool mod.
 
Legally you're always at risk of a company pulling the plug on you, MS turning off XBLA, Valve shutting down Steam.  There have been illegal ways to bypass these problems on both open & closed systems, it's just easier to bypass on an open system.
 
edit - I think the most important thing in terms of pure gaming, I always follow the content.  All of the small problems go out the window when it's just about me playing a game and being able to enjoy it.

It's just a simple matter of preference.  And yes, this is a console vs PC debate because as of yet, the PC is the only "open system" right now.  All the negatives of the PC just make console gaming more comfortable and fun, even if the companies can control everything.

I put a game in my closed system and it works.  
 
Consoles are to Gaming as The Mac is to computers. They just work, no fuss no hassle, you want to play a game... you can!

"Generally the risk of MP servers being shut down, getting content removed (when user content is allowed), or generally anything that disrupts the already existing level of service is a low one.
 ...
I think the most important thing in terms of pure gaming, I always follow the content.  All of the small problems go out the window when it's just about me playing a game and being able to enjoy it. "

" @FluxWaveZ: There is an open console in the works: Pandora Handheld.

In short: money. I can't afford to constantly upgrade my system to be able to play all the games I want to, therefore I have to sacrifice the freedom of a PC in order to play the games I want to. Paying $200 - $300 for a system that is guaranteed to entertain me for at least four to five years is better than paying thousands for a system that I'll have to keep updating every year.

The thing is - the things I mentioned have actually happened. Also, what is Microsoft going to do about Halo 2 and the Friends List limit? How about in 4 or 5 years? What about on the XBOX 720? As for content getting removed: We already talked about Little Big Planet. It happens. There's also the content you simply don't get at all, such as mods (which can be of the caliber Team Fortress, Counterstrike and DotA).  Lastly, in terms of following the content: what if the content is leading you into a trap? Yes, I know that sounds very extreme, but I'm exaggerating to make a point. What if they increase the price of 360 games and Live? What if you've bought movies on Live and they dump the movies feature, rendering all your purchased content unusable? Basically, what if this turns tyrannical?

For me it's definitely the fact that I have a one-time investment that, when I buy a game, I know will work without having to mess around with settings or upgrades.

" @Hamst3r said:

" @FluxWaveZ: There is an open console in the works: Pandora Handheld.

Interesting. I wonder how that is going to pan out. "

" @eroticfishcake said:

" @Hamst3r said:

" @FluxWaveZ: There is an open console in the works: Pandora Handheld.

Interesting. I wonder how that is going to pan out. "

Since neither of us have heard of it, and according to the Wikipedia page the first shipment will be a batch of 4000 units, my guess is: not good. "

" I put a game in my closed system and it works.   Consoles are to Gaming as The Mac is to computers. They just work, no fuss no hassle, you want to play a game... you can! "

" This is an opening of a discussion I was having with Diamond.
 
The discussion with him was wrapped as PC vs. Console, but in reality the real discussion is closed systems vs. open systems.

Hopefully I can get at least one thoughtful response to this question:

Why do gamers - and more so, gaming journalists - support the closed nature of the consoles?

With a console, you are fully at the whim of a single company. They control everything.

They can shut down multiplayer servers, remove backwards compatibility, change the media formats and peripherals their console will accept, limit who can put content on their system, limit what kind of content is permitted, pull user-created content as they wish, force software updates on you or call it quits and stop making their system all together. It's a closed and controlled system. This is nowhere near a full list of downsides either.

These are events which have already happened on various consoles too, so these are not simply presumptuous predictions.

Why are gamers okay with this? Again. this isn't even a PC vs. Console debate - as it's possible to make a console with an open system design. Let's keep personal attacks to a minimum, I haven't made any and if I'm wrong anywhere feel free to correct me - I don't claim to be a book of facts. Go. "

" In short: money. I can't afford to constantly upgrade my system to be able to play all the games I want to, therefore I have to sacrifice the freedom of a PC in order to play the games I want to. Paying $200 - $300 for a system that is guaranteed to entertain me for at least four to five years is better than paying thousands for a system that I'll have to keep updating every year. "