Whats a Ouya

A new console is being developed. No, it's not Playstation 4 or Xbox 720. Nope, not Wii U either. This particular console we are talking about is promised to be in development, yes - promised. It's called OUYA.

Wonder how we got hold of this? Well, this became the most successful gaming kickstarter in a week, thats why. A dream project started by a small group of developers; who had an idea....

Do you want a $99 console? What would you think if it ran on Android OS? Or that it focuses on free-to-play titles? - These are just a few of of the ideas this new console has in store.

Until a week ago, there was no Intel on Ouya. A visit to Kickstarter changed that. A pledge, waiting to be heard and taken. In a matter of just two days, this Julie Uhrman-led team had already collected $2 million for their plea.

So how does Ouya stack up in specifications? Well, for a machine that is being made primarily for Indie games rather than games with high-production costs, it looks very much convincing. This comes from their Kickstarter page:

1. Tegra3 Quad Core Processor

2. 1GB RAM

3. 8GB of Internal Flash Memory

4. HDMI Connection for the TV with 1080p HD Support

5. Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n

6. Bluetooth LE 4.0

7. USB 2.0 (One Port)

8. Wireless Controller

9. Android 4

Ouya Designer Yves Behar and his team started this project with one vision in mind - Give gamers the freedom to do what they want with their console. If your're an Indie games' fan(I know quite a few who are), then this a must buy. If you are a programmer and want your work to be seen, use your Ouya, it comes without hassles the of licensing, retail, or publishing fees. This concept of Open development is what really sets Ouya apart from it's going-to-be competitors. Best part about it, the development kits will be accessible right out of the box and every owner will have access to the same    tools.

With the team seeking $9.5 million USD in funding, they have already grossed close to $5 million and counting at the time of this writing. With 22 days to go before the pledge comes down, this goal will 'mostly' be accomplished in a week's time. So whats GD's thought behind this dream of a project?..

Firstly, as good as this console sounds, it is unbelievable to digest the response it has gained only by 'showing off' their capabilities. What many haven't realized is the fact that isn't even in production yet. Only a prototype has been developed so far; on which this 'promise' is being ripped-off. We need proof. Why not show a working model of this machine when they have already gone so far as to show it's technical specifications out to the public - who their competitors are also a part of?

Secondly, speaking of specifications, aren't they a bit outdated? You will probably know/have tablets who beat these in terms of specifications. Not to mention it's going to come in 2013! Why go for second-generation-ish specs? Having promised modern games(Battlefield, Mass Effect, Call of Duty, Skyrim GTA to name a few..) for their consoles, have they pulled a rabbit out of a hat? We'd give 2 cents for that.

Thirdly, run on Android as open source? That is like an official invitation to pirates. I'm sure the Ouya team would have gone a thousand times over this but still, thats what they have put up for offer. In an industry where pirates are as skilled as the developers, this idea of using Android looks a little disheartening, at least for developers themselves. Why use an open-source platform when you know your game is going to get pirated the day of it's release? With guides coming up in no time, all you will need is Google and you're a legitimate pirate. But this seems to be part of their marketing plan.

Looking at the bigger picture, where does Kickstarter stand? If this console is indeed a plan to manipulate gamers to pay for something else entirely, isn't Kickstarter equally at fault? Obviously they wouldn't allow anyone to raise funds on their site without knowing about the long term implications. In our view, it might be the perfect storm - that confluence of a growing console market and Kickstarter's insatiable appetite for more pledges - that sees the 'Ouya dream' extend to more traffic under Kickstater's name. 

Even with all the negatives, we are actually excited to see what happens when the goal is completed. Hope the Ouya team comes out with more clarification this time.

What about you? What do you make of this 'dream project'? and what about GD, should we try our hand at Kickstarter? Just think what amazing goodies Game-Debate would be able to produce for the world of gaming if it were to get a cash boost like that. I know Felix has grand ideas that would easily consume those sorts of funds and more. Voice your opinions in the comments below.