日前，TechSavvy首席执行官兼系列网络视频节目《Game Theory》主持人斯科特·斯坦伯格（Scott Steinberg）在接受Mashable的采访时表示，社交游戏元素将必然找到它们介入传统掌机游戏的途径，这一情形指日可待。游戏邦获悉，斯坦伯格认为免费体验、社交联系等社交元素将成为标准的掌机游戏体验，但需要有远见的发行商和开发商的支持。

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当问及他预计何时掌机游戏将可免费试玩，斯坦伯格回答道，“很有可能在未来两三年内，在喜欢通过掌机系统玩在线游戏的玩家数量达到一定规模以后。但也应意识到成本问题也是重要考虑因素。”据游戏邦了解，他还强调在这一过程中还有更难逾越的障碍，例如说服发行商向无法确定收益的游戏投入大量资金等。

尽管如此，斯坦伯格还是认为，社交网络将以某种方式将与掌机平台融合：

从最小型的休闲游戏到最曲折的冒险游戏，你将看到社交联系已逐渐渗透到互动娱乐发展过程中的每一个层面。除了分享最新的状态信息、即时了解朋友的动向、与好友在游戏中合作与对抗之外，你还将看到为不同平台和设备提供不同接入点的游戏。

如大型多人在线游戏《魔兽世界》和社交游戏《FarmVille》，二者均已通过智能手机应用程序，拓展电脑之外的游戏体验。斯坦伯格认为，同样的情况将在掌机平台上发生，玩便携式版本的游戏将在原来的掌机游戏中给予玩家额外的奖励。虽然目前这些都是遥远的预言，但至少它们是建立在现实基础之上。（本文为游戏邦/gamerboom.com编译，转载请注明来源：游戏邦）

Social game features will invade consoles, says Game Theory host

According to Scott Steinberg, CEO of TechSavvy and host of web video series Game Theory, it’s only inevitable. Social game elements are bound to find their way into traditional consoles, and it will happen sooner than later, according to an interview with Mashable. Steinberg claims that elements such as free-to-play and social connectivity will become standard in console game experiences, but it will take forward-thinking publishers and manufacturers to make it happen.

When asked for his prediction when console games will go free-to-play, Steinberg replied, “Possibly within the next two to three years, as the number of players enjoying online connected games through console systems begins to reach critical mass. Keep in mind though that there’s also a financial component to consider.” However, he goes on to warn that there are even more hurdles to overcome like convincing a publisher to front millions on games that have no guarantee of making good on investments.

Regardless, Steinberg sees the social web integrating itself with consoles in one way or another:

From the smallest casual games to most sprawling adventures, you’ll begin to see social connectivity increasingly woven into virtually every facet of interactive entertainment going forward. Beyond the sharing of status updates, achievements and instant ability to monitor friends’ activity and quickly connect, collaborate and compete in favorite titles, you’ll also see games that offer a variety of entry points from different platforms and devices.

It’s already with MMOs like World of WarCraft and social games like FarmVille, both of which have smartphone apps designed to extend their offered experience beyond the computer. According to Steinberg, the same will happen for consoles. Playing the portable version of a game or a companion application will reward players with boosts and item in the original console game. While these are all lofty predictions, at least they are based in reality. Trends tend to spread like wildfire–just look at Twilight.（source：games）