I’m saddened to see Infinity players jumping ship. It’s apparent due to the amount of figures being traded in at gamestop/CEX stores, and the increases in ebay stock. Figures like Barbossa, Anakin Skywalker and Lightning McQueen are now just £1 each? Great if you like modding ( which I do ), but sad to see it being abandoned by users simply due to the online functionality being cancelled. My post does have a point, and it’s this.
I’m a long term Sega Dreamcast fan as thousands of others are, and am gutted that it had such a short life span and that online functionality ( for Phantasy star online mainly ) was cancelled and pretty much stole the ‘heart’ of the game. Dreamcast fans are rabid. We have been forceful, supportive, driven, and outspoken in ‘keeping the dream alive’ through community. This is INFINITY'S strength if it’s maintained. Community has led to many new Dreamcast games being developed through Kickstarter, and online functionalities being re-instated. 2 games in the past month! New Dreamcast games are being programmed as we speak, 15 years after the console’s cancellation! ( If this were Infinity I’d be posting this in 2031 ). It wasn't a software company that has given Dreamcast longevity ( too much of a financial gamble, and not about passion, more about £ $ ) But fan passion.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT. People are sharing knowledge, working as a team, contacting programmers, and showing a dogged determination to not let something they love to wither and die. The ‘ship jumpers’ should hold on. ( Or put their DI stuff in the attic/loft for a decade ). The Dreamcast community have managed to get around dial-up internet and so many other technical difficulties it’s astounding. The determination and support is beyond belief.
So let’s give it time. I may be retired by the time DI comes back, but it’ll be a good party. Imagine 15 years of un-shared toy boxes? That’s a convention I’ll be at ( with my Mickey ears on. )
Hear's a thought - It will most likely be your Raspberry PI inspired 8 year old than anyone of our generation bringing it back. It's usually the retro enthusiasts who have the 'vavoom'.