This year’s Consumer Electronics Show felt like a strange echo of what CES has been known for. Instead of a showcase bustling with gadgets aimed directly at the everyday tech user, much of the spotlight seemed to drift away from actual consumers. It’s ironic, given the event’s very name.
The usual excitement around new gaming hardware, clever accessories, or even fresh software aimed at players just trying to have fun was quieter than expected. Instead, announcements hummed with the language of industry partnerships, enterprise solutions, and investor pitches. The energy felt tilted towards business insiders rather than the gamers, hobbyists, and tech enthusiasts who usually make CES buzz.
That’s not to say impressive tech wasn’t unveiled or that the show lacked innovation. But when the phrase consumer electronics feels more like a backdrop and less a priority, it leaves you wondering who the event is actually aimed at. With the video game industry continuing to grow and evolve, moments like these remind us how vital it is to keep the focus on actual players and consumers, not just the shareholders and stakeholders behind the scenes.
CES still holds weight, but the experience this year made it clear that the event’s heart might be drifting away from the people who actually buy and use the products. Hopefully, next time, we’ll see that balance restored.
Source: pcgamer.com
