... just adding my 2 cents.
Overall the state of Mac and PC gaming is in decline. From my simple perspective, on the PC side, it's because there are very few titles I'm actually interested in. I subscribe to PC Gaming and enjoy the occasional LAN party, but there seems to be a shortage of interesting new games to play.
On the Mac side of the equation, I've certainly purchased fewer games than normal. This was partially due to the fact that I was using older hardware (dual 1Gh G4), but recently upgraded to a Mac Pro. The only "must have" title for me was Call of Duty 2. I did seem to purchase more shareware games though. Top on my list was Redline from Ambrosia. This is exactly the kind of game the Mac market needed. The gameplay is very good, the graphics are good and the system requirements are very reasonable. Other gems include Jammin' Racer from DanLab games as well as Pangea's Arcade. I suppose these shareware titles fall under the "casual" gamer role. If that's the case, I'm happy to be a casual gamer too! I wish more developers/publishers would think about what's fun instead of just what they think will sell. Clearly, the publishers haven't been doing a good job of what they think will sell. I would have purchased more games if they sparked my interest. Sorry, as much as I loved the original Doom and Quake, I've generally had enough by the 3rd or 4th iteration. Yet, I'd have to admit that I'd probably be the first in line for another version of something like Jedi Academy or Star Wars Battlefront.
As mentioned, another trend I didn't like is the Apple store's anemic software selection. While I understand that iPod accessories will sell more, Apple needs to advertise the fact that there is a sufficient amount of software titles available for the platform. Apple's stores used to really go a long way in helping that perception. Sadly, as mentioned, the software has been pushed to the back of the store. All hail the iPod!
As for WINE like APIs (crossover, etc.), if they can help with things like Mac & PC network compatibility issues, etc. then great. Otherwise, I don't see these as a good trend. I see that Boot Camp was mentioned as a "trend". While I'd agree that it's an interesting fascination, I'd be very curious to know how much of a "trend" it actually is. I suspect this "trend" is very low. My wife has Bootcamp on her Macbook because it was provided for her that way by her school. I've played with it, but have not intention of booting into Windows just to play a game. It's a nice option, but I can't say that I will participate in that trend. I will however, continue to support quality Mac products that I have even a vague interest of using.
Steve
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