Big quote: What will the consoles of the long run be like in comparison with at this time’s machines from Sony and Microsoft? Former PlayStation Studios boss Shawn Layden would not consider there can be important enhancements in future generations, actually nothing just like the {hardware} leap between the PS1 and PS2. He thinks the most important adjustments can be discovered within the video games themselves.
Speaking in an interview with Eurogamer, Layden notes how the technological bounce from the unique PlayStation to the PS2, nonetheless the best-selling console of all time, was a dramatic one. He cites his disbelief at seeing the Gran Turismo demo for the primary time, one thing this author additionally remembers experiencing.
Layden notes how the transfer from the PS2 to PS3 launched the HD commonplace and 60 FPS in numerous video games, however the transfer from PS3 to PS4 “was simply, like, getting the community factor finished proper.”
As for the PS5, Layden calls it a improbable little bit of equipment, “however the precise distinction in efficiency [compared to the PS4]… we’re attending to the realm, frankly, the place solely canines can hear the distinction now.” Speaking about generational console {hardware} upgrades, he mentioned, “we now have kind of maxed on the market.”
Could we ever see a generational enchancment in console efficiency matching that of the PS1 to PS2? Layden doubts it, and positively not any time within the subsequent few a long time.” I imply, what would that leap appear to be? It can be perfectly-realised human actors in a recreation that you simply fully management. That might occur at some point. I do not assume it may occur in my lifetime.”
Layden believes the innovation curve on {hardware} is beginning to plateau. He additionally notes that Xbox and PlayStation consoles have just about the identical chipset constructed by AMD, including that every firm has its personal OS and “proprietary secret sauce,” however in essence it is the identical. “I feel we’re just about near ultimate spec for what a console may very well be.”
With console {hardware} turning into much less necessary, Layden says the actual competitors would be the content material they supply. “I feel we’re at some extent the place the console turns into irrelevant within the subsequent… if not the following technology then the following subsequent technology positively,” Layden mentioned.
Layden additionally believes Sony will proceed to maintain most of its video games unique to its console fairly than construct variations for competing, smaller platforms reminiscent of Xbox. While Microsoft has launched a few of its video games on PS5, reminiscent of Sea of Thieves, Pentiment, and Hi-Fi Rush, Sony is unlikely to return the favor sooner or later, because the small gross sales wouldn’t be well worth the outcry.
Layden says releasing PC variations of PlayStation video games years after they first arrive on the console causes loads of anger amongst Sony followers, so Xbox releases from PlayStation Studios would end in much more outcry, probably harming Sony’s model status. “I do not know if the juice is well worth the squeeze,” he mentioned.
In October, Layden mentioned that the video games business had stopped specializing in making enjoyable video games and as an alternative spends all its power on monetization.
