PlayStation is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary, and former chief Shawn Layden is trying to the way forward for the trade and the way the console market is nearing its restrict.
“I believe we’re at a degree the place the console turns into irrelevant within the subsequent… if not the subsequent technology then the subsequent subsequent technology positively,” Layden says in an interview with Eurogamer.
The distinction between console generations is getting smaller. Visuals at the moment are 4K as a substitute of 1080p, body charges are hitting 120 as a substitute of 60, nevertheless it’s exhausting to note these enhancements with out top-range TVs and audio system. The finest enchancment I’ve observed is loading occasions, however even they’re almost prompt now for many video games.
“We’re at a degree now the place the innovation curve on the {hardware} is beginning to plateau, or prime out,” Layden explains. “At the identical time, the commoditization of the silicon implies that once you open up an Xbox or PlayStation, it is actually just about the identical chipset. It’s all constructed by AMD. Each firm has its personal OS and proprietary secret sauce, however in essence [it’s the same]. I believe we’re just about near [the] last spec for what a console may very well be.”
I began gaming on a PS2, however seeing the distinction in constancy and reminiscence between PS1 and PS2 video games was astonishing. That generational distinction has by no means been repeated. “You’re not going to see one other PS1 to PS2 bounce in efficiency – we’ve got kind of maxed on the market.” Layden says. “If we’re speaking about teraflops and ray-tracing, we’re already off the sheet that most individuals start to know.”
Speaking concerning the different generations, Layden says, “The bounce from PS2 to PS3 was additionally exceptional. We bought to an HD normal. We bought – not all, however plenty of – 60fps gameplay. It had a community functionality, nascent although it was. Then PS3 to PS4 was simply, like, getting the community factor accomplished proper. Then to PS5, which is a implausible piece of equipment, however the precise distinction in efficiency… we’re attending to the realm, frankly, the place solely canine can hear the distinction now.” Layden’s gone a good distance for somebody who entered the trade not understanding something about making video video games.
“The actual competitors shall be on its content material,” Layden explains. “And content material needs to be the competitors for publishers, not which {hardware} you get behind.” Although video games take longer to make as of late, PlayStation remains to be my favourite platform for hits.
If you wish to make a journey down reminiscence lane and see how far PlayStation has come, it’s best to try the finest PS1 video games and finest PS5 video games.
