[Rasczak]

Interesting comments in this interview with CryTek:

In general, Crytek is trying to make all of its engines very scalable, due to the uncertainty about when the next-gen consoles might arrive. Yerli suggested that Crytek is estimating 2012 to 2013 for the next generation of home console hardware. But thanks to the success of the relatively horsepower-light Wii, "there's a big debate about whether there will be a next generation at all", he admitted.

Whilst I am sure there will be a new console generation at some point, it is interesting to note the impact the Wii is having on the market. Why should Sony and Microsoft lose millions in funding expensive new machines when they can happily make money from the systems they have now?

If the PS3 and Xbox 360 do remain the mainstay consoles for the next 3 to 4 years, I can see things stagnating a little for the gaming market as graphics quickly reach the overheads imposed on them by the (now elderly) hardware. I suppose on the other hand, if developers can innovate by providing amazing new graphics, we might see new gameplay ideas rolled out.

[24 P]

Consoles generally have a life span of 5 years, I doubt highly that Sony or Microsoft are going to allow their machines to fail before they make their money on the loss of hardware sacrifice..
Crytec have destroyed the PC gaming avenue as their Crysis game was way too power hungry.
I have seen the PS1 been fully utilised and it was glorious to see..
PC gaming has too many easy ways out, which allows programmers to be lazy.
If we went back to the good ole days of PS1, and how every little ounce of coding had to be applied to get the best out of the unit, then we can understand why next gen consoles are not meeting our expectations..
How many times have we seen a next gen game, only to have our faith diminished in to a pool of tears as the game was finished in 2 days, or even 1..
I am looking at you Microsoft, Halo franchise..
Whats the point?
Why could GTA 4 play well on the Xbox 360 then the PS3 but not that good on a PC? Coders on both Sony and Microsoft camp knew there was a lot riding on the quality of this game so pulled out all the plugs..
As for the PC, it was port and the programmers couldn't care less about the quality of their game..
This is why Nintendo reign supreme with their gaming history, they always tend to have the last laugh..

This is in no way the start of a flame war, merely my opinion..
I have given up on pc gaming, I am not spending $600 on a GC just so I can play the latest Crysis engine, with bugs ahoy, I will stick to my cheap consoles, regardless of if they are next gen or retro...

[clc.sheff]

I think we'll all be playing on some sort of idiot proof front room pc's.

[Razor]

I have a next gen console already, its called a pc.

[Rasczak]

Originally Posted by 24 P

Consoles generally have a life span of 5 years, I doubt highly that Sony or Microsoft are going to allow their machines to fail before they make their money on the loss of hardware sacrifice..

But if the lifespan is 5 years, aren't we moving into zone for the next generation machines? When was the Xbox released? Christmas 2005? If so this time next year the buzz about the Xbox 720 will be unstoppable and we'd be hearing rumours now. Instead it is silent with MS pointing towards Natal as the next Xbox (360) variant.

I'm not sure the next gen consoles have anything much to do with PC gaming. The latter benefits from console ports but also gains where their is a next gen delay as producers make their engines scaleable in preparation for the new machines. But a console v PC argument isn't really relevant here - the PC will continue to evolve and the consoles will momentarily catch it up if/when the next gen arrive.

No my point about the next gen consoles, is that I think nobody is rushing to release a new machine. Most current console owners aren't using the 1080p outputs and the Wii is making Microsoft/Sony contemplate delaying the replacements. Think about the implications if the Xbox 360 remains the mainstay console for the next 3 or 4 years. Graphics have nearly peaked, so it is in the playability stakes that they would need to revolutionise.

[24 P]

Originally Posted by Razor

I have a next gen console already, its called a pc.

Not every one can afford to spend 1

million dollars on a games machine Razor.

[clc.sheff]

Originally Posted by clc.sheff

I think we'll all be playing on some sort of idiot proof front room pc's.

Oops, didn't mean to start waving the PC flag. I just think the boundaries are blurring in terms of what people want from their technology in their front rooms i.e. ideally music storage, HD films,video recorder, video communication all in one box

Surely something will come along that will bring on the next generation. We're not that far advanced imo

[Haggler]

Actually i think the pc has a good way to go yet in terms of development, obviously a high end machine (Razors et al) is far superior to the current batch of consoles, however even his is probably inside a tower case and this is an area that pc's could still be developed in order to catch up, not everyone wants to see some whopping pc tower next to their tv.

Parts are becoming smaller and more powerful and i think if they could produce something pc wise without a keyboard that slotted neatly under the tv without overheating, was current top spec and future upgradeable by means of some sort of slot in processors and graphics cards both inside their own little cases, which could then preferably slot in the back and then allow anyone to publish games for it there would be a huge market.

[Jay]

Originally Posted by Haggler

not everyone wants to see some whopping pc tower next to their tv.

.

Yeah I'm not too keen on having the tower, it looks totally out of place in my opinion and the gf hates it.

But as has been mentioned more and more people want to have all in one boxes and the pc is superior to the consoles, although I'd pick a ps3 over a 360 as a media device though.

[BamBamMickey]

I have a good rig myself, but i CHOOSE to use my 360 for gaming for several reasons.....

1.Can be always left connected to my HDTV/Receiver
2.Switch on and see whos online immediately & invites etc.
3.No drivers needed
4.5.1 DD & headset as standard!!!

I do play the odd games on the pc, but only those exclusive to it and that look great on a high end rig.

So yes, i need one.

[Jay]

Originally Posted by Trey4Life

I have a good rig myself, but i CHOOSE to use my 360 for gaming for several reasons.....

.
3.No drivers needed

See that right there, is why I hate pcs for gaming, it just isn't ever easy, at least with a console it's idiot proof.

With a pc it can be too much hassle, but it is worth it once you get everything sorted.

[kopchoir]

But with a console its all comes out the box with a pc (years ago probably still the same i should imagine)your still paying extra every now and again to get a few more bits of power and a few more pixels and it doesnt come cheap.
How often do you guys upgrade and how much does it cost you every time how much does a good pc cost to say run a benchmark game for the pc(crysis??)Just wondering on price comparisons between a console and a pc.

But then on the other side games are cheaper i know the wii is good fun for the ladies and kids and for a family setting, but i still dont class it as a next gen console and i really dont know why.
I do know the handfull of good games it has does not outweigh the amount of rubbsh it has as well,I have not played on mine for so long it gets used by the wife and my 4 year old but thats about it.

[Jay]

Originally Posted by kopchoir

But with a console its all comes out the box with a pc (years ago probably still the same i should imagine)your still paying extra every now and again to get a few more bits of power and a few more pixels and it doesnt come cheap.
How often do you guys upgrade and how much does it cost you every time how much does a good pc cost to say run a benchmark game for the pc(crysis??)Just wondering on price comparisons between a console and a pc.

But then on the other side games are cheaper i know the wii is good fun for the ladies and kids and for a family setting, but i still dont class it as a next gen console and i really dont know why.
I do know the handfull of good games it has does not outweigh the amount of rubbsh it has as well,I have not played on mine for so long it gets used by the wife and my 4 year old but thats about it.

Si the best thing about a pc is you don't even need verbatims

Straight to the hard drive and you're away

[kopchoir]

Originally Posted by Indecisive Jay

Si the best thing about a pc is you don't even need verbatims

Straight to the hard drive and you're away

Its my birthday next week and my father in law has built me a pc hdmi out and what not but i dont know the specs of it yet it just have to see how things pan out next week the only pc gaming i have ever done is football manager games but i think pc gaming is way out of my budgets

[Jay]

Originally Posted by kopchoir

Its my birthday next week and my father in law has built me a pc hdmi out and what not but i dont know the specs of it yet it just have to see how things pan out next week the only pc gaming i have ever done is football manager games but i think pc gaming is way out of my budgets

I thought the same, but it really isn't much more than consoles.

Prices seem to have dropped to less than what they were.

My pc was cheap and would be classed as low end to "real" pc gamers.

But it pees all over the 360 and ps3.

Gears of war looks incredible.

[kopchoir]

Originally Posted by Indecisive Jay

Gears of war looks incredible.

what screen are you using for it

[Jay]

Originally Posted by kopchoir

what screen are you using for it

I've got it plugged into a 42" plasma, and I use my 360 pad.

You can even do co-op on it, and you've got all the ususal online as well, for free, headset the lot.

Oh and it's got some new levels too, Ain't done them yet, I'm stuck on the stupid kryll part.

[Razor]

Originally Posted by 24 P

Not every one can afford to spend 1

million dollars on a games machine Razor.

I dont care what anyone else can afford. As long as I can afford one thats all that matters to me.....

[Razor]

Originally Posted by Haggler

Actually i think the pc has a good way to go yet in terms of development, obviously a high end machine (Razors et al) is far superior to the current batch of consoles, however even his is probably inside a tower case and this is an area that pc's could still be developed in order to catch up, not everyone wants to see some whopping pc tower next to their tv.

My setup is in a htpc case on my av rack. Like you I am not a fan of having a tower in my lounge. Its also totally silent running which is something a console cant do.

My setup (HTPC is on the bottom right of av rack and on the left of my HTPC are my low res toys.)

Originally Posted by Indecisive Jay

I thought the same, but it really isn't much more than consoles.

Prices seem to have dropped to less than what they were.

My pc was cheap and would be classed as low end to "real" pc gamers.

But it pees all over the 360 and ps3.

Gears of war looks incredible.

Well said mate. Pc gaming can be as cheap or as expensive as you want. You dont have to up grade if you dont want to or if you can't afford to. All that happens is that you might have to turn down the effects on future games. A pc doesn't get less powerful as time goes on just like a console doesn't get more or less powerful as time goes on. If you have a modern day gaming pc it will be far more powerful than a console today, tomorrow and in 4 years time even if you never swap any hardware out. If you do crave more power or extra new effects you can upgrade a pc on a console you are fixed with 4 year old tech and cant upgrade.

[Jay]

Originally Posted by Razor

Well said mate. Pc gaming can be as cheap or as expensive as you want. You dont have to up grade if you dont want to or if you can afford to. All that happens is that you might have to turn down the effects on future games. A pc doesnt get less powerful as time goes on just like a console doesnt get more or less powerful as time goes on. If you have a modern day gaming pc it will be far more powerful than a console today, tomorrow and in 4 years time even if you never swap any hardware out. If you do crave more power or extra new effects you can upgrade a pc on a console you are fixed with 4 year old tech and cant upgrade.

Absolutely, infact you could buy a current top graphics card in a couple of years time and it'll likely be better or at least equivalent to what they put in the "next gen" consoles.

And it'll be cheaper than the console too.

[Razor]

Originally Posted by Indecisive Jay

Absolutely, infact you could buy a current top graphics card in a couple of years time and it'll likely be better or at least equivalent to what they put in the "next gen" consoles.

And it'll be cheaper than the console too.

True. A PS3 has a 7800GT and a 360 has a X800XT with the functionality of an X1800XT.

Consoles have their place in a gamers collection but I am finding as time moves on and tech improves I am using my consoles less and less. In fact I cant remember the last time I plaid any of my consoles. The only console games I have played in the last 18 months are:

Fable 2 - Excellent game
Kill Zone 2 - Average
Resistance 2 - Really liked this game.

The lack of exclusives means that I am using my pc 99.9% of the time as this is the best platform in my setup.

[Houghsx]

Originally Posted by Indecisive Jay

I thought the same, but it really isn't much more than consoles.

Prices seem to have dropped to less than what they were.

My pc was cheap and would be classed as low end to "real" pc gamers.

But it pees all over the 360 and ps3.

Gears of war looks incredible.

Thats the point I think a lot of people miss. They instantly look at the cutting edge/expensive kit. You really dont need to spend that much more than a console to get better result and a machine that is highly flexible and adaptable to your needs. There not without there faults and there not for everyone but I would never go backwards, always look forwards.

[Jay]

Originally Posted by Houghsx

Thats the point I think a lot of people miss. They instantly look at the cutting edge/expensive kit. You really dont need to spend that much more than a console to get better result and a machine that is highly flexible and adaptable to your needs. There not without there faults and there not for everyone but I would never go backwards, always look forwards.

Exactly.

And again people think that you need to change your graphics card every time a new game comes out.

I absolutely love having the freedom to change things as I please.

The main negative for me with pcs is defintely when you can't get a game working right, with a console it's generally more straightforward.

the other day I was trying to get vsync working on gears of war, it was absolutely annoying having to try 101 different things, but the end result is worth it.

I reckon it's only a matter of time before the line merges between pcs and consoles, especially in terms of hardware upgrades.

I can defintely see better performing skus at some point as opposed to simply having bigger hard drives.

[Rasczak]

Originally Posted by Indecisive Jay

I reckon it's only a matter of time before the line merges between pcs and consoles, especially in terms of hardware upgrades.

I was thinking this myself - if the current gen consoles are going to remain 'current' for the next 4 or 5 years it would make sense for them to release 'high end' versions. The same consoles but with more powerful graphics and processing. The games could then come in two flavours - standard or enhanced. It'd be easier for Sony to do this as they could just stick both versions on a Blu-ray disc and have it auto-detect the console it was running on.

[Tetlee]

With the ever growing amount of piracy on the Xbox360 I would imagine microsoft should be pretty eager to get their next generation console out, perhaps this time a lot more secure(as far as I understand the PS3 is still free of piracy).

The jumps in graphic capability are becoming less and less important, not only because they are so advanced already, but people seem to be content with what we have now and more interested in gameplay progression.

All things aside though I would expect microsoft to kick off the next gen within a couple of years or so, there's still plenty of room for improvement and let's face it we're all suckers for new hardware.

I wish they'd give us the option of true premium consoles this time around though, say an extra £100 or so for console that's built like an AV seperate(a bit like Panasonic did with the Gamecube and the Panasonic Q, only better). Vidoe games have matured alot over the years, as has the age of the average gamer, it must be time to give us consoles that sit better in our AV rack rather than a cheap looking ugly bulk of plastic.

[CAS FAN]

We don't need next gen consoles, but then we don't need games really either.

I love a good console release to be honest as at the launch it's something brand new and exciting. PC gaming is obviously better on a technical level though, but a new PC just doesn't generate that level of collected excitement that we get with a new console release.

I always find it pretty interesting to see the step up in quality at a new console release to see how far the new tech is advanced. You also get a machine that is as capable in many respects as a fairly mid to high end PC at launch (ignoring the Wii ), however at a vastly reduced cost!

I actually feel that launch consoles are much better value than buying then say 2-3 years after launch. Take the 360 at launch (£280ish), 2-3 years after launch (£150ish),a mere £130 difference (PS3 similar £425 then, £280 2-3 years after). Mid to high end PC at launch (excluding monitor etc.) £800-£1000, same PC after 2-3 years (£350-£400), a difference of over £400.

Getting a foothold & market share with a new console is so important to the manufacturer that they are originally sold at quite a loss.

My excitement in console gaming certainly wains towards the mid to late part of it's cycle and I tend to build a decent PC round that time and revert back to PC gaming (funds allowing!). We are now around that time and i'm already itching at the bit to get a new PC built (as Razor knows ).

On the other hand two of my fave console franchises GT & Forza are hitting soon and with other games like GoW3, Uncharted 2, MAG and Alan Wake (to name a few) there's still a lot of interest in specific games for me.

I'd love a new PC to play NFS Shift though as the console version of this will be compromised in terms of a 30fps frame rate and a low 720p res and that looks like one game that will really benefit of a high level of visual definition. Also i'm no real fan of 30fps for racing games.

[Bursar]

Originally Posted by CAS FAN

I actually feel that launch consoles are much better value than buying then say 2-3 years after launch. Take the 360 at launch (£280ish), 2-3 years after launch (£150ish),a mere £130 difference (PS3 similar £425 then, £280 2-3 years after). Mid to high end PC at launch (excluding monitor etc.) £800-£1000, same PC after 2-3 years (£350-£400), a difference of over £400.

But your 2-3 your old console will play all of the previously released titles, as well as the upcoming ones with absolutely no problems, and no further expense on hardware.

Your 2-3 year old PC will likely need a number of the detail settings turning down when it comes to playing more recent games. Or a £150 graphics card upgrade. And maybe a new CPU, which could involve a new motherboard and RAM.

[Razor]

Originally Posted by Bursar

But your 2-3 your old console will play all of the previously released titles, as well as the upcoming ones with absolutely no problems, and no further expense on hardware.

Your 2-3 year old PC will likely need a number of the detail settings turning down when it comes to playing more recent games. Or a £150 graphics card upgrade. And maybe a new CPU, which could involve a new motherboard and RAM.

A pc will still play games 2-3 years into the future it just wont be able to carry off the extra eye candy that new tech brings like DX11, new types of AA, lighting etc. A console also wont be able to carry off new eye candy and will still be stuck with the same hardware. Therefore even if you do have to dial the settings down, they will still look better than a console as it has more powerful tech. PC games are made to play on all different levels of systems from 5 year old pc's to current day pc's.

A 2-3 year old pc still beats a console hands down. I have a Q6600 with a 8800GTX in the office and this still plays most games on highest settings @ 1920x1200 and is far more powerful than a console and always has been. If I want to upgrade it I can, I cant do this with my 360 or ps3.

As I said in a post above -

A pc doesn't get less powerful as time goes on just like a console doesn't get more or less powerful as time goes on. If you have a modern day gaming pc it will be far more powerful than a console today, tomorrow and in 4 years time even if you never swap any hardware out.

I personally dont care how much it costs to upgrade or if I need to upgrade. What I do care about is having the choice to upgrade and the extra power if I want it.

[Razor]

Originally Posted by CAS FAN

I love a good console release to be honest as at the launch it's something brand new and exciting. PC gaming is obviously better on a technical level though, but a new PC just doesn't generate that level of collected excitement that we get with a new console release.

I do get excited when new hardware is released especially when its a new gpu. However I agree you cant beat a new console release for overall hype and excitement. I mainly look forward to the new exclusives and getting my hands on a new gadget.

I would really like to see console manufactures giving us the choice of slapping in a more powerful gpu say 3 years down the line. This is one part of console gaming which does frustrate me. As you say its best to get the new gen console on release day and enjoy it while the tech isn't dated.

[Miyazaki]

I was thinking of an i7 rig and baulked at the price. I was amazed at the price of the new AM3 AMD chips and mobos and read that for games the AM3 actually outperforms the i7. The flagship AMD 965 is less that £200 and is astonishingly overclockable! With an unlocked multiplier to boot!

Built myself a rig (not physically) at scan and it can out to only £700 as I didn't need a new gfxs card, psu or monitor. Couldn't believe how cheap cpus have got!