Occasionally offensive. Michigan State University

imtheman2013

Contributor
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Next Generation Thoughts

Regardless of what I say in this blog, we will get a next generation of gaming consoles. I just want to touch on the subject a little as this generation is starting to die out and I want to share my opinion on the matter.

Now, if you're reading this, then obviously N4G is a website that you visit regularly. And if you visit N4G regularly, then you know that it is almost impossible to visit this website and not see some rumor about next-gen hardware or software. It's a hot topic, and people want to know all they can about it. But why? Is the current generation of systems not good enough for us anymore? Or are people just getting bored with having the same thing for the past eight years?

I look at games like Battlefield 3, Red Dead Redemption, and Metal Gear Solid 4 and wonder: Do I really need higher resolution? Better textures? I don't. These games all look absolutely stunning, and yet people gripe about hardly noticeable low resolution and blotchy textures. The obvious culprit for all of this bickering stems from PC gamers. PC is a great thing. It's highly modifiable and versatile. But one thing it isn't, is cheap. Yes, you can find cheap PC gaming parts and put together your own rig. But honestly, is all of that worth it for slightly better graphics? For me it is not because the PS3 and Xbox 360 produce an experience that I find suitable. And I consider myself an avid gamer, so for an average gamer/consumer, this certainly isn't a viable option.

People like having new stuff in their hands and I think this is a strong driving force behind next-gen hardware. I mean hell, even I want something new. But if next-gen hardware is going to live up to high-end PC specs, would I be willing to shell out that kind of cash to buy it? I probably would, because I love games and am willing to pay a price to play them. But what about the casual gamer, whatever that means? They might not want to, or even need to spend that kind of money. But who knows, the next generation of consoles could be a reasonable price and just as technical as PC's today. I doubt that though.

Look at the games that are still set to be released on current generation hardware: The Last of Us, Beyond: Two Souls, Bioshock Infinite, GTAV. All of these games look like they're going to be amazing. All of them will most likely create an enthralling experience with this generations hardware, and the graphics will be acceptable. I just think that this generation beats itself up a little too much. Maybe we should look back 10 years and see where we were then, and realize that right now, we're at an all-time high. Graphically speaking.

Thanks for listening.

4151d ago
zerocrossing4151d ago

I don't place much value on graphics, or at least it's never been a selling point for me.

Obviously some games require a certain degree of graphical realism to help with immersion and such, but for the most part a good story and gameplay should come 1st.

The problem I see with this gen, is that now it has become rather easy for most developers to create high end graphics, leading to many games relying almost solely on how pretty they look rather than creating rich compelling worlds, characters & story's.

imtheman20134151d ago

I agree. The point of this blog is exactly that. Most graphics are definitely above par now and I think developers don't need new hardware to create special and unique experiences.

zerocrossing4151d ago

Now if only the gaming industry at large would see it that way...

4150d ago
50°

EKWB reportedly plagued with financial disarray many gaming pc's left without parts

EK Cooling allegedly has slipped itself into a hot soup of seemingly endless financial woes, where it has not paid its staff, suppliers, and contractors for many months as the company is facing liquidity problems and a surplus of inventory left unsold, stuck in the warehouse for a more extended period. Gamers Nexus investigated these claims made by former and current personnel, where he found trails of unpaid bills lasting as long as three to four months and unpaid raises that accumulated for almost a year.

EK Water Blocks has two entities—a Slovenian-based headquarters and a US-based subsidiary, EK Cooling Solutions. Steve narrated the series of events in detail, stating that the company was reportedly irresponsible and negligent regarding payment. Consequently, partners and employees are forced to share the burden of alleged mismanagement. It all begins with its extensive range of products, leading to a surplus of goods. EK has over 230 water blocks, 40 liquid cooling kits, 85 reservoirs, 40 pumps, 73 radiators, and 212 miscellaneous accessories.

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tomshardware.com
just_looken1d 15h ago (Edited 1d 14h ago )

Yes this is not about video games directly but indirectly this will impact the pc gaming/workstation space hard.

This company is massive one of two in the water cool space so if it goes poof then thousands out there have no spare parts or half built computers.

SO yeah i know not about a video game but think of it as amd leaving the pc space but this is ekwb that could be leaving water cooling in the pc space

Jayz2cents a supporter of there products also has issues
https://www.youtube.com/wat...

50°

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron - Coming Back for a New Generation

Originally launched in 2011, El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is coming to Nintendo Switch, so It's time to look back at the original.

40°

Helldivers 2 defense missions should give helpful modifiers

With the defense MO failing, many players think that a change in how these missions work is called for.

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gamesandwich.com