Does the PS4 Need to Do More Than Push Polygons?

Push Square: "Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime reckons that Sony will need to do more than manufacture cutting edge technology in order to compete with the Wii U. The executive was responding to a query regarding the longevity of the recently released platform once the next generation console eventually arrives.

"Do you agree with Fils-Aime’s insinuation that hardware advancements are not enough to facilitate new experiences alone? Would you like to see Sony experiment with new input devices for the PlayStation 4?"

[wishingW3L]

nope.

Ai, physics, frame-rate > gimmicks

[bicfitness]

I would be fine with mid-high (2011/12 "high") end PC-code friendly box, with a STANDARD controller. And Move and all that other crap as peripherals on the side. Add some Gaikai backwards compatibility or a Cell chip if they're cheap enough and a decent HDD and I'm good.

[Information Minister]

And this is exactly why I will not be an early adopter for next gen.

All I want to do is play games the same way I've been doing for the past 20 years: comfortably sitting in the couch with a controller between my hands. I don't want gimmicks, I don't want new ways to be nickel and dimmed and I already have quite enough "content and services". I just want games and I will wait to see which manufacturer remains loyal to hardcore gamers.

[Jinkies]

I just want them to have the tec so someone like ND for example got have destructible like enviroments in Uncharted 4.

Imagine what the online would be like, you chuck a grenade in an old stone-ruined house and just crumbles, fiering a RPG into a building would blow a massive hole in it or if you have a map with a massive tower you could blow the support beams off at the bottom and the whole thing would collapse, crushing players - maybe differnt ways so the enviroment would always be differn't, it could just crumble or it could fall sideways and crash into another building
It would be awesome...

[Roper316]

since all I want is games for me personally the answer would be no it doesn't. I could not careless about twatter, facebook & all that other social BS which is not need on a GAMING console. I also could not careless about gimmicky controllers either which is a ninety trademark the last 2 gens for them. As long as the PS4 has good core games I am / will be a happy camper.

[TheBrit]

But the problem is they are no longer considered "Gaming Consoles" they are "Entertainment Hubs" designed to be your one-stop living room entertainment source.

So get ready because a boat load more of the apps that are not game related are on their way.

Interestingly enough though, MS have removed twitter and Facebook from the console.

[rainslacker]

Sony's consoles have always been about gaming first. The other stuff is nice and convenient to have though. I wouldn't want them to remove those features as it would hurt them in the marketplace. A lot of people look for that kind of stuff, and it only helps them. The thing is having all those extras doesn't mean that it can't still be a gaming platform, as the PS3/Vita/360 already shows. It's how the company balances those features against it's most important use(playing games) that matters.

[cervantes99]

Better graphics, physics, AI, 60FPS at 1080P!

My TV, phone and tablet have all the other social aspects should I need them.

Cross Game Chat is a must only to shut the naysayers up - I don't understand it personally, but it would be a great feature for those who want it.

[Eyeco]

I want better performance if anything, allot of games this gen struggle running 30 fps at 720p believe it or not, 60 fps/1080p as a standard for most games is a HUGE jump to make next gen considering where we are right now,

I'm not too knowledgeable on the technical, spec side of things but from what i've read on PC gaming forums maybe more RAM would help next gen consoles ? if anyone wants to school me please PM i'm generally interested in this.

[cervantes99]

Hi Eyeco,

If rumors are to be believed, Sony is equipping the PS4 with the hardware to run all games at 1080P 60FPS and in 3D if the user desires. Most assuredly more RAM will be included as well which will help frame rates and texture quality in games. This goes for the next Xbox too.

I hope the rumors are true (I'm guessing they are pretty accurate in this regard)

Uncharted 4 in 1080P and 60FPS with High Resolution Textures - I sure hope so :)

[Pillsbury1]

It's only gonna do everything and more.

[sjaakiejj]

To me no. If I wanted a different controller, I'd buy a different controller. If I want better graphics, I buy new hardware.

[Rainstorm81]

Lol Reggie acts like that's all the PS3 did...smh

[Aghashie]

is not the case for me either. the ps3 is already a powerhouse, just look at the market, the most impressive games this gen, are all ps3 games. all I want is more ram, a faster cpu/gpu and a bigger HDD. that alone will make a very happy gamer.

[sandman224]

Reggie is clueless! There isn't anything great about a tablet controller. If I need touch screen I play with my iPhone or iPad. Also if you don't have a wii u, try playing call of duty with that large controller/ tablet. Its not as east as using a dualshock or 360 controller. Also you can view your map on the game pad with the wii u. There's a problem here...... Let me explain. When I play blops 2 on my wii u. I play multiplayer. A lot of times I'll be looking at my map on the tablet then boom I'm dead. It's to fast of a game to use that feature. Also when things get intense on screen the frame rate takes a big dip. It might look better the the ps3 version, but its not as smooth. I know if Sony focuses on polygons 60fps 1080p and easy dev kits, it will blow Nintendo back into the 80's. nothing against Nintendo. I do own a wii u. It's just that I'm upset that there multiplatform games run at bad frame rate. And it should've came with a pro controller.

[MasterCornholio]

The triggers could be a little bit better on the DS3 and if they make the DPAD like the Vitas that would be fantastic.

P.S The PS4 will be a console that will cater to people who want a traditional gaming experience. If you want something else get a Wii U.

[TacticAce]

Can you say Tessellation? More polygons WILL be in the next gen because the next gen will be using DirectX 11

[SkullBlade169]

The Playstation console definitely won't, I somehow don't see Microsoft allowing them to run a Windows-Based OS on it with their graphics technology...

[TacticAce]

DirectX has to do with game engines. For example Unreal Engine 3 uses directx 9. So if the ps3 has a game released with the Unreal Engine that means it was made with Direct X 9 features. Its the third party use of it, not sony.

[SkullBlade169]

Yes, and DirectX only runs on Windows and Xbox's OS. :P

Microsoft themselves created DirectX. Sony will have to use some other system since I highly doubt they would allow them to use it.

If a game engine wants to run on other systems which are not Windows or Xbox, they will need to use OpenGL or another API on that system.

DirectX is an API, meaning it's part of an Operating System. If you want to create a program using DirectX, then you need to run it on the OS that supports DirectX. Otherwise, it will have to use something else...

[Griffin4871]

I don't need better graphics than what we have now. I want innovative gameplay and you don't need Toy Story quality graphics to get that. Support is also important, which Sony doesn't seem to have a lot of with Vita, so yeah, Sony better damn sure have more than just extra polygons.

[madjedi]

Yeah innovative gameplay, considering most nintendo titles have essentially the same gameplay since the n64 or gamecube, but with better graphics that isn't saying much.

What innovative gameplay has nintendo done, motion controls, the same games for 27 yrs, is that innovative to you.

I don't listen to idiots screaming about innovation or a lack there of, when they are too lazy or too stupid to define, why something is innovative or why it's lacking innovation.

All that precious gameplay talk you nintendo fanatics drone on and on about, is heavily dependant on newer and better hardware to MAKE THE GAMEPLAY MORE IMMERSIVE.

No other group is this damn hardheaded. For however innovative people thought little big planet was, it wouldn't have done anything if it didn't have the hardware, that allows the software to run.

Why the hell did any of you get the wii u, it's gameplay isn't going to be any better than the wii's, just with a better graphical presentation.

Short of true life like graphics, there is no such graphics are good enough, without some other factor price technology ect.

[Griffin4871]

Why the hell did you bring up Nintendo? I swear you guys always try to use Nintendo as a basis for a poor argument.

[EyesAblaze]

MOAR PIKSULLZ!!!

[ozzywazzy]

Cut the crap and just make a good console. No Social Media bs. Let the other systems deal with that. No gimmicky controller, once again let the other companies fail at that. Just give us a good traditional console that pushes polygons, AI, PHYSICS, and frame rates.

* (ai, physics purposely capitalized so clueless peeps realize that better hardware doesn't only equate to graphical strength.)

[rainslacker]

I'd agree with you except for the fact we'd have to listen to the fanboy fodder that that would bring for the next 7 years, with the exception of the controller thing. None of those things are bad to have...and if they have them now it's not hard to imagine the next console can do all that stuff without any issue.

Games should remain the main focus, otherwise what's the point in a console.

[StrongMan]

Just keep doing what they are doing. Sony are the only ones pushing new IPs. Not bad for a console that has been doomed the past 6 years.

[shutUpAndTakeMyMoney]

ps4 will be big. I have a feeling sony will try to over shadow the memory of 2006 launch and will try to give extra value day 1.

I can't wait to see Naughty Dog games next gen. Also I hope they show what they are doing with gaikai next e3.

I also think DS4 controller should have a thin layer of memory foam on the part you hold to add extra comfort.

[GraveLord]

It will do more than that. it will push gameplay with better AI, physics...etc. Power isn't just about graphics.

[BitbyDeath]

Push whatever software features you want into the console itself but I don't want to see any tablets as a standard.

[Npugz7]

No that's all it needs is more power to squash Nintendo!

[Hicken]

Bring the games, just like the PS3 is doing. That's all I need.

[Pillsbury1]

Amen more great IPs and great value like they have done.

[Veni Vidi Vici]

It would be nice if they would allow a different control option for FPS's because, IMO, analogue sticks suck for FPS's. Disagree all you want but if you put the best controller FPS player against just a solid M+KB player, the mouse player will wipe the floor with them even with the console player getting a ridiculous amount of aim assist. There's a reason they don't allow M+KB players to play people that use a controller.

I like a regular controller for most other games but for FPS's, ARPGS, and strategy games, I need something with the precision of a mouse. I'm not a fan of the motion controls but making a controller with a trackball would be a nice compromise between mouse and controller.

There would be an instant sale from me for whoever would make a trackball(in place of one analogue stick) controller that is supported from the beginning with the next gen consoles.

[rainslacker]

There are several alternatives for FPS control out on the market for the PC. I don't really know how they compare though since I'm not a huge FPS fan. I don't like playing FPS on consoles either because I find analog sticks sub-par compared to the MS+KB, and it's just not as much fun to me.

I think the problem comes down to making a controller that is geared towards one specific genre. It's great for people that only play that, but a waste of money for all the others. Even if they offered that support through accessories, the people that were allowed to use a better control option would dominate and make it not as much fun for those with the stock controller.

I think for single player games they should offer more control options, and Mouse/KB would be a bonus feature for me if developers would support it. I would have loved for Mass Effect to have allowed me to use the M/KB option on the PS3. I do know I've been loving having a racing wheel for Gran Turismo, and couldn't imagine going back to analog's for a racing game.

[Veni Vidi Vici]

The PC is the only place I play FPS's because it has a mouse and keyboard. Consoles will never use them because it's awkward to use on a couch or chair and it would fracture the community.

If they included the controller with the console, everyone could use it and it wouldn't fracture the community. Also, they could allow the console/games to use old(legacy) controllers for people that prefer them. If the people that use the trackball controllers are that much better then it just proves my point that there needs to be a different input method for players.

Either way, that's really the most important thing about the next gen consoles, to me. They need a new controller for the types of games I've listed. I don't think Move will succeed and people won't use a M+KB on their couch so there needs to be innovation. Analogue sticks just aren't precise enough. Perhaps a small touch pad somewhere on the controller?

The point is, they need to innovate on the input side of things for consoles and it needs to be included with the console so it doesn't fracture the community and developers utilize it. Staying with the status quo won't cut it for me.

[BenRage3]

I think graphics matter, however, I don't need more characters on screen anymore. I think this gen has satisfied in that area. Improved A.I. frame rate and physics sounds nice, but unless a company does something interesting with those, I don't really care. I mean a smarter enemy to kill in a FPS is not going to define a generation, at least not for me.

I also don't think the writer of the article backed his points as well as he could have. Uncharted couldn't be done last generation? Beyond graphics, how is this statement true? Every play Resident Evil 4? Don't get me wrong, the Uncharted trilogy is one of the best franchises around, but I didn't see much innovation there. The story and set pieces made those games unique. Without those it's just another shooter. My point is this. At some point, frame rate, A.I., graphics and all of those things that good tech can produce will top off. How do you innovate when that happens? I for one don't want to be using a standard game pad forever.

[TheLyonKing]

I thought we were moving away from polygons and using atoms???

Anyone clear this up I thought polygons were old now or is that just for PC's

[DigitalRaptor]

Yes, and I'm sure it will.

New hardware means better graphics/performance but it also means better gameplay through more advanced AI and physics.

Not to mention it's obvious Sony are working on their next gen PSN that will work more as a whole rather than compartmentally. Nailing an online service to continue competing with XBL will be as important to Sony as games. More RAM for Cross game chat, party features, background activities etc. PS4's network has a lot of potential based on recent activity, their embracing of digital, improved PS+ features, the Gaikai purchase, restructuring as SEN,cross-play and other types of cross-platform integration.

I'm hoping for an improved interface. I like the simplicity of XMB, but there are things that could be improved about it.

[black911]

The ps3 still has untapped power and 3rd party developers are still struggling with the ps3. Just look at beyond two souls. Best looking game ever.