The author discusses his views on the upcoming releases for the next generation of consoles and whether or not better graphics makes the game "next-gen" or if there is something else needed.
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"innovation". Easier said than done.
Gamers are generally of this wild opinion that "innovation" is something that just happens. Not only that, they think that it "just happens" at the beginning of each generation.
Innovation means so many things. For me, massive open worlds, persistent worlds, amazing visuals, physic, particles, and MMO-style online play ARE innovation. All things we will be getting.
Refinement is innovation, at this point. When true innovation happens, I'll be pleasantly surprised.
It's not about whether or not they fit the criteria of being "next-gen" it's a moniker that carries weight only insofar that they actually are "next-generation".
Someone brought up a very interesting point that a lot of the great features that will make games fun are things that you can't readily advertise or showcase in games like you could going from the PS2 to the PS3.
For instance, particle simulation physics -- features like this will allow you to see things like smoke embers putting people on fire (as opposed to just using outright flame throwers to do the job).
We also have things like more enhanced soft-body deformation physics and AI improvements, things that were peaked or undoable on current-gen. So yes, by definition of potential, mechanics and tools, these upcoming games whether they look the part or not, are indeed next-gen.
None of the multi-platform that ship on x360, x1, PS3, and PS4 should be considered next gen games.
Although graphics on the new platform will be better, the core game mechanics are still being achieved on current gen hardware.
Next gen games start appearing in year 2 and 3 of the cycle when devts scrap devt for current gen consoles and only make the games for the next gen consoles. When devts are saying "This game was impossible on the previous gen hardware" then it is next gen.
The only next gen thing i'm seeing is Driveclub. I trust Evolution studio because i still play MotorStorm to this day.