Will Wright: Wii the only next-gen console - Guardian Unlimited Q&A

Will Wright is one of the biggest names in gaming: the man behind Sim City and the world's most popular game, The Sims. His next title, Spore, is due out next year. This week Wright was admitted into the fellowship of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Bafta, and Guardian Unlimited caught up with him in London.

"Somebody asked me what I thought next generation meant and what about the PlayStation 3 was next generation. The only next gen system I've seen is the Wii - the PS3 and the Xbox 360 feel like better versions of the last, but pretty much the same game with incremental improvement. [...] In some sense I see the Wii as the most significant thing that's happened, at least on the console side, in quite a while", Wright told Guardian Unlimited.

Wright went on to reveal that he has an Xbox 360 at home "collecting dust in the background", with a Wii hooked up that "we use quite a bit". He doesn't own a PS3, apparently.

[Xeoset]

Next gen = What couldn't be done last gen.

Wii = Gamecube with a new controller.
PS3/360 = Next gen.

[Prismo_Fillusion]

Then I could say...

Wii = Motion controlling in a way never before done on a console
PS3/360 = PS2/Xbox with new graphics

But I don't really believe that - face it, they're all next-gen, or moreso current-gen!

[BloodySinner]

"PS3/360 = PS2/Xbox with new graphics "

Yes, new graphics that could not be done in the last generation which makes both consoles next-gen!

[DeckUKold]

Ps3/360= PS2/XBOX with better graphics
Wii= nextgen gameplay

KEEP BELIEVING THAT GRAPHICS AND YOUR STUCK IN THE PAST YOU NEED TO MOVE ON OTHER STUFF NEED TO BE UPGRADED BESIDES GRAPHICS NINTENDO ATLEAST CHANGE THEY CONTROLLER ALL THE TIME EVERY NEW SYSTEM THAT THEY CAME OUT WITH UNLIKE SONY OR M$ WHO RINSE AND REPEAT THEY PS1 AND XBOX WITH BETTER HARDWARE A GAMING DEVICE IS A GAMING DEVICE AND YOU USE IT TO PLAY GAMES NOT WATCH MOVIES NOT LOOK A THE GRAPHICS AND SAY THIS GAME LOOKS HOT AND IS TRASH(LAIR) WHY WOULD I WANT THAT IT ALSO TAKES LONGER TO MAKE IT COST MORE IT'S NOT LIKE I'M GONNA BE THERE ALDAY THERES OTHER STUFF TO DO THAN PLAY GAMES GO OUTSIDE FOR ONCE GOSH YOU PEOPLE ANNOY ME

OBAMA FOR 08

[Xeoset]

Who the hell said I was on about graphics?

You really think the Wii's friend codes can compete with the likes of PSN/Xbox Live!?

You really think waving your arm like a fool is as immersive as such powerful AI you caould generate a full in game conversation? Ala Mass Effect.

You really think physics and rag doll effects from almost a decade ago help out when your a fat red plumber jumping on a turtle?

I'm sorry, the 360/PS3 do alot more than 'graphics'.

[PS360WII]

hmm same game looks different

or same game plays different

Live was part of the last gen, Eye Toy was part of the last gen. Physics and graphics improve every gen regardless.

Games played on the Wii could not be played last generation so I guess Xeonset you proved the Wii is next gen as well.

[unsunghero28]

Well, first of all, I hate that word. In its REAL meaning it just means THE NEXT GENERATION of consoles, so that would be in the 7th generation, which the Wii, PS3 and 360 all belong in.

But, anyway, I agree a lot with Wright- if you have to use the word "next -gen" then it should probably describe an experience that could not possibly have been done last gen. The Wii has some games like that, whereas the 360 and PS3 mainly use graphics and online functionality to provide new experiences.

LittleBigPlanet, BioShock and Super Mario Galaxy are probably the games I would most consider "next-gen."

[StarsCream]

DeckUKold I really hope your ENTIRE post is bad joke because you look like a fool.

The Wii may be fun, but despite what Will Wright says, its not that new of a concept to use motion controls. Then again this comes from a guy who had made his cheese off of a rehashed idea for the last 15 years.

The PS2 pre-release had a motion controlled "wand" controller to play games. Not to mention the Eyetoy, allthough primitive, was all about motion controls.

So, yeah, nothing about the Wii is "next-gen".... nothing. Its still has a few fun games, but im realistic about it and not some blind fan-freak dressed in a little green elf outfit.

[DeckUKold]

but don't mention mass effect plz don't it really looks like a very boring game that would put me to sleep omg it was so depressing if what ever company making that game better tweak the game play alot if they want me i prordered it and took it off the same day after watching a gameplay video hype is a MOFO

Vote for OBAMA

[The Brave 1]

This is just getting out of hand people.I have a PS3 which I adore and i also have a 360 .But to say that the wii is the only next-gen system out there is a disgrace.Maybe he should of said the wii is the only system which people barely play.Last poll indicates 67 percent of wii owners are not playing.This system is a disgrace to us real gamers.its a disgrace to the Nintendo faithful.If your smart you will realize that Will is saying this because PS3 and 360 more or less competes with the PC which he develops for.I expected more from this guy.Wii is crap.Its an attack on gaming as we know it.

[Prismo_Fillusion]

Will Wright is one of the gods of gaming. You will respect his word as the final authority.

*waits for backlash*

[StarsCream]

lol good one :)

[Rooftrellen]

No, now, we all know, 360/PS3 fanboys will start claiming Earthworm Jim has been a much greater franchise than Sim City or The Sims, now.

We'll know they're just trying to make themselves feel better and that both franchises were the first to really pull gamers in a new direction, not unlike Nintendo has always been, while EArthworm Jim was good, but not something revolutionary, but rather, evolutionary, like the PS3/360.

However, I must say, I would rather David Perry never have been born and be missing Earthworm Jim and a few games based on movies than Wii Wright and be missing the Sims and Sim City. We both know who the great gaming minds are, but we also know the PS3/360 fanboys will side with the lesser mind because he's not against them.

[lawler]

Will speaks the truth, regardless of what most fanboys on here will say.

[Silvanos]

He looks like the type of guy who sits at home playing with his Wii all day.

[The Brave 1]

@lawler
Will speaks the truth?How do u know?Hes in the entertainment business u FU--!Nobody tells the entire truth

[BSigel81]

He should try fitting the PC version of The Sims 2, or better yet Spore in all its glory on a wii, it just won't work.

[Prismo_Fillusion]

"We're doing Spore on the Wii"
Quote from the article.
Oops, you're wrong.

[StarsCream]

He said "in all its glory", meaning graphical as well Pris

[Shankle]

And don't forget that the online functionality will be screwed over. Spore is supposed to be a heavily online game with loads of other people's creatures everywhere. How on earth do you do that on a wii?

[predator]

to be honest he's right, the 360 and ps3 are beefed up versions of the xbox and ps2, the wii is the only console that has done something different and new in how to play games.

[kspraydad]

Did they pick this guy up on a flight back from Thailand or something.

[Kholinar]

So your response to someone's statement that you don't agree with is to call them a pedophile?

Wow... talk about a sad moment on this site. Even sadder is the fact that 7 people agree with you. I guess at least 8 people on this site need to grow up and learn that this sort of behaviour is never ok. It's not just trollish, it's libel.

How sad.

[caffman]

1 2 3 4 where is the FLAME WAR

[aiphanes]

Next gen is HDTV, bluetooth 2.0, bluray, HD-DVD, wifi, HDMI, hard drive, motion controls, multi core processors with over 3 GHZ in each core, online service, 5.1 surround sound, 7.1 surround sound, online playable games...

DVD is not next gen
having no harddrive built into the system is not next gen
having sub HD resolutions is not next gen
Having no HDMI port is not next gen
Dolby Prologic is not next gen

[predator]

dude u see thats were ur wrong, next gen means anything that improves on the last product also changing the way something is done, the wii improves on the gamecube,changes the way people play games, therefor it is next gen, next gen doesnt mean fancy graphics and all that.

[BSigel81]

I know their releasing it on Wii, I was talking about release the PC version, u kno the console versions are gutted to a certain degree. If they can't fit all that on a Wii without at least 3 or more discs. Then i would bow down to them, until they do that I will keep believing that PS3/360 is the next-gen consoles. I got nothing against the wii, great console, it move numbers. Its just not next-gen in terms of technology, except for the Wii motion controller, which has been done before to a certain degree on Warhawk on PS1.

[FlamePhoenix]

Okay, then what was PS one to PS2? This guy is a retard.

[sajj316]

Wii - Next Gen controls. Mario Galaxy has the potential to be this gen's Mario 64.

360 - Next Gen online infrastructure. Face it, Xbox Live put console gaming online on the map

PS3 - Next Gen computational power and possibly next gen format in Blu Ray

I do see Will's point though. There hasn't been anything yet on both the PS3 or the 360 that have put a next gen stamp of approval from the software side. The only title that I see as next gen for the PS3 is Little Big Planet. Next gen on the software side is user generated content.

[peksi]

IMHO Wii just has a next-gen controller.

[supermandead666]

Other than the controller gimmick i don't how the Wii is Next Gen.

[Korosuke]

till when will people continue to calling ps3/360/wii the next-gen...they are not next-gen anymore :p

[Shadow Flare]

Has Will Wright seen what the Playstation Eye can do? Then maybe he'd retract that comment about the ps3 if he believes motion sensing is what makes a console next-gen. Let alone the plethora of incredible high-tech features the ps3 uses

The wii has a great controller. THAT'S IT. It can't even watch DVD movies for crying out loud. Maybe that console is next-gen if your definition is the 'next-general piece of crap console nintendo has manufactured'

EVEN IF the console is quite novel with the motion sensing and what not, how does nintendo incorprate it? Flipping pancakes in Cooking Mama? Guiding a little butterfly around the screen, blowing magic dust on talking flowers?

The Wii is not next-gen. It's novel

If you want next-gen then you want games that push the boundaries in EVERY way

[Kholinar]

"EVEN IF the console is quite novel with the motion sensing and what not, how does nintendo incorprate it? Flipping pancakes in Cooking Mama? Guiding a little butterfly around the screen, blowing magic dust on talking flowers?"

Forgot about Metroid Prime and COD4? MP was repeatedly called the best FPS controls outside a PC and now we're getting reports that COD4 dramatically improves that functionality. I don't think that can be dismissed just because girls like games that you despise. There are a lot more. Super Swing Golf got great reviews as a golf sim that did what Tiger Woods wanted to do. Many more will come. You're right though, not a lot has been done yet. Just like the DS had a long wait before killer apps like the new Zelda hit it. When the wii hits its stride it will change things even more dramatically than it is now. I'm not sure the industry is ready for that, but I guarantee you that Nintendo has a lot more up its sleeve.

LBP is the playstation's next gen moment. I think Will would agree on that. When more PS3 developers start thinking outside the box you'll see it shine. I look forward to it.

[Devr]

All 3 consoles are next-gen. It's just that some games on Wii aren't...

Games that use the contoller well = Next-gen
Games that don't use the controller well = Last-gen

[mighty_douche]

if i bought a pair of Adidas Socks then a year later they release new socks with upgraded elastic does that make them 'Next Gen Socks'? nope..

oh and incase your wondering im copyrighting next gen socks lol!

[AllroundGamer]

i sold my Wii just yesterday, cause it was last gen and meant for the casual gen :D

[john_doe]

Well... i'm not selling it and will be playing "casual" games like mario galaxy, battalion wars 2, umbrella chronicles, manhunt 2... the last one is so casual... i think the wii has games for all type of gamers... not only casuals....

[unsunghero28]

For the good of N4G:
1) Have 10 children
2) Grow them up to have similar views as you
3) Unleash them on this website

Because what we really need is some people like you that care about actually PLAYING games.

Have a bubble.

[TruthbeTold]

This completely made my week. This is perhaps the best gaming news for me personally all year! I just had a conversation this week about how I didn't think this was a possibility, yet hoped to god it would happen. Incredible! :)

[vertigun]

Will is Right. Shut up and listen to him. I hate all these 13 year olds crying about their PS3's and Xbox360's. Cut it out, little children, grow up.

[nobizlikesnowbiz]

Wii is a fad. Nothing groundbreaking about it, except that it's a popular fad.

[BLACKJACK VII]

More than that, it's CHEAP. And parents have spend 2 their hard earned money on many more important things than a video game console. Buying little Timmy a $500 PS3 (or $350 360) @ $60 per game don't add up to the average household. Besides that, most of the Wii library consists of children's games...

However, as PS3 & 360 continue to drop their prices, there will be more penatration.

[Ju]

The general perception is, its cheap. Its not. Wii $249. 360-Arcade $279.

[Kholinar]

So the crippled version of one console is almost as cheap as the full version of another console?

I'm sure that'll matter to Joe Consumer.

Way to verify the other person's argument.

[Ju]

The crippled version. Let me see. Oh, yeah, it has no hard drive. Wait a minute. Neither does the Wii. Hey, it has HDMI, it plays 720p (yeah, what ever, 360 fanboys, 1080, too, if you want), it plays DVD-Video, too. It has a wire less controller. Yeah, right. Crippled version. (Yeah, RRoD, that I could agree on). But, you are right, the Wii has WiFi, the Arcade does not. That must be it, then.

[Kholinar]

"The crippled version. Let me see. Oh, yeah, it has no hard drive. Wait a minute. Neither does the Wii. Hey, it has HDMI, it plays 720p (yeah, what ever, 360 fanboys, 1080, too, if you want), it plays DVD-Video, too. It has a wire less controller. Yeah, right. Crippled version. (Yeah, RRoD, that I could agree on). But, you are right, the Wii has WiFi, the Arcade does not. That must be it, then."

Yep. The crippled version of their (MS's) console. I can provide a definition for you if you'd like. It's really not that confusing.

But really it's just microsoft's way. I suppose you think Vista Basic is not crippled compared to Vista Ultimate either.

[Ju]

"provide a definition of crippled" - yes, please do. I insist.

Heck, I don't even know why I am defending the 360 here. I don't even own one. But if it comes to a decision this Christmas I have the choice of a $249 Wii (which the kids want) or a $279 to get me into 360 games - or I spend $399 for another PS3 - so I (!) can play, too, while my kids will squeeze everything out of my other PS3 (R&C) - and I would have a choice to watch my Blu Rays in the living room or I go the lazy route and fall a sleep in my bedroom watching it. I have choices. And again, in case I repeat myself $249 or $279, what should I do ? Both machines play the whole portfolio of their available games. What do you not understand here ?

[Kholinar]

Crippled (from m-w.com, Merriam Webster in case of future misdirection): "to deprive of capability for service or of strength, efficiency, or wholeness."

There's absolutely no way you can call the arcade complete or whole in comparison to the elite or the standard 360, anymore than you can call a six cylinder mustang whole compared to one with a V8. The whole purpose of the arcade was to remove as many costly features as possible in order to reduce cost.

I understand everything you're saying. I understand that gamers can still play games on the arcade, just like drivers can still drive the Mustang six-cylinder. However, to say that it's the same experience as a is foolhardy. Just like with Vista Ultimate and Basic. The arcade is "deprive(d) of (some) capability for service". Whereas with the wii you get the same experience across the board.

It's not that hard.

You're trying to say a different thing than I am. I've given you my terms and definitions. By my definition, my statement is correct. To you that statement doesn't matter. Fine. Please also keep in mind that I was talking about Joe Consumer, not Joe Gamer. It's a completely different audience and, fortunately or unfortunately, the non-gaming parent will decide who wins at christmas.

If you're talking about your kids. I'd agree with you. For the family there are only two choices, the wii or the ps3. The xbox is hostile towards family in their game catalog.

[Ju]

I have to reply again, because I cannot agree and disagree at the same time without adding a comment. I agree to your last paragraph. But there it ends.

Well, your analogy with the V6 and V8 Mustang is objectionable (IMO). While it might be correct, that the driving fun between a V6 and a V8 differs (I have a V6 convertible, and my wife's driving it, BTW), this implication is misleading in regards of a gaming console (and totally unrelated - its not a car).

You did not answer my question in regard to the 360 as such but brought a comparison with a car (and a more generic reference). What I want to know is, in what regard is the 360 Arcade crippled to a 360 Premium or Elite, except the missing Harddrive, which does not impact the gaming experience at all (unlike a different engine would, for example).

(That's a way to waste some bubbles, I can't keep up, I guess :)

[Kholinar]

I've already said it plays the games fine.

The problem is that Microsoft bills the 360 as more than just a game machine, something that Nintendo never does:

"Amplify your music, photos, video, and TV. Watch progressive-scan DVD movies right out of the box. Rip music to the Xbox 360 Hard Drive and share your latest digital pictures with friends. Make the connection, and Xbox 360 instantly streams the digital media stored on your MP3 player, digital camera, Media Center PC, or any Microsoft® Windows® XP 2005 Edition-based PC."

Sorry, you were right actually. I was under the mistaken impression that Wifi was now included with the Premium and Elite. When I saw that there was still no wifi on the arcade, honestly it's just never made sense to me. Add lack of wifi, which severely limits connectivity for the majority of consumers, to the lack of harddrive (which eliminates music ripping, storing an appreciable amount of photos, etc. and I don't think it can be billed as a digital media hub. Just my opinion. To me those things together would make it crippled under the terms of its advertising. However, it seems that the entire line is somewhat crippled instead by default.

[Shadow Flare]

I would define 'crippled' as TheMART's mother

[allforcalisto]

no...

people shouldnt look at Next gen in such a rudimentary way. motion sensing peripherals aren't new anyway. There were gun peripherals for the bloody mega drive. and in arcades there've been loads of motion sensing type things. All the wii does is bring that experience into your home. But remember the trips to the arcade were only to experience that arcadey action for that day, then you'd go home and play a solid game like Shenmue, or baldur's gate.

Next gen should be about creating truly believable and immerse worlds, without needing us to suspend our disbelief. For example certain games last gen required you to kinda ignore the shoddy lip synching and overall animation, now we're getting games like Uncharted, kameo, ratchet, gears of war where the realism is breath-taking. It pulls you into the experience a lot more.

Next gen = grand theft auto IV, Final fantasy XIII, MGS4, Little big planet, Alan wake, Assassin's creed, Mass effect, whatever the hell Team ico make next lol

Next gen doesnt = Wii-ware and cooking ma ma, or wii-fit

[unsunghero28]

Compare the big guns of the other consoles to Wii's uber-casual.

Like Super Mario Galaxy, Super Smash Bros Brawl, and No More Heroes don't exist.

[THC CELL]

play policw 24/7 at arcades thats motion control

[rofldings]

Finally us sony drones and xbots can unite against this man's lies :O

[jackwei22]

Wii is for the inferior lesser gamer and not for hardcore gaming fans like the X360 and PS3, which brings out the full potential in graphics and gaming engine expanding to new levels of gaming glory. While Wii has like last gen graphics and is for noobs and those who don't understand next-gen gaming properly yet. In longtime it be the surivial of the fittest and strongest and Wii isn't among the big two despite the success it has in its sells.

[unsunghero28]

I like how you said "oh dear" at the beginning and then IMMEDIATELY launched into an anti-Wii rant.

That's adorable.

[DeckUKold]

WTF is an inferior gamer you sound like those politicians when they call southern continents third world countries thats why i can't wait till Barack Obama become president he is gonna change the way we think and what do you mean by that is that the people who can't play because they have a job and got something to do with they're life???

[Rooted_Dust]

The Wii was a lie. I expected full motion control(My motion translated to motion on the screen). Instead what you get is motion that translated to a button press. All they did was make you expend more energy to do the same thing as pressing a button.

[THE_JUDGE]

How is it that people say controlling games with our minds is the future (that requires no movement) and yet people are trying to say that the Wii is next gen when you have to do more movement than you've had to in the past?? Why would I want to do something myself if I could press a button to do it?

[ItsDubC]

"Why would I want to do something myself if I could press a button to do it?"

...because pressing a button to swing a racquet in a tennis game is not the most immersive way to play. You situate a Virtual Tennis 3 kiosk next to a WiiSports tennis kiosk in a public place and any attention surrounding the Virtual Tennis 3 kiosk will amount to crickets chirping despite its graphical advantage and gameplay depth over WiiSports.

Games are meant for entertainment, and the ability to participate is what separates games from other forms of entertainment. Game controls govern the level of participation and maximizing ease of use isn't always the best approach for designing the control scheme for all types of games.

[Rooftrellen]

"All they did was make you expend more energy to do the same thing as pressing a button."

This is not true in the least.

Going on with the tennis idea. On any other console, the press of a button decides everything, based on what time you press that button.

With the Wii, when I swing my arm, I can decide how high the ball will go, how fast, how far, as well as the direction based on timing.

A normal controller can never consider all of the variables that go into some motions that the Wii can read, even if its not 1:1 movement.

[PS360WII]

huh I was wondering how many people would turn on Will. Seems plenty. It's kind of funny how anyone can be considered a god to gaming but as soon as they say something the other doesn't like then that person is a retard. He's got a 360 that is just collecting dust doesn't want a PS3 and plays his DS and Wii constantly and feels the Wii is the only console pushing the envelope.

Graphics and physics will improve regardless. Even the Wii does that stuff a Wee bit better than the GameCube but it also improves the way we play games. 360 and PS3 only focused on graphics and physics and did nothing with the input we've dealt with for 7 generations.

It's time to move on and realize that Nintendo got it right.

[tplarkin7]

?

[PS360WII]

I'm sure he thinks about the Virtual Boy like everyone else in the World including Nintendo that it wasn't all that.

He's talking about how the Wii is the only system pushing the boundaries of gaming. Unlike Virtual Boy that just pushed eye strain.

[Nervsys]

Out of all three consoles, the wii has the shortest shelf life. As soon as most people have HD tvs, its days will be numbers.

So that means that the 2 'last gen' consoles, will outlast the only 'next gen' console.

Perhaps if we could work out what next-gen actually means in the various contexts its used, then this kind of rubbish wouldn't be happening.

Such as, when does next-gen become this-gen?

[unsunghero28]

Do you know this for a fact?

Does the PS3 have next-gen crystal ball features too?

[Ju]

@defender of the Wii (oops Unsung).

I do not see where the Wii is such a revolutionary device. Ninti found a way to squeeze a sh!t load of money out of people without investing too much.
Yeah, their implementation of the motion controller is a huge success, and their marketing, too. But what games are really soo new on the Wii? Why does Wii need a re-modeled known game to pretend to be different ? Why Super Mario - again ? It is still an _existing_ game with a new control scheme. Wii Sports ? That's a half a$$ implemented techdemo which people like to play. What else? Metroid Prime? Well, that is new, right ? Zelda, guess we had that before. So, now, you tell me, which original IP makes the Wii soooo "next-gen" (a word that you hate - probably with a reason).

I'd say LBP is revolutionary (user created contents in that form AND a new IP).
The Trials of Topoq is revolutionary as a new IP and using visual motion inputs to play a game.
Eye of Judgement as a new IP and interactive card game is a new IP and a new game play.
Time Crisis 4 - Guncon ? Ever heard off ?
What about Rockband ? Guitar Hero ? Nothing new ?
AceCombat 6 with the flight stick bundle ? Not good enough ?

You're right, the rest is "just" graphics, ... and ahem, physics .... and AI.

Yeah, just that. Ever played a game in HD, which now contains subtle details which simply weren't possible before because the power wasn't there ? There are some minor details, which you won't notice at first hand in a game, but makes it much much much more live like - and sometimes you start realizing that when you watch somebody else play and you can focus on the peripherals in the game.

The price is a joke! Nintendo is squeezing everything out of the machine what it can. Great business reports. Ever wondered why ? That machine is hardly more expensive to manufacture then the GC @ $99, yet costs $249 (that is 150% more!). Without DVD playback, without HDMI let alone the possibility to play HD video/games. No, my friend, the Wii is the biggest rip off since gaming was invented. The part of the truth is, its also M$ and Sony's fault. They have no chance to put pressure on the Wii to get the prices down. The PS2 is not enough, and so is the 360A, yet.

[ItsDubC]

Do you know of any *specific* implementations of gaming physics or AI that the PS3/360 can accomplish but that the Wii cannot? A particular game appearing on the PS3/360 and not on the Wii does not prove anything, nor does a particular developer saying so.

The Wii already has games that use PhysX and Havok.