Paradox: Next console generation will probably be "the last generation"

Fredrik Wester, CEO of Paradox Interactive, reckons that the next generation of console hardware will be the last.

Speaking at the company's annual showcase, Wester made his traditional predictions about the games industry, foreseeing a further rise in more digital-focused platforms and distribution.

[wizzle52]

I fully agree

As much as I love my PS3 and 360 the unfortunate fact is that the hardware quickly becomes outdated. I was a casual pc gamer before turning hardcore console.

I predict (Sadly) that we will see a PC/console hybrid soon in the future.

[reynod]

Well i am a hardcore PC gamer. Console gaming may be limited to a hardware maker deciding to release a machine, hence buyers essentially are dependant on a new release. With PC i am my own master, i dont think i would ever settle for a PC/console hybrid. Too much limitations and control in the console world imo.

[Nitrowolf2]

I don't understand what people mean when they say this (yes this gen was said to be last before) and now next gen will be the last. Do people expect software developers to just drop out? Even hardware developers like Sony and MS I don't seeing dropping out.

And what exactly does he mean?

Wikipedia defines Vodeo Game console as
"a specific device for playing video games"

the way I see it is, and already is happening, is that they are becoming more then just that. Perhaps they mean dedicated gaming devices, but who knows. All I know is that later on people won't be purchasing console just for gaming anymore. Perhaps people are right, it'll become more like a PC as time goes on. It kind of already is to, just without the customization.

Perhaps it can all be run from cloud? Either way there's going to be some sort of console that'll be design to play these content.

[LightofDarkness]

As in the current business model would cease to exist, including the release cycles. The software would of course keep coming, gaming doesn't revolve entirely around consoles and it won't continue as-is forever. As technology improves, the spaces where innovation and thus market expansions occur change and move in different directions, and companies who wish to stay competitive tend to follow them. Physical media WILL become redundant, it's only a matter of time. AppStores/Steam-like interfaces WILL rule digital distribution. Console sizes, capabilities and release cycles will change in accordance with competition from smartphones, PCs, tablets etc. (they already have this gen, adopting HD and network play/social gaming as focal points due to expansions in the PC market). These devices aren't moving away from eachother, they're moving closer together at accelerating speeds. They WILL become singular, all-in-one devices.

Sony will likely continue to make hardware but may end up using existing OS software like Android and a private App Store to sell their Playstation games, MS will focus on the Windows Phone/(Xbox) Live platform (which is hardware neutral), and Nintendo will do whatever Nintendo do (they don't really follow their competitors around as much as the others). PC gaming will probably continue somewhat as is, while slowly the hardware becomes more homogenized and the ultra-enthusiast market dies down, while devices shrink and digital distribution continues to thrive and expand.

We'll still have controllers and big screen TVs, because the demand for them isn't going anywhere. People want even bigger TVs, by the looks of things. Obviously, gamers want controllers, (because COD just can't work on an iPhone :p) so we'll have those too. With connectivity tech like Thunderbolt and DisplayPort, all of this is quite easily accomplished from a device of any size.

I don't have a crystal ball or anything, but this is obviously where industry leaders want to go, and where consumers want it to go (by and large). Times they are a-changin' :p

[LightofDarkness]

I am imagining that everything will become platform based instead of hardware/manufacturer based. The hardware that runs everything is becoming increasingly homogenized, but it wants to evolve more quickly than console release cycles and pricing will allow.

It will be somewhat akin to the smartphone market (devices will all eventually boil down to something around that size), where manufacturers can release new hardware every few months or every year, all capable of using certain OS versions, with certain components being upgradeable. The platform owners then decide which hardware is capable of running each OS version, which directly arbitrates which games are able to be played on the machine (ie. without exceeding the machine's capabilities). Look at Infinity Blade (and 2), it can be played on any iPhone/iPad from the 3GS up, but it scales according to your hardware.

It's a possibility, and I'm sure it would be VERY popular among content providers and hardware manufacturers alike, as it allows the content providers much greater control over their IP (AppStore) while the hardware manufacturers are allowed to release more hardware more frequently with less risk and compatibility problems.

[SecludedBubbles]

I can see why everyone thinks this, and if you look at how technology is going it would make sense that this is the last gen of hardware.

However you just have to look at how much each company is making from their hardware, 60+ mil sold each of them. Do you really think Sony/Microsoft would just give that up.

Plus console gaming is all nintendo know, its their bread and butter. Their sole purpose is console gaming so I can't see them just packing up because more people are going digital or consoles are not as upgradable as PC.

[Saladfax]

Until 2010, Sony sold every PS3 unit at a loss. They make money on software, and it's really not about what they want or are willing to give up.

The market is moving toward digitalization and device consolidation. It doesn't matter for Sony; they'll stick to the market and probably include hardware and a digital market in a line of TVs somewhere in the future. Xbox and Nintendo will have to figure out their own strategy, but none of them will want to get left behind.

[SecludedBubbles]

Fair points man, Sony have a lot of great studio's I'm sure they would survive in gaming on software alone. Like Sega!

[Angrymorgan]

I've being saying this for ages... An upgradable console is the future!

[SnakeCQC]

lol all these bs articles on how gaming will end PC gaming is awesome and so is console gaming both have their own awesome exclusives. I mean they were created because some people don't like upgrading every two years while others dont mind. The only people who cant afford what they really want and are upset about it. (i have a ps3 a 360 and a awesome pc rig)

[theonlylolking]

Next gen probably will be the last. Sony could just use all of the devs they have and make games as a video game publisher like EA and activision.

[X_GAMER_X]

What I think be the future console will be:

A gaming console with a display on top of it.
Imagine if you'r PS3 or X360 have a display on top of it instead of the regular cover that will work when disconnected from TV.

The console will be as big as Ipad 2 or bigger, Works as a regular console connected to the TV.

It can also work as an Ipad with display on top of it, take it with you everywhere, And the display can also work as TV for you'r gaming. :D :D

Game, Surf , Read , laptop/ Ipad or Galaxy tap.

I have already a patent on this :D

[LightofDarkness]

I'm afraid Apple are way ahead of you:p

The way industry leaders want it to move (and it will happen) is for all mainstream/consumer level computers to be an all-in-one device, like a very powerful smartphone.

With technologies like Thunderbolt, these devices can connect to any other serial input/output device you can think of.

Let's face it: if you're gaming at home, you want to be playing on your big screen with your controller. That's not going to change. But you CAN simply plug these devices into your all-in-one pocket sized device and have the same experience. The only thing that's changed is that the device is ultra portable, and all content is delivered via an AppStore like interface (effectively eliminating piracy for most users).

It's just the way things are going, but I know a lot of gamers are very averse to the idea (for reasons unknown to me other than plain old fear of change). The games won't just be cheap, throwaway titles like most mobile games, you'll also be able to play your Uncharteds and Skyrims the same as before.

[Saladfax]

^^^ This.

Think of it this way. My smartphone (Droid X2) has a Super Nintendo emulator on it, and with an micro-HDMI cable, I can hook it up to my TV. Since the phone is compatible with external devices (including Wii-motes), I can use my phone as a portable SNES.

Say you have a tablet with 10x the graphics and processing power, or maybe your TV is now a tablet as well with better hardware than your PS4. As with the console, they'll sell the hardware at a loss because they expect to make money on software, and maybe even TV makers will start changing the way we receive programming.

Although this last part I sort of doubt. The mammoth service providers (Comcast grrr....) are probably a little too gigantic to circumvent.

[Slade]

who is this nothing in the Industry?

ITS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN

These comments from stupid gamers are hilarious. They have no clue about the economics of the industry and what the fans want

[Saladfax]

Real profits don't make money from fans. They make money from the general consumer base. You can keep worshiping your little plastic box after it becomes obsolete, if you wish.

This is the way that many, many people in the electronics market are predicting things to go. Gaming is not some exclusive bubble which can avoid changing trends.

Continue fearing the future. It's funny to watch =\

[DeadIIIRed]

You do realize that PC gaming is now defined by Farmville and Words with Friends more so than Battlefield 3 and Counter-Strike?

[Angrymorgan]

We will see!

[Slade]

75+ percent of new game revenue that companies get is due to physical game sales

bottom line

[Saladfax]

Yes. This is right now. When they talk about a the end of the final console generation, it's 7-10 years.

Look at every other physical medium. Music? CD sales falling year after year while digital continues to rise. Books? The ebook market explodes year after year while legacy publishers struggle to keep up. They aren't adapting to a rising digital market, and they're practically already obsolete. You want this to happen to Sony? Their electronics division will probably do fine because they'll sure as hell follow trends, but the focus on gaming might damn-well shift.

Film/Television? Lots of content moving toward streaming. Most of the pricing for the digital ownership/rental content is pure crap, but given a few years things will change.

Your bottom line means nothing because things will change, much more quickly than you'd think.

I'm honestly curious though; why do you people feel so adamant about keeping things as they are? Does the idea of unified architecture, generally inexpensive software, and massive accessibility bother you that much?

[chanmasta]

After the generation with Wii U, Xbox 720 and PS4, I think consoles will be something like what OnLive is offering. It's no doubt going to go digital anyway.

That's why I love my PC.

[bahabeast]

i dnt see dedicated consoles ever coming to an end, what will replace it if its gone??? not everyone can build a gaming pc, not everyone likes handhelds, not everyone likes stress. i want to jus pick up my controller turn on my system and game no b.s extra stuff needed.

[Venjense]

That makes sense to me.

[DeadIIIRed]

These assumption are so misinformed. PC gaming is growing stronger (driven mainly by social network gaming), but to assume that this means a decline in console gaming is ludicrous. Even if console gaming simply becomes a niche market, there will be way too much money in it to ignore. I will say that whoever comes in last next gen may bow out from consoles, but the remaining two will go on strong.

[BitbyDeath]

I see, this guy must have learned his prediction abilities from Michael Patcher.

[Apex13]

Such dumb comments need no reply but while I'm here I shall.
These companies exist for a reason and live and great the industry so if the next gen is the last are they just shutting down and designing angry bird style games for bloody mobile phones and tablets? Rhetorical.

Tablets and smart phones are for casual players full stop and anyone with half a brin should say maybe the console medium may change but yes it will go on. Will Ninty, Sony and Microsoft head men start knitting after the make last console or become pop stars. Rhetorical.

Piss my life off before bed time.