Epic approaching tech ceiling of Xbox 360

by Alexander Sliwinski { Sep 2nd 2008 at 4:30PM }

Epic's Rod Fergusson tells Gamasutra that the developer is approaching the "upper end" of what the Xbox 360 can do, but that consumers won't notice for a few more years. The senior producer on Gears of War 2 explains that the company is much further along with optimizing the console than it expected to be at this point. He believes that trend will continue over the next few years, with "room to grow" on titles shipping two years from now.

Of course, Fergusson's comments are pretty much a tale as old as the industry. Studios get really good at optimizing for a console, only to have the next one thrown their way, which involves stumbling through development and potential for a couple years. God of War 2 in particular is a good example of the type of title possible at the end of a console cycle, just when every last drop of blood is wrung from the stone.

Tags: epic, gears-of-war-2, microsoft, potential

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

NateNinja @ Sep 2nd 2008 4:35PM

You guys always have the best pictures to go with your articles!

jimmygotsmack @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:04PM

I think destructoid does better from time to time.

Al2x @ Sep 2nd 2008 6:26PM

So your saying repetitive images with a stupid user-bar font tag are better than Joystiq's pics? You've gotta be crazy.

jimmygotsmack @ Sep 2nd 2008 9:35PM

@Al2x

Did you read the part that says from time to time, no, no you didn't. Since we are living in a world of absolutes with you. If you like something, you must love something, if you dis-like something you must completely hate it. If you think one joke in an entire movie was funny, it must have all been funny.

darkandlong @ Sep 2nd 2008 4:41PM

Yay, more fuel for the 360/PS3 flamewarz!

Duke @ Sep 2nd 2008 4:53PM

Yeah, I suspect a lot of folks will read past the idea of peaking in mastering their ability to develope for that console and instead assume they mean the 360 can't do anything better than it has already done.

el serpiente @ Sep 2nd 2008 6:13PM

HA HA HA DA X-BUTT IZ DOOMZED! IZ WEAK LIKE GRANDMA DUKE!

Geist @ Sep 2nd 2008 4:44PM

I'm not really sure what's so impressive (graphically speaking) about Epic games. The graphics just don't really stand out, to me at least.

jsn @ Sep 2nd 2008 4:44PM

I'm probably in the minority, but I'm pretty happy with where gaming graphics are these days. I think anything we get in the current gen systems moving forward is going to be minor improvements on what's already there. I'd be happy with the level of detail we have now, but higher framerates and more on screen activity. The next step I want to see is better physics and fully destructable environments. Give me GTA where EVERYTHING can be interacted with and destroyed!

Nate @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:00PM

I'd like to see higher resolutions at more steady framerates. There was a lot of talk about 1080p this generation, but precious few games that make it that high with any kind of intricate graphics.

I'd like to see more photorealism, especially in people. It seems like we've gotten pretty good at making cars and other inanimate objects, but people are still fairly primitive in comparison.

And finally, yes, I agree, we need more interaction, more destruction.... I think with more procedurally generated environments, physics engines, and material engines, developers should be able to really push the envelope without having to design exactly how every piece of wall is going to break when you shoot it with a rocket launcher.

Massmass @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:01PM

I agree. I couldn't give a damn about better graphics for the next systems to come out. Unless they'll make me seriously consider crapping my pants, I vote for better interaction, physics, etc. This generation has made me go from a hardcore gamer to a casual, and its simply because despite games looking better, all of them are pretty much the same ol' same ol'. Oh, and like a gigaton of useless remakes and rehashes.

elmersglue @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:06PM

I agree, graphics can stay where they're at right now as long as physics and animations are improved. Animation is probably the most important thing that needs improving. You can make a freaking stick figure look more life-like and human with good animation compared to some of the stiff, jolty movement we have in some games today.

Haggard @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:34PM

Crysis has excellent character models, whatever your opinion on the game might be. I assume it wouldn't be too difficult to have something that detailed on a 360 or PS3, because character models are only a tiny part of what makes Crysis a system hog.

So I think most of the time it's lazy artists rather than a technical barrier holding back realistic looking people.

Solid Chief @ Sep 2nd 2008 7:57PM

I want more on-screen activity. Give me last generations graphics if it means I can be shooting 60 guys in a massive battle rather than 10

vidGuy @ Sep 2nd 2008 4:52PM

Seems pretty obvious since the console is nearing its three year anniversary. Rumors of the next generation of consoles will start hitting by this time next year. I think it's hard to believe because of how staggered the console launches were this gen.

Malkovich, Malkovich?

Duke @ Sep 2nd 2008 4:59PM

Rumors of the next XBox started a short time ago. Wasn't it being called the Phoenix or something?

United States of Generica @ Sep 2nd 2008 6:39PM

Rumors of the next PlayStation started a short time ago. Wasn't it being called the PS4 or something?

Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Sep 2nd 2008 6:51PM

Rumors of the next Wii started a short time ago.
Wasn't it being called the Wii2 or something?

vidGuy @ Sep 2nd 2008 7:18PM

Rumors of the next Malkovich started a short time ago. Wasn't it being called the Malkovich or something?

Seriously, though, I'm thinking more along the lines of pictures of a developer test console or a rumored spec sheet. Having a code name or proposed retail name does nothing for me.

samfish @ Sep 2nd 2008 4:52PM

I guess Brown & Shiny has a low tech ceiling.

Geist @ Sep 2nd 2008 4:57PM

It's all a question of much brown and shiny can be displayed at any given time.

Dirty @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:12PM

I guess cutesy and colorful just needs waggle.

Jakka(Naked Peach Brigade) @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:19PM

OUCH, BURNINATE!

Thatoneguy64 @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:03PM

They said this with Gears of War.

It's just PR bullshit, really.

jimmygotsmack @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:15PM

agreed

Dale @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:07PM

It's not the best performance that worries me. It's that there are so many companies out there still making games that aren't much better looking than the best PS2 titles.

Haggard @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:36PM

Shovelware will always exist on every platform. You just gotta avert your eyes when you're browsing the store shelves and hope no stupid kid gets attracted enough by the box art to buy the damn thing.

jsn @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:56PM

you must be playing on a 12 year old, 19" crt..

deaftly @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:07PM

Such a wierd movie but damn that dark haired chick was hot.

343 Guilty Fart @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:13PM

You mean the same chick who's in the 40 year old virgin?

deaftly @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:24PM

Wow, you're right. That was Catherine Keener. Damn she looks old now, still a milf though.

Wise Guy @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:07PM

I notice this article is only pertaining to the 360. Surprise surprise. I don't think Microsoft ever stated it's console was going to last another 7 years... unlike it's competitor. IMO I'm quite impressed with where games are visually as they stand now. By the time we see a major difference in graphics... the next consoles will roll out and fanboys will continue to make no sense... i.e...

PS3 is still untapped and is superior to 360... xbox fanboys suck!

Yay my xbox next is here and has better graphics and gameplay then the POS3!!

Yeah, well my PS3 is still around for another several years and graphics don't really matter... microsoft hates their fans and abandons their consoles (translation: I'm sad because my console is no longer superior)

For the love of God... graphics are not the console maker... it's the games. And if you love the games on your console i.e (Halo, Gears, Fable) or (MGS4, RFOM2, Killzone)... then END OF STORY!!! It makes sense that eventually hardware is going to be tapped. I can only see this article as flamebait!

WhoMe @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:27PM

It'll be interesting to see what happens with the current xbox once the new one is launched.

They dropped their last one like a brick as soon as the 360 came out. (Thanks for that btw MS.)

I think they have learned from that though. They know how much the PS2 is still raking in, and they have basically come out and said that dropping it instantly like that was a big mistake. Dunno how much of that they will remember when next gen rolls around though.

And you can bet your ASS that they will do EVERYTHING to be first out of the gate again. It worked for them this gen. They wouldn't even have been on the radar if they hadn't launched so early.

Hyams @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:32PM

The PS4 will probably be released around the same time as the NextBox. I imagine Sony won't want Microsoft to get a year's headstart again.

Hopefully Sony will continue to support the PS3 for a few more years though. Hence the ten year thing. No one said the PS4 wouldn't be released for another ten years, only that the PS3 will be supported for ten years.

Of course, as the PS3 isn't the market leader as Sony had obviously hoped it would be, it's entirely possible they've completed abandoned the ten year plan.

Arnon @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:34PM

What did this have to do with the article?

1. The PS3's power is theoretical.. it's running around the same amount of performance as the 360, with the exception of the Blu-Ray storage system.

2. beep.

3. EPIC is stating that they're mastering the 360's hardware.. not saying the 360 cant go any further..

KingOfGods @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:39PM

They dropped the OG Xbox because it was bleeding money. That's not true with this xbox. As long as it continues to be profitable, I'm very sure they will support it.

Do you really think if the PS2 was bleeding as much money as the OG Xbox Sony would have continued to support it?

Wise Guy @ Sep 2nd 2008 6:50PM

Whoops. Guess I got off topic a bit but there are a lot of valid points on here. Technically speaking.. it's interesting to see developers learning curves and what they are able to squeeze out of a console. Competition is great and breeds exciting hardware and software that is passed on to the gamers. Can't imagine what kind of interactive entertainment the next batch of consoles will produce. I'm still in awe of this gen.

jimmygotsmack @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:13PM

psh, ceilings, that's why all consoles should have outdoor architectures. Complete with pool, hammock and grill.

J.D @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:20PM

I don't want to blow a man in half and find out that their insides contain brighter and more excentric colours then a nursery schoolpainting.

Gehodra @ Sep 3rd 2008 1:04AM

All I saw was "I don't want to blow a man."

WhoMe @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:20PM

Reminds me of this other news story about how David Duchovny, lead actor of Californication admitted himself as a sex-addict.

Coincidentally, the new season of Californication is about to air, in which he plays a sex-addict. I mean, what are the odds?

But seriously though, I don't think there is too much PR behind this. 360 is easy to program for, consequently, hitting that ceiling is relatively easy I suppose.

Paragon @ Sep 2nd 2008 5:22PM

The article says EPIC is approaching the tech ceiling of the 360. Other devs may be approaching the hardware differently with their engines. I'm looking at you, Carmack.

I remember being blown away by the graphics quality of The Chronicles of Riddick : Escape from Butcher Bay and Ninja Gaiden on the original Xbox. I thought devs got as much as they could get out of the console before seeing those games.

brain @ Sep 2nd 2008 6:20PM

i know, they gave up on the original xbox way too early

Jacksons @ Sep 2nd 2008 6:35PM

Here's hoping we can all enjoy some tech-ceiling games. I refuse to move to a new console generation already.

DaxterKing @ Sep 2nd 2008 7:30PM

Yeah, pretty much I think they're saying UE3 is reaching its limit. Everyone keeps saying 360 has reached its limit, but better looking games keep coming out, eh?

HB96st @ Sep 2nd 2008 7:42PM

Well if thats the case, then I'm satisfied with my 360 purchases..

-Waiaminute... I've BEEN HAPPY with my 360 Purchases!! thru 4-5 rrod (I lost count) to My Arcade and my Elite, I've had nothing but great games to play..

Xbox Live is the shit, and everyone I know has live so it's nothing but happy happy game time!

Mr Khan @ Sep 2nd 2008 9:26PM

Wait, i remember them saying they maxed out the 360 with the original Gears

hmm...

Immortal Technique PSN: johnnynumber5 @ Sep 2nd 2008 9:37PM

they did say that with the first Gears ...

PR BS

ONI5 @ Sep 2nd 2008 10:33PM

This is kindly saying that high res textures need more room on the disc and that they have almost reached thier limit. If HD-DVD or VMD had been incorporated into the system this would not have been thougt upon.

Burnt Meatloaf @ Sep 3rd 2008 6:35AM

Does this mean more spark effects or 60FPS? I'll take frames, please.

With all the power in today's consoles, I am none too happy that most games I've played so far have had worse framerates than a lot of my PS2 games, even while working in standard def.

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