Ubisoft preparing for next console generation
by JC Fletcher 
{ Apr 30th 2009 at 11:30AM }
"We need to get ready for the future generation of consoles," Guillemot told investors. "In the next few years, there will be new home and handheld consoles, and if you don't invest... you will not be able to cope with both [the existing and new generation consoles]."
We can only imagine how difficult it must be for Ubisoft to predict how the next generation will look. Right now, judging by the current generation, the company doesn't know what kind of media games will be stored on, whether there will be any media, or even how many screens its handheld games will occupy. It doesn't know how many years into the PS3's "ten-year plan" Sony will introduce the PS4, and there's basically no predicting what Nintendo's next device will look like, nor whether it will be more appropriate to put Tom Clancy sequels or Petz sequels on it.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Markez @ Apr 30th 2009 11:36AM
I hope the next line of games end with 'z squared' in the coming generation.
And since JC went ahead with the Star Trek reference, I'm going to have to go ahead and post this video in. Although it was a year ago when I saw the Stiq use it last, and it had Space Ghost wiggling one of those water toy noodles for its duration for whatever reason...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXB84fpWzg8
The Dark Wayne @ Apr 30th 2009 12:22PM
DARMOK AND JILAD AT TANAGRA
Hardy @ Apr 30th 2009 11:37AM
Hmm...Hard drive only system... I never thought of that being a possibility, but it makes sense...But companies like Gamestop would be screwed....
DO IT! lol Though knowing Nintendo, they'll stick to disc DVD format... And NOT release a new system and slowly kill themselves all over again like the 64 format.
Mr Khan @ Apr 30th 2009 12:41PM
The one who releases the HDD only system will suffer. The one who sticks to some form of physical media will prosper, at least by comparison to whatever out-of-touch company goes HDD only.
The Dark Wayne @ Apr 30th 2009 12:57PM
considering the recent hubbub about Time Warner's limits and all that, Digitally Downloading games at all let alone as DD only distribution, seems less and less viable everyday. I do remember watching a science channel thing about The Grid, which was CERNs personal internet, and about 5x as powerful, if that were made available to the public that would certainly be wonderful
TheDemiurge @ Apr 30th 2009 2:25PM
Download caps don't seem to be hurting Steam. A download only console will really be no different fromt he Steam service.
Mr. L @ Apr 30th 2009 11:41AM
Sir, I recommend we delay the release of Splinter Cell: Conviction until the next wave of consoles and raise our shields in preperation for the backlash.
Make it so, Number 1.
The Dark Wayne @ Apr 30th 2009 1:01PM
OUR CRUISERS CANT REPEL FIREPOWER OF THAT MAGNITUDE
xGeneral DEATHx @ Apr 30th 2009 1:29PM
N-GAGE!
...*awkward silence*...
ENGAGE! I MEANT ENGAGE!!!!
Shagittarius @ Apr 30th 2009 11:41AM
Please prepare for the next gen Ubisoft by coming up with more compelling properties than mini game fests.
Cosmo @ Apr 30th 2009 11:45AM
If are completely going to go with digital distribution, I would still like a way to purchase used games and sell our games if at all possible. : /
Also have more than one retailer sell the same digital game but most likely, Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft would be the only places to purchase the games with no price competition.
Kenny Powers Fastball (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Apr 30th 2009 12:10PM
People love to tout that digital distribution will be the model during the next generation of consoles but I think thats hogwash. We will certainly see more titles available for download and much bigger HDDs but this next generation won't be full blown download only. If I were to take my best guess I would say Blu-Ray will still be around next generation and the technology will have increased to the point that it's got better read/write speeds and is cheaper.
I think we have a good 20-30 years before internet speeds are up to snuff for as much network traffic as fully online consoles will generate. Maybe the OnLive model is going to be the way of the future where you don't really own anything you just subscribe to a package so that you can play certain titles.
skyzbig @ Apr 30th 2009 11:46AM
I take his comments to mean the PSP2...10% isn't exactly a lot of resources in the grand scheme of things.
IGLAW @ Apr 30th 2009 11:48AM
TO BOLDLY GO
Avada Kadavra 9 @ Apr 30th 2009 11:48AM
I don't know about the hardware but . . .
http://www.crn.com/storage/217200230;jsessionid=MFN45YKBZDO1CQSNDLRSKH0CJUNN2JVN
I know, storage, but with more space much more data can fit for those very intense graphics.
Kenny Powers Fastball (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Apr 30th 2009 12:23PM
That technology has actually been around for a little while now. I remember reading a year or two ago that the problem with those holographic disc and drives toi play them is the current cost. As with any technology it's bound to go down overtime and the future prospects of that type of storage capacity on one disc is remarkable. I know it would do wonders for archives and for commercial purposes like a TV station.
The thing about using it for gaming purposes is that most developers still haven't maxamized the capacity of a Blu-Ray so it probably won't be necessary for the next generation of consoles. I don't think the big hurdle next generation for download only is storage capacity and prices. To be honest the bigger problem is out network infrastructure and internet speeds.
The Dark Wayne @ Apr 30th 2009 12:23PM
yeah that was a story here yesterday, or the day before? Either way I think JC means Ubisoft doesn't know if that's the way things are gonna be or if the next generation is actually gonna be like OnLive or all Digital Download based or whatever
Mr Khan @ Apr 30th 2009 12:43PM
But why would we need it? Blu-Ray, as a format, is slightly ahead of the curve when it comes to gaming, to the point where very few games need it. 500 Gigs would just be senselessly wasteful
It is nice to ponder
knor @ Apr 30th 2009 1:18PM
"500 Gigs would just be senselessly wasteful"
I remember reading that MGS4 had to cut the Japenese audio from the American release because it wouldn't all fit onto a 50gb disc.
Hell, if I was a game maker, I would push for 500gb discs if only to cut down the amount of piracy. I dont know too many people that have the HDD space nor the patience to download 500gb of data to play one game, regardless of how awesome said game might be
Mr. L @ Apr 30th 2009 12:02PM
GE is onto something with those holographiv discs.....
maxpontiac @ Apr 30th 2009 12:05PM
Regardless of when, Microsoft will be the first "next gen" console to hit the market.
MariusElijah (Only on PlayStation 3) @ Apr 30th 2009 12:06PM
No new consoles until 2013, please
Cosmo @ Apr 30th 2009 12:09PM
That's too long for me. Typically, consoles last for 4-5 years before being replaced like the N64 from 1996-2001, Playstation from 1995-2000, Xbox from 2001-2005, etc.
CzAr @ Apr 30th 2009 12:22PM
True. 4+ years before I even consider getting a NEW system.
PS3/360 have barely any games for a new system to release.
In A World (XBL) @ Apr 30th 2009 2:47PM
@Cosmo
If you don't already have one, your "new" console can be PS3 after Heavy Rain comes out. That game is pretty damn "next gen" looking.
MosquitoControl @ Apr 30th 2009 12:24PM
But Michael Pachter says there is no next generation!
And Pachter is always right! He never says things to draw attention and feed his ego!
mr nimblewick @ Apr 30th 2009 12:30PM
They had better start hoarding up the money now. Can you imagine what it's going to cost to make a game for the next generation of systems? Very few publishers/developers are going to be able to make new, high quality games.
Mr Khan @ Apr 30th 2009 12:45PM
That's why i don't think it'll be too much of an upgrade
Crysis levels, perhaps something slightly more, but not nearly so much of a leap as we had this time. It would be financially ruinous for all involved.
CzAr @ Apr 30th 2009 1:29PM
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for N64 was $79.99.
Games are cheaper now. Increased production cost is balanced with how many more gamers there are now compared to when N64 was released.
Halo3 sold $300million in the first week.
If anything, if the company spends a ton of money making a game, and doesn't promote it... it'll end up a dud. If a company makes a shit game, and spends all of their money promoting it... it'll end up a dud.
Companies need to find a balance between developing and promoting in order to have a successful game release.
EA makes a lot of money by releasing the same game over and over, with minor changes. Sports Games anyone?
Spartan @ Apr 30th 2009 12:32PM
IMHO if there is no actual storage media sold at stores you would probably buy a plastic case with an instruction booklet in it and some codes for you to download stuff.
But I would so much more prefer owning an actual disc.
It's nice to be able to take your copy of [insert game here] round to your friend's to play, or to trade or whatever.
As for the next gen, there won't be so much of a wall pissing contest when it comes to power as there was last time. There'll be more effort put into innovation.
CTC XBL-supapaypamawio PSN-ctclaw @ Apr 30th 2009 1:26PM
You know, you could just detach your hard drive and go around to your friends. That's what I do with my Rock Band songs.
Mr Khan @ Apr 30th 2009 12:48PM
2011, i say. Right on schedule, despite the many naysayers (the Sony fans harping on the 10-year plan, those who think the Blue Ocean strategy means Nintendo can make extra-long generations, and those who think the economy will slow it all down)
Kenny Powers Fastball (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Apr 30th 2009 1:27PM
It makes no sense to release new console by 2011. There is no point in a marginal upgrade (like Gamecube to Wii) and this generation of hardware still hasn't been maximized. I can tell you that I won't be buying a next gen console until at least 2013. Just because Nintendo was able to release the same machine with new controllers doesn't mean the others should follow suit and make something with only a marginal upgrade at best.
Duke @ Apr 30th 2009 2:58PM
I have to agree on holding off. Until they max out whet this gen can do I see no point in another console upgrade. The games continue to get better and they continue to learn better ways to use digital distribution in this current generation, so I see nothing short of holograms and smell-o-vision that would make me feel the need to jump to the next generation of consoles.
Benjamin Heckendorn @ Apr 30th 2009 12:52PM
I've a little worried about the next gen, personally. Both Sony and Microsoft are going to shoe-horn in all sorts of Wii and DS-like crap, and I hope the games don't suffer for it. Just like how the success of Dark Knight will get us 100 zillion more superhero movies that won't be as good.
As one of the most vocal Wii haters out there, my biggest complaint is the hardware being from 2001. But even with next-gen graphics the Wii would still be saddled with the "doesn't work as well as it was supposed to" wand and nunchuck.
However if MS or Sony could come up with a FPS controller to rival a PC's mouse, then they might have something.
mr nimblewick @ Apr 30th 2009 1:27PM
So you envision the next generation as just be more FPS's? Aren't people sick of them yet?
Kenny Powers Fastball (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Apr 30th 2009 1:33PM
Nimblewick
He is saying that he doesn't want Sony & MS to copy Nintendo and make some ridiculous controller that doesn't work correctly. However, if they can develop something that works just as good as the mouse then they might be onto something. Otherwise, it would just be some dumb gimmick like the current Wii Mote and Nunchuck.
Whether you like it or not the FPS genre is the most popular genre in console gaming right now. It doesn't mean all he wants is shooters but if a controller can be developed that is just as good as the mouse but actually works (unlike the innacurate wii mote) then he might invest in a different type of input device.
firelord @ Apr 30th 2009 2:48PM
20-30 years... Wow. Someone is seriously out of touch with where technology (especially the Internet) has come from and where it is going. At the current rate of advance, which will likely continue to accelerate, in 20-30 years video games may not even be recognizable as such by today's standards.
Spartacus @ Apr 30th 2009 5:48PM
I concur. I'm hoping for a revamped, "imaginative" controller design from MS and Sony. Not a Wiimote clone, but using that type of creative thinking and developing a true next-gen controller. I think the Split Fish is a great step in that direction, but it was poorly executed and implemented.
Otis @ Apr 30th 2009 1:11PM
The next systems... WILL HAVE FOOOUR LIGHTS!!
In A World (XBL) @ Apr 30th 2009 2:55PM
But we will actually believe there are five lights.... on those consoles....
Mr. L @ Apr 30th 2009 1:17PM
How dare you counter my Star Trek comment with a Star Wars comment! This sir, means WAR!
fffunfarm06 @ Apr 30th 2009 1:51PM
i hope next generation is the line of consoles where real life and computer graphics are impossible to tell apart. I hope because im getting kinda tired of these cartoon colors and textures that plague most games.
Duke @ Apr 30th 2009 3:02PM
Just wander around outside with a wavebird and you will be there! (Pretend to drive cars past, or control people walking by.)
mr mobius @ Apr 30th 2009 3:35PM
I hear Real Life has awesome graphics. Should give it a try.
playwhutyalike (swine flu?) @ Apr 30th 2009 4:02PM
Mr Mobius
Just like in the GTAs, killing hookers gives you health, or at least makes you feel better.
WiNG [XBL&Steam: WiNGSPANTT] from lifeinagame.com @ Apr 30th 2009 2:06PM
All I want is to ensure that I can still play my XBLA games on the next XBox.
People always wants backwards compatibility, but frankly I never really go back and play old console games. But since XBLA games are more timeless (IMO), YES PLEASE.
TheDemiurge @ Apr 30th 2009 2:28PM
I agree. It is still way to early for the next gen. I just hope that the next gen of consoles is cheaper than this gen. My wife will never let me spend another $1,000.00 + on another round of consoles.
TheDemiurge @ Apr 30th 2009 2:30PM
This was supposed to be a reply to MariusElijah (Only on PlayStation 3) regarding no new consoles until 2013.
Mogster @ Apr 30th 2009 3:24PM
Meh, I don't want a new generation of consoles anytime. There's plenty of growing to be done this gen, and I havn;t even gotten round to buying a PS3/360 yet.
And gaming is more popular then ever this gen. I don't see why the big three should be rushing to produce new consoles. I believe Sony and their 10-year plan. It is perfectly viable. Why release something new when there is so much potential left on the PS3, so many consoles to sell?
And a huge step forward would alienate and bankrupt many developers, who wouldn't be able to keep up with the costs of producing new games.
People need to accept that times have changed. We are in a recession, and videogaming isn't impervious to that. Many people and good devs have lost their jobs (Free Radical anyone?) so I don't think anyone is in a hurry to make new consoles. Not even MS.
And 100% digital downloads is definately a no no. Not everyone has high speed broadband access yet, why alienate many consumers? Doesn't make sense. And It's a dumb idea. Think how much money will be lost from selling wares to stores. Shops like GAME will disappear.