PS3, 360 too high-spec, says Square boss

[Shrygue]

via Computer and Video Games (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=165775)


Publishers and developers can no-longer focus on a single format, according to Yoichi Wada, chief executive of Square Enix, who says that the technicalities of the new consoles hugely limit their appeal.

"In the old days, we could just focus on the PlayStation or the GameBoy, but the environment has changed completely," said Wada, who believes that developers need to focus on making games that also cater to "a new breed of gamers".

Discussing Square's shock decision to shift the previously PS2-focused Dragon Quest series over to DS with the latest instalment, Dragon Quest IX, Wada told Financial Times: "We chose the Nintendo DS because the widest array of people use it, including people who previously did not play games before."

The current generation of consoles are too complicated to reach this wider audience, Wada points out. "There are too many specs - and you also need a high-definition TV, a broadband connection and a deep knowledge of gaming - these consoles are mismatched to today's environment.

"In a year or two years they will fare better," he adds.

[F9zDark]

Its a sad state of affairs. Had consoles ALWAYS been made to be more like their computer counterparts there wouldn't be this 'idiot factor' that developers need to satisfy.

Now when this gap is trying to be closed, developers push themselves away. Good job Square-Enix. Not that I ever liked any of your shit games anyway, this is just is another reason never to start liking them.

[Demibeard]

What is he complaining about? The new machines are too complicated for the 'average' gamer, rubbish, you DON'T have to have a HD telly to enjoy your new console, yes it would be better, but so what. I though most people, well everyone I know, had a broadband connection, although there is a bit to be missed,, the PS3 will work without one.
After the amazing mess that they have made of their movie business it's no wonder they are concentrating on a wide userbase, it does make comercial sense.
I must say that it's a very forward thinking ethos he's promoting, I thought that the gaming indutry was about pushing back the boundries, I guess it's really about pushing massive wedges of cash to the bank. Ho-hum, back to killing hundreds of creatures in the Cathedral in Resistance then... :-)

[Basil Zero]

I kinda have to agree with the SE Boss, I mean look at the price compared to the price of consoles of old.

Gaming was seen as a tool or a pasttime for fun and enjoyment,

now its nothing more but for competition, I'm afraid it has come to a point where we gamers will suffer in terms of economical status.

[F9zDark]

now its nothing more but for competition, I'm afraid it has come to a point where we gamers will suffer in terms of economical status.

Perhaps, but since when is that any different from computers? The first computers were EXORBITANTLY expensive compared to what they could do. And if not for computer gaming, consoles would probably still be in the 8 bit dark ages.

Its only natural for consoles to become closer to computers. Its the evolution of console gaming at stake. And if the likes of the DS and Wii will determine the future of consoles, then I really want no part in it.

Being an avid PC gamer, I do not mind whatsoever paying half the price for an equally or more powerful console.

I suppose if someone grew up with consoles all their life they would disagree with me, but I have grown up with consoles all my life too. Its just that when SNES could only handle the likes of Doom and Wolfenstein and my computer could handle Duke3d and Quake, well... Consoles become obsolete in my mind and I began focusing more on PCs.