EA's full statement on Wii U not being next-gen, but neve...

[robometal cowboy]

EA's full statement on Wii U not being next-gen, but never counting Nintendo out
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So, couple of things. First, you never count Nintendo out. They've got some of the best IPs in the game industry, when their marquee titles show up, that's when you usually see the bounce. I'm deeply respectful of the achievements they've had over the last several years, and so yeah, never really count them out.

Having said that, I wouldn't say that we see much correlation between the results that Nintendo have just shown with the console debut of the Wii U and what we see coming. We see a pretty sharp distinction and unfortunately I'm unable to go any further than that.

Ours is an industry where a lot of devices come in and represent themselves as the next generation or the next generation after that. You know in many ways, we would argue that the gen— what we're describing as "Gen 4", is yet to come — and it's that we're excited about, and that's what we're investing in, and frankly we've been quite consistent with that for some time, recognising the frustration our inability to articulate precisely why, causes for you.

Again, EA clearly sees next-gen as a power-only affair. Unless Sony and Microsoft are working on platforms that offer some unique experience outside of more power, it looks like EA is more interested in the same old stuff.

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[LegendofSantiago]

But what the heck do they mean by Gen 4?! We aren't starting the n64 era. Also, it sounds like EA is going to abandon the platform.

[OutToLunch]

Yes, because those are the platforms that are going to make the biggest returns on their investments. Unfortunately for Nintendo, no one in the industry wants to have support multiple pipelines one for Xbox / PS / PC and a "special" one for Nintendo. Until they understand this, they're not going to get the 3rd party support to help prop up their hardware.

[speedychu]

Nintendo's and EA's catfight continues.

[godofrawr]

This is sort of a given. Nintendo's goal should be to sway the niche devs. Developers like Platinum, like Grasshopper. Companies that aren't looking to appeal to the lowest common denominator.

[Berrix]

EA lost me on Reckoning, and the stunts they pulled after that their opinions are crap, regardless where it's directed.

As for power debate here; Does anyone truly expect such distinct changes to the next gen graphically to a point where everyone is going, "Wow! I have to get me some of THAT!" the moment you see it in action, let alone the price point it may have, let alone developed from EA themselves?

Good luck on that, if they're going to be that much stronger, expect hit after hit in the finances from many companies supporting it. Not just the main company.

[IxisNaugus]

Welp, guess that counts out EA's support for the Wii U. Then again, Mass Effect 3 did not inspire much confidence to begin with.

EDIT: @Berrix

In fairness, I actually did say something along those lines when Watch_Dogs was shown last E3. Of course, that is a current (last?) gen game(and wont look or play as good as the showcase), and it also isn't from EA. In fact EA have yet to make me care about one of their titles beyond sales-age.

[KingBroly]

This is sort of a given. Nintendo's goal should be to sway the niche devs. Developers like Platinum, like Grasshopper. Companies that aren't looking to appeal to the lowest common denominator.

Niche developers can only take you so far though. A few thousand here or there at most, even if you hit every niche, it's not a sustainable business model. They need big 3rd party support not only for grabbing those types of games for their system, but for their own quality control as well.

[cbbomb]

And what the hell is wrong with that? It always used to be about power. That's the whole point of buying a new console is to get better looking and bigger games. It used to be that way with Nintendo as well until the Wii. Now everyone acts like Nintendo was always like that. Rubbish. You may have been happy to be fooled into rebuying a Gamecube(Wii), I was not.

[metalpants]

EA's talking like the next couple of consoles will make Wii U look like NES. xD, get real, EA.

[Mike_Intellivision]

EA is making a bet on high-tech. It is a high risk, high reward proposition. We will have our first indication of how successful that will be when we hear the price of the consoles and the games.

My guess is that at least one of the two non-Nintendo console makers will shoot so high that they end up making a machine that cannot be sustained. (In other words, someone will make a console that plays on 4K HD. Great looking -- but not realistic.).

Mike from Morgantown

[Berrix]

EDIT: @Berrix

In fairness, I actually did say something along those lines when Watch_Dogs was shown last E3. Of course, that is a current (last?) gen game(and wont look or play as good as the showcase), and it also isn't from EA. In fact EA have yet to make me care about one of their titles beyond sales-age.

Watch Dogs isn't a new generation game, though. Not to mention look how far down the road we came to see how gorgeous something like that looks now... On a current system.

And what the hell is wrong with that? It always used to be about power. That's the whole point of buying a new console is to get better looking and bigger games. It used to be that way with Nintendo as well until the Wii. Now everyone acts like Nintendo was always like that. Rubbish. You may have been happy to be fooled into rebuying a Gamecube(Wii), I was not.

What's funny is the major influx of new and returning gamers to the industry happened cause of the ease-of-access to affordable gaming, then in time they migrated. We can only guess if the systems would be where they are now without that refresher. All of which are moot points and blind theories now. GCN/PS2/Xbox were never anywhere near the selling powers that the current systems are rocking. Wii and Vita included.

Nintendo would been outclassed in the power division if they didn't do something different, they do not have the same resources the other two simply have to research and develop the only aspect of their system they know how to do right. I am glad Nintendo went further down trying new things and not just stop at the GCN/GBA connectivity idea... Which in terms, tanked.

[joshb1983]

Gen4? So, PS1 was the first generation of video game consoles? Ummm... Atari says hi.

[joshb1983]

Gen4? So, PS1 was the first generation of video game consoles? Ummm... Atari says hi.

[gbpackers31]

@Mike_Intellivision

If the leaks have any indications, it seems like both are targeting a fairly reasonable specs (more powerful than Wii U of course). I don't expect either Microsoft or Sony's next consoles to be above $400, unless there is a pack-in deal.

[kdognumba1]

Gen4? So I take it EA started with Playstation? I know I didn't. As for their comments, I really don't care what EA does at this point. Until I see them give REAL support to a new Nintendo console, I'll just take anything they say as complete rubbish.

Gen4? So, PS1 was the first generation of video game consoles? Ummm... Atari says hi.

Pretty much this.

But what the heck do they mean by Gen 4?! We aren't starting the n64 era. Also, it sounds like EA is going to abandon the platform.

And this.

[Gold_Ultima]

They can't even count how many gaming generations there have been, so I don't really think we should bother listening to them. Also, I haven't bought an EA game in decades, so it's no real loss if they stop supporting the platform.

@joshb1983
You forgot the Magnavox Odyssy.

[CorusFace]

ea, you seriously suck. honestly. i hate you.

[WedgeWalkr]

And what the hell is wrong with that? It always used to be about power. That's the whole point of buying a new console is to get better looking and bigger games. It used to be that way with Nintendo as well until the Wii. Now everyone acts like Nintendo was always like that. Rubbish. You may have been happy to be fooled into rebuying a Gamecube(Wii), I was not.

I'm going to disagree with you on that. Was increased system power (understood in terms of graphical capabilities) part of the point of creating or purchasing new systems? Certainly. Was it the only thing? No. And I'm surprised when people can't see that.

Let's just look at Nintendo's systems. In addition to increased power, each system jump brought the following gaming advancements:

NES to SNES: buttons on controller increased by 4, larger game storage capacity

SNES to N64: addition of analog stick, buttons on controller increased by 3, number of controllers that could be in use at the same time increased by 2, increased game storage capacity, rumble feature added to controller

N64 to Gamecube: analog shoulder triggers, addition of second analog stick, removal of one button, GBA connectivity, wireless controller, increased game storage capacity, component output and progressive scan visuals

Gamecube to Wii: motion control, pointer control, unique audio speakers on controller, removal of second analog stick, removal of analog triggers, on-line gameplay, Virtual Console Service, WiiWare service, increased storage capacity

Wii to Wii U: number of controllers that could be in use at the same time increased by 1, dedicated gaming social network, improved on-line retail system with most games available for download, on the gamepad itself: refinement of motion control from that of initial Wii-mote, return of second analog stick, buttons on controller increased by 2, both analog sticks made clickable, near-field communication, added camera, touch screen capable of either replicating what's on television or having unique content

I'm sure there are some things I'm forgetting.

Incidentally, I have a Wii, and I know it isn't just another Gamecube.

[TheSchaef]

Yes, EA, please forego the Wii U to focus on consoles that can give you more individual blades of grass on the same frakkin sports game over and over.

Madden 8 Billion! Because, Next Gen!

[mariomaniac45213]

Seems like MOST 3rd parties have this same state of mind in regards to Wii U/Nintendo as a whole can't say i'm surprised though...anyway EA you can take your two old ass ports and shove them up your ass! Who asked for Mass Effect 3 especially when Mast Effect Trilogy was releasing on the other consoles at the same time for less the price! Also Most Wanted is simply a little too late...

[TheSchaef]

Also, if the benefit of new consoles is shinier games, why is everyone playing Minecraft and Mega Man 9 and Bit Trip?

[kirbykiller]

they don't mean 4th gen as in consoles but 4th gen as in this is EA's (as a business) 4th generation of consoles they are developing for

[bomblord]

I still don't think there will be that big of a graphical leap this generation, Graphics are plateauing. Lighting, polygon levels, and scene complexity are at a point where the layman can't tell the difference until you put the 2 images side by side. Obviously we haven't hit that yet but were to the point where most games only have a resolution bump and a slightly higher fps even on systems that should be 10x more powerful.

Don't get me wrong Higher resolution textures and higher FPS do make a difference, however the difference is extremely negligible to the average person, and with proper art direction and a little technical trickery even the 7 year old 360 can output games that are on Par with a large chunk of PC titles and only slightly behind the high ends ones.

Until a new graphics technology allows for a huge leap in tech (real time raytracing?) we'll only be seeing diminishing returns in graphics technology.

[FrenchFryGuy]

That's right EA. You keep on innovating and putting all that power the "true next gen" systems from Sony and Microsoft will offer you to good use just like you did this generation....oh wait.