When it comes to console gaming, one of the bigger disadvantages it has compared to the PC platform is the inability to constantly make upgrades. While technology continues to improve over the years, PC gamers are able to adjust their systems in order to get the best-looking visuals while console gamers are normally stuck with some strict limitations. That is until recently when both Microsoft and Sony has opted to make updated consoles more frequently. Today we’re finding out how Epic Games CEO, Tim Sweeney, is taking to the new console upgrade cycle.
We’ve seen a few key video game industry leaders talk about their thoughts on the new console upgrades. Now, after an interview between Tim Sweeney and Eurogamer, it’s apparent that the Epic Games CEO is absolutely thrilled at the idea of a shorter console upgrade cycle.
“I’m absolutely thrilled with this. It gives you the best of both worlds, the upgrade cycle of the PC which ensures that people always have access to the latest and greatest hardware and games don’t go out of date over a seven year cycle, together with the fact there’s a box you can go and buy – or two boxes – and you’re guaranteed that everything can work. And I think the configurations for developers are very reasonable.”
It’s important, however, on the end consumer, the gamers that will be making these big purchases, but luckily, it doesn’t appear that they’ll be forced into upgrading after just a few short years.
“From an industry insider perspective, the console industry will grow and sustain its user base much better if it doesn’t have to reset its user base to zero every seven years. The idea of throwing everything out and doing everything from scratch every seven years is completely crazy. And everything Epic’s done with our new game development approach, involving these online games we’re going to maintain over time, it’s about building games where we don’t have to reset our user base to zero when we want to add new features.”
For the most part, it’s become apparent that these video games can be played on multiple systems, though, depending on what console you’re using, players could see their game visuals enhanced or toned down.
At this point, it’s too early to say just how well this new upgrade console cycles will work out. Likewise, it’s unknown if these consoles will even stand a chance when competing with the PC platform. Regardless, we’re still waiting to hear more about both the Microsoft Project Scorpio and Sony’s PlayStation Neo.
