More and more clues are emerging about next generation of video game consoles that should be released within two years. The latest clue comes from Gears of War developer Epic, a company which also makes the popular Unreal Engine. A recent job posting is looking for a “Technical Artist” to work on “multiple new and existing IP’s across multiple platforms”. The job ad goes on, hinting at next gen hardware:

“Your goal will be to attack the more complex issues that arise when we push the technology envelope, both in production on current hardware, and prototyping for next-generation hardware”

This could also be a possible indication of Unreal Engine 3. As for next-gen consoles, Nintendo will be releasing the Wii U this year, while Microsoft and Sony are reportedly already hard at work on the next gen systems, which should see release in 2013 or 2014.

Currently on the market in terms of this generation of consoles is the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii. While there have been many rumors circulating as of late regarding a successor to the Wii we haven’t heard much in terms of either a successor to the Xbox 360 or PS3. In the past, both Sony and Microsoft have went on record as saying that these consoles still have quite some time left in their life span but at some point there are going to be new consoles so it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.

Well, according to recent reports it seems that both companies may be gearing up to launch their next generation consoles sometime in the next couple of years – more specifically, 2014. Furthermore, these reports also suggest that Microsoft and/or Sony can/will release their next generation consoles early if they need to. Additionally, it’s also said that Sony may be waiting for Microsoft to release their next generation console first while they build some power behind the PS3.

Unfortunately these sources don’t really have any official backing (which comes as no surprise) but it definitely gives us something to think about. What do you want the next generation of high powered consoles to include?