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.
When Sony’s PlayStation 3 first launched back in 2006 it featured an extraordinary price tag that translated into low sales figured. Luckily, the years have done the PS3 well and the console currently sits at a palatable $299.99 for a 160GB model. However, now that the console has been out for 4 years many have wondered what Sony’s plans are for their next generation video game console.
Well, according to SCE CEO Kaz Hirai, the company isn’t even yet thinking of this next generation console. Instead, he says, the company is focused on getting the NGP out the door and boosting the value of the PS3 – which, by his count, still has a good 5 years left in it.
Do you think you’ll be playing your PS3 for another 5 years or will you be craving a newer system?
via eurogamer
A rumor currently circulating suggests that Sony considered Intel’s now almost-canned Larabee graphics/CPU processor for the PS4, but ultimately opted out since it wasn’t powerful enough. It was rumored that Intel has been talking to Microsoft and Nintendo this year to put the new chip into their consoles, but the results of those talks are unknown.
However, Sony did comment on the rumor, where an unnamed Sony executive said “Larrabee can help us to plan PS5 and PS6, but it cannot make it into PS4.”
The PS4 is expected to be released around 2012-2013.
Japanese publication Impress Watch is speculating that Sony has begun considering using the Cell processor in the PlayStation 4. The site notes that Sony is currently seeking input from developers on the idea.
Developing the Cell processor has cost Sony a lot of money, so using it for the PS4 will see the company cut production costs, a much needed step for the company. It will also enable developers to work quickly and optimize their games further as they will be more familiar with the architecture by then.
Using the Cell processor will also let the PS4 run cooler and use less power, making it a more environmentally friendly product by the time it’s released. Sony can also stay competitive by adding more cores to the processor, making it that much more powerful.
It’s too early to call the shots, but it makes sense for Sony to use an enhanced, more powerful version of their current Cell processor in the PS4.
