Is it just me or is the current transition to 'next-generation' consoles extremely, extremely weird? 

On Kotaku today: news that a new, updated version of The Last of Us, previously a PlayStation 3 exclusive, is en route to the PlayStation 4. 

In stores today: an Xbox 360 version of Titanfall. A video game experience that was recently heralded as one of the first 'true' next-generation games. A game that, thanks to some incredible technical wizardry on the part of Bluepoint Games, is near indistinguishable from the supposedly superior Xbox One version.123

Officially announced today: a brand new Borderlands game. A 'pre-sequel' currently in development at 2K Australia that isn't appearing on next-generation consoles at all.4

In my house today: two next-generation consoles that haven't been turned on once in the last month. An Xbox 360 that I continue to play: Dark Souls II, South Park: The Stick of Truth.56789

In January the most significant next gen release was a port: an updated version of Tomb Raider. My most played game on the PlayStation 4 so far? Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. A game that was released months earlier on the Xbox 360 and PS3.1011

This generational transition is weird. I can't remember another one like it.12

I can't remember another transition that has felt so half-hearted, so conservative, so burdened by a reluctance to place proper, major bets on new technology.1314

There's a real, tangible fear surrounding new consoles. I first sensed it during E3 2013; game after game. Available on Xbox 360, available on PS3. A strange lack of commitment. Almost every new game I played, even large scale titles (especially large scale titles) were being made available on as many platforms as possible. Despite the fact that the Xbox 360 and PS3 had been at the forefront of one of the longest generations I can remember, there was the sense that no-one had faith in the next generation of consoles.15

Everyone was in a secure, definitive holding pattern.

Now the situation has changed dramatically. The PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One have been selling in far greater numbers than anyone had any right to expect. The PlayStation 4, in particular, is flying off shelves faster than Sony can physically build them. So we're now in a quandary: that nervousness has evaporated. Now we have millions of new console owners with brand new boxes in their homes and nothing to do with them.

Because development is long term game. It's a big arse ship on the open sea and it takes an incredible amount of time to make an about turn. We're seeing the results of that today: no major next gen games on the horizon, johnny-come-latelies like the new Borderlands game. The end result of publishers who had too little faith in new consoles. It's a reality that we might have to struggle with for the rest of this calendar year.

And then there are the publishers scrapping for the short term wins: high definition, 'definitive' next gen versions of games we've already played is part of that strategy, at attempt to squeeze extra dollars from an audience that many publishers didn't expect to exist. It's a sign that – for the near future at least – things aren't going to get much better. Releases like Tomb Raider Definitive Edition and Naughty Dog's new The Last of Us port are emblematic of publishers with very few big next gen titles on the horizon. They need something to plug the gap, they need something to pay the bills. This is their short term solution.16

The danger, of course, is that sales of next generation consoles will slow in the meantime. That this lack of foresight from publishers, this 'fear', will result in a self-fulfilling prophecy: the consumer interest in next generation consoles will drop during this period, and publishers will miss the boat.

The reality is probably less dramatic. Console sales will most likely slow as the next gen gaming drought continues, but will pick up when the promise of big titles draws near. But the dynamic has become all the more transparent in this process. Games sell consoles, but publishers have been less willing this time round to really go all in on the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One and we're currently facing the consequences of that decision. I suspect we'll be facing those consequences for the remainder of 2014.17

source

It is strange, but the answer was pretty much summed up in the article. Developers spreading as wide as they can to lower risks.

yeah, i know.   not that there weren't cross gen titles last gen transition but it sort of feels like there are more of them now. 

the worst part, imo, is that even of the "big" upcoming games (the order 1886, quantum break, ect.) we just don't even have release dates.  i'm guessing other than a few gap fillers we aren't going to see anything notable release until the holiday except for (maybe) watch dogs,.. another cross gen title.

Good points in OP.

The only upside imo is that the lack of releases makes people try out new games they wouldn't have otherwise, like inFamous.  But I think I made the right descision not getting a PS4 yet after getting a Wii U at launch and not turning it on for months at a time.

Not really, this is about par for the course, but since it's so easy to port this gen and most games tend to start as a PC version it is no sweat off their backs. Previous gen doesn't just stop when new consoles come out, and new consoles don't just magically get big games at launch.

Disagree. Compare the launch of the Xbox One with the Xbox 360. Which had the better games? More games? Replay value? Xbox One. Then, you have Kinect 2.0. Also, Titanfall.

Sorry. Nothing weird going on. Give me a Xbox One (PlayStation gamer here) and I'll SHOW YOU how to game on it.

I don't mean... play one playthrough of SP for any given game... then a few MP matches... and be done with it.

I mean get all achievements... all dlc... all indie games. EAT THE CONSOLE UP!

That's how one should game. Otherwise, you're a casual gamer and have no right to complain.

This is probably one of the dumbest articles I've ever read about video-gaming, aside from some select malstrom blogs.
Console sales will slow down? PS4 is selling faster than any other system at this point in time bar the wii, and for almost double the price.
xb1 is selling well too.
Developers are making these games as a cash in? Of course. But you know what? The market exists for it.
Gaming droughts HAPPEN at the beginning of a gen. It's just natural that there will be fewer games. This gen has probably MORE games at launch (1 year time frame) than any gen previously...and that's because of these "enhanced editions".
What does the author want, developers to spend millions and years on brand new games while simultaneously putting out content for 7th gen?
Sorry, MS did that for early 360, and you saw how support for xb dropped. The same thing happened at the end of 360. No support, dev focus instead placed on xb1.

These enhanced editions are released precisely because the market tends to be scant at launch. People want games to play. They don't care if they are ports. What's important is that they have a game they want to play. Just because there was a previous edition on ps360 doesn't mean that gamers BOUGHT that game. Maybe now, with enhanced edition and a lack of options, they will buy it on an 8th gen system.

It's not WEIRD. It's actually really smart. The game industry is certainly maturing. They're learning how to optimize their sales.

that's why i waited for infamous.   not that there is a ton on the horizon but i'll get watch dogs and ps+ gave me contrast, resogun, mercenary kings, outlast, don't starve, dead nation and cross buy gave me flower and sound shapes.  that's enough of a back log to keep me going.  i'll pick up killzone at some point too.

Totally agree, nice thread.