| The_vagabond7 said: I think it's just the opposite. I think they are taking the distant view. The wii is a flash in the pan, but it's one that will last for 5 or 6 years. A relative flash in the pan, it's only a single generation and it will end. Major strides are being made in graphics technology, AI, complex physics, new kinds of motion capture, online networking, ect ect. Methods of programming and how games are made are moving forward. Those strides are not being made on Wii. To NOT learn these new skills, techniques and programming methods is suicide when the next generation comes. What happens in 8 years when all the new consoles are out and none of your staff knows jack about how to make games on them because they spent the last six or seven years building games off an upgraded gamecube architecture with virtually no network support? They end up waaay behind the technology curve. So the solution? Put your A teams, the best you've got, working on learning these new techniques, methods, keeping up with the industry as it develops. Put your B teams making wii games that make money on whatever demographic, you don't really care. Then when the next gen comes out Team A will still know what's going on and team B can be integrated and trained that much easier. |
Hrm, interesting thought. However, I don't think I agree with this.
True, the HD consoles offer more experience on newer technology. However, if this generation has taught us anything, it's that newer technology will not necessarily keep you "ahead of the curve." Rather, it is new, innovating ideas that takes the most importance. This is proven by the soon to be best selling (non-bundled) console game of all time in America (GH3), the Wii Series, the Touch! Gen series, etc. Establishing new IP's also become great cash streams, as even Ubisoft knows quite well. The first one to come up with the idea is the one that reaps the rewards (GH, GTA3, Ninty games).
While this isn't impossible on the HD consoles, it is easier to manage on the Wii due to lower costs and a new control scheme. Also, by sticking to HD consoles the developers will be behind the curve when it comes to intuitive controls. Besides, what do you figure will happen with Nintendo's developers when the gen finishes? I doubt they'll be struggling to keep up with the technology curve.
I suppose it's a possibility that even the A teams have "forgotten" how to innovate. The PS2 generation didn't bring about all that many new ideas, after all. In that case, they really do need to stick to the HD consoles, as their large budgets and old franchises are the only thing keeping them afloat.
