Battlefield 3's rendering architect details his dream specs for the next generation of consoles

[superchunk]

Slimebeast said:

superchunk said:

The biggest games right now don't even put recommended specs with more than 4GB RAM and 1GB of Video RAM.

Plus, you have to realize that consoles are heavily optimized as are their games. They always use far less memory. 2-4GB in shared RAM is more than enough for anything happening in the next 5-8 years.

Then why are both Crytek and DICE saying they want 8GB in next gen consoles?

Because they are developers and will ask for what best to them. More memory allows them to focus less on optimization and overall development time. i.e. it reduces their costs to manufacture their products.

However, console manufacturers will do what is going to provide a base that will meet the needs for the next 5 years plus keep cost of manufacture and heat displacement down. 4GB of shared RAM on a heavily optimized device now and 5 years from now is easily equal to a 512MB device over the last 6 years when everyone has 4GB/1GB in their PCs.