Ian Frazier, lead designer of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, has said although he'd "love" to get his hands on a next-gen systems, there are advantages to working with the current "mature and stabilised" platforms for longer.
"As a player, I'd love another generation of Xbox, I feel like we've been pushing this technology for a really long time, and I'd love to jump to the next level, the Xbox 720 or whatever it ends up being," he said.
"As a developer? It's really nice having a stabilised platform. Especially with the Xbox, it's so solidified, people know it so well - it's just really, really easy to develop for at this point."
Frazier went on to say that as a result of the studio's PC background, the Reckoning team found it significantly easier to develop for Microsoft's console over Sony's.
"Our team were coming from a PC background, we had Settlers of Cataan on Xbox Live Arcade but that's it, that's the only previous console experience we had. Going to Sony platforms was a little bit tricky, Xbox was significantly easier, but across the board it was really nice going to platforms that were mature and stabilised.
"So as a player I say 'Yeah, let's bring on the next generation!'. But as a developer, I'm like 'Oh god, no, please, let's all stay the same.'"
Check out our Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning review and find out if it's worth your time.
For those looking for some quick tips to get ahead in Reckoning, read our Kingdoms of Amalur guide.
Comments
10 comments so far...
svd_grasshopper on 8 Feb '12 said:
"as a developer" you should be wanting to work with the best hardware. not 6-7 years old stuff.
"mature and stabilised" = less hassle, less risk, bigger install base... sounds like a s**t developer, thank god we don't rely on people like this for our innovation.
Tamoor on 8 Feb '12 said:
I don't think that's fair grasshopper, historically some of the best games are released towards the end of a console's lifecycle, when developers are familiar with the quirks of the platform and can develop interesting experiences around them.
Sure it might not be the most innovative stuff but we very rarely see amazing things on new hardware right from the outset. With new platforms developers spend years getting comfortable with them. Playing it safe isn't always a bad thing.
KesMonkey on 8 Feb '12 said:
Cutting edge hardware does not automatically equate to innovative software.
Innovative software typically doesn't sell very well.
When genuinely innovative hardware and software comes along (Wii motion controls, Kinect), "hardcore gamers" such as yourself tend to dismiss it, because "it's for casuals".
Developers 'should be wanting' to work on whatever software and hardware allows them to feed their family.
gillri on 8 Feb '12 said:
you'll find the best games come out at the end of a console generation as they have a firm grasp on the tech and so can concentrate their develop time on other aspects of a game design that really push the boundaries of gaming
havent the last two years of amazing games proved that? and this year looks no different. they know the tech, costs remain constant as no need to invest in new engine, or train employee to use it so little risk in running themselves out of business
I you think working with the best hardware is always the way to go, wouldnt we be getting big budget PC exlcusive or big budget PC exlcusive? no because they are as dead as a dodo. They are exclusive to console exclusives (with huge user installed bases) and multi-plats like GTA4, Halo 4, Bioshock Infinite, The Last of Us, God of War 4 etc etc
svd_grasshopper on 8 Feb '12 said:
in the face of such a retarded comment, maybe you should advise them to quit console development on start making iphone games. and point to rovio for inspiration.
of course, he could axe 90% of his workforce and streamline, making even more profit... but then some families would go hungry.
going by a couple of his nuggets...
It's really nice having a stabilised platform. Especially with the Xbox, it's so solidified, people know it so well - it's just really, really easy to develop for at this point."
"So as a player I say 'Yeah, let's bring on the next generation!'. But as a developer, I'm like 'Oh god, no, please, let's all stay the same.'"
... i think it's safe to say that his game is gonna be s**t. with that attitude, you know their game isn't going to be some technical wonder anyway, so i wouldn't worry.
sounds like he would be content living in north korea and being told when to p**s.
gmcb007 on 8 Feb '12 said:
Once again you post that recycled flame bait. f**k i'm losing faith in this site at a drastic rate.
Yes they say it's easier due to their backround but they also say they enjoy the other platforms.
Stop with the twisted headlines you'd expect in The Daily Fail.
svd_grasshopper on 8 Feb '12 said:
yeah that was a revelation. and a bit of a fabrication.
ingy on 8 Feb '12 said:
I'm with grasshopper on this,
of course they want things to stay the same, it's easier and cheaper for them.
And as for the comment about the games that have come out in the last couple of years being the best, that's rubbish, they have all been sequels that haven't improved on the originals in any way, and for the most part have got worse and all look the same.
In fact looking at games like Battlefield, we've actually got less, ie gimped destruction and smaller maps.
svd_grasshopper on 8 Feb '12 said:
yes, if extra polish is all we have to look forward to, then get the next gen started.
uncharted 2 is definitely better than uncharted 3, and BF:BC2 is much better than BF3 (which was turd)
FlacidDonkeyGuy on 8 Feb '12 said:
Unless you play the PC version of BF3, a different beast altogeter, it has only validated your point. Next gen should have launched last year, and if the tec specs are anything to go by. It looks like they are going to release consoles that should of launched 2011 tec wise too. Whoopdedoo "next gen" is going 3-4 years dated, by the time it's sees the light of day, & the only reason it will look any good, is that you have been playing on toasters for the last few years