The Sims and Spore creator Will Wright has labelled Wii the only true next-generation console out of the three new console platforms on the market.
"Somebody asked me what I thought next generation meant and what about the PlayStation 3 was next generation. The only next gen system I've seen is the Wii - the PS3 and the Xbox 360 feel like better versions of the last, but pretty much the same game with incremental improvement", Wright told Guardian Unlimited.
Wii, Wright continued, feels like a major jump, "not that the graphics are more powerful, but that it hits a completely different demographic".
He said in some sense he sees Nintendo's console as the most significant thing that's happened in the console space in quite a while.
Wright went on to reveal that he has an Xbox 360 at home "collecting dust in the background", with a Wii hooked up that "we use quite a bit". He doesn't own a PS3, apparently.
"I still, for the most part, prefer playing games on the computer - to me the mouse is the best input device ever", he added.
"Every generation it's like 'the PC's dead! The PC's dead!'. But it carries on growing when consoles are flat for five years. At the moment I can get better graphics on my PC than I can on the PS3."
I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion. My views are obviously different than his. For me, Wii is the only non-nextgen console in the respect that the only thing thats changed is the control scheme. Its no different than using a controller for PC instead of the mouse and keyboard. I can understand why Will Wright would prefer Wii though as he's a guy that likes to try new stuff and take risks. Wii is a console he could do that on as the development cost for games are much lower than on 360 and PS3 and im sure he would also like to try and make use of the Wii-mote. As for PC gaming, well it is dead when compared to console gaming but with MS pushing out alot of decent games under the 'Games for Windows' brand, I can see things starting to pick up and more casual gamers start playing rather than it being exclusive to the tech freaks.
Presumably if Microsoft and Sony produce a peripheral that innacurately interprets flapping your arms about into some activity on screen then they will be next gen, but with better graphics. The ONLY thing the Wii does different than the Gamecube is the user interface with the console. Next gen controller, same gen console. At least with the 360 and PS3 you could add a new interface/controller method therefore having great graphics, processor power for environments/level size/physics and also an unusual way of controlling the game. On the flip side with the Wii your stuck with the processor/graphics it has.
They're all 'next generation'. Next generation means the successor to the previous 'thing'. They're all the next generation of each company's offering.
He's right though, Wii is the only console that actually does something significantly different. It's not a problem, all have their advantages and disadvantages - it's down to personal choice as to what's important to you.
I'm sick of developers slagging off consoles. Gabe Newell if the ps3 is so s**t and bad for consumers then why make money off people who have bought them (orange box)? Will Wright if wii is the only next gen console then why not boycott the other two as an act of principle? Put up or shut up.
Presumably if Microsoft and Sony produce a peripheral that innacurately interprets flapping your arms about into some activity on screen then they will be next gen, but with better graphics. The ONLY thing the Wii does different than the Gamecube is the user interface with the console. Next gen controller, same gen console. At least with the 360 and PS3 you could add a new interface/controller method therefore having great graphics, processor power for environments/level size/physics and also an unusual way of controlling the game. On the flip side with the Wii your stuck with the processor/graphics it has.
The wii processors make it at least 2.5 times as powerful as the GC. Also the GPU offers more modern features to go with the extra power. I agree to a point with Will Wright as the wii has taken a different path as opposed to Sony and MS simply increasing the power. I have to completely disagree with your comments about flapping arms and inaccurate controls. Flapping arms are optional and will probably lead to a very bad game play experience, however if you play the games properly they are great. The controls are extremely accurate if programmed properly as can be seen with RE4. The wii has also allowed my brother (who has cerebral palsy) to play games against his friends on an even playing field for the first time (which I consider a major leap forward).
i agree with a post above that i feel i just have another gamecube with a different controller. not complaining but there is no significant jump as there is with the xbox and 360. the problem is with pc gaming you have to sit at a desk/table to play a game. it's not a comfortable way for me to play and i always feel like im still in the office and never enjoy the experience. take a look though at this splitfish controller:
As for PC gaming, well it is dead when compared to console gaming but with MS pushing out alot of decent games under the 'Games for Windows' brand, I can see things starting to pick up and more casual gamers start playing rather than it being exclusive to the tech freaks.
I hope you've got your flame retardant suit on dude
Seriously though, that's simply not true. PC gaming is alive and well and living in Knowle.
I must say I respect his comments because he actually made his point in a refined way. I am not saying that he is right or wrong but that he actually made a valid argument and simply told us that his 360 is gathering dust but his Wii isn't.
It makes a change from "the <Console name here> is just crap" comments from others.
I agree with his sentiment - i.e. the Wii is the only console of the "new batch" to actually dare to be different (not just the controller but also the RELATIVELY low processing and graphical power). Of course there is no right or wrong on the issue it is simply a matter of opinion.
As for PC gaming, well it is dead when compared to console gaming but with MS pushing out alot of decent games under the 'Games for Windows' brand, I can see things starting to pick up and more casual gamers start playing rather than it being exclusive to the tech freaks.
I hope you've got your flame retardant suit on dude
Seriously though, that's simply not true. PC gaming is alive and well and living in Knowle.
I have to completely disagree with your comments about flapping arms and inaccurate controls. Flapping arms are optional and will probably lead to a very bad game play experience, however if you play the games properly they are great.
I play the games as properly as the innacuracies of the Wiimote allow me. I just expected that when I look straight down the Wiimote when I looked at the screen that the onscreen cursor would be in my line of sight. Rather than that I feel I am always pointing towards the top/bottom of the screen. Plus if your arm moves outside the upper/lower/left or right range of the sensor bar your cursor disappears until you come back within the 'zone' which it can see.
I still don't believe the console is anywhere near a next generation platform, only the control method is different.
I guess I'm just a bit disappointed with how much fun I personally have been able to get from the machine.
I have to completely disagree with your comments about flapping arms and inaccurate controls. Flapping arms are optional and will probably lead to a very bad game play experience, however if you play the games properly they are great.
I play the games as properly as the innacuracies of the Wiimote allow me. I just expected that when I look straight down the Wiimote when I looked at the screen that the onscreen cursor would be in my line of sight. Rather than that I feel I am always pointing towards the top/bottom of the screen. Plus if your arm moves outside the upper/lower/left or right range of the sensor bar your cursor disappears until you come back within the 'zone' which it can see.
I still don't believe the console is anywhere near a next generation platform, only the control method is different.
I guess I'm just a bit disappointed with how much fun I personally have been able to get from the machine.
The wiimote is not a lightgun!! It obviously will not line up if you look down it! It works in an entirely different way to a lightgun. If you give RE4 a go then you will see instantly how accurate it can be as I even see a mouse outdoing the accuracy my much when attempting to shoot a zombie in the knee (and you can also not use a mouse very easily on the sofa).
I was going to post an angry comment, but it's Will Wright. This guy came up with the Sims, I think that demonstrates how little about proper gaming this guy actually knows, so he's talking total b******s as is obvious the moment you read the headline.
He's one of these up-their-own-bottom developers like Molenux and Romero, who tout their creations as the best thing to ever happen in gaming. Poor Will started thinking somewhere along the way that people actually gave a crap what he had to say... poor guy. Go back to making that creature game that nobody cares about.
I'm sick of developers slagging off consoles. Gabe Newell if the ps3 is so s**t and bad for consumers then why make money off people who have bought them (orange box)? Will Wright if wii is the only next gen console then why not boycott the other two as an act of principle? Put up or shut up.
Chill!
Firstly, Gabe Newell is quite entitled to make money out of his product. He's justified his comments by palming Orange Box off to EA to publish on PS3, which should worry anyone that's looking forward to playing it on PS3!
Also, Will Wright hasn't said anything negative about the 360 or PS3, just that they don't fit his personal definition of next gen. His point is well reasoned and makes perfect sense, even if it's not the common definition of next gen that we're used to.
No need to stress out about it. We're all entitled to a bit of freedom of speech without being beat down because someone else doesn't agree with it.
I was going to post an angry comment, but it's Will Wright. This guy came up with the best-selling computer game of all time, I think that demonstrates how little about proper gaming this guy actually knows, so he's talking total b******s as is obvious the moment you read the headline.
The wiimote is not a lightgun!! It obviously will not line up if you look down it!
I understand that its not a light gun, I was just under the impression (before purchasing) that where you pointed the remote at the screen was where the cursor would be.
On the other issue I raised about having a similar controller for the 360 and PS3 do you not think it is just the controller that makes people think the Wii is more next gen rather than the actual console being next gen?
Another comment from an industry person. This thread will be 60 posts long by tonight
It's his opinion, if he thinks that then it's his decision simple as that. I've been quite happy with both my machines but I know other people haven't. It depends on what you want and what you're getting.
Serious gaming is better on a PC. Fun gaming( especially arcade style games ) and gaming with mates is better on a console I agree with Mr. Spore, of all the new consoles i admire the Wii the most, theres only so much more you can do with gfx and sound and the gaming industry really really needed more innovation as its been stagnant since the release of the PS1, even the original NES
I was going to post an angry comment, but it's Will Wright. This guy came up with the best-selling computer game of all time, I think that demonstrates how little about proper gaming this guy actually knows, so he's talking total b******s as is obvious the moment you read the headline.
Heeey!!! Enough of that! You're putting words in my mou... er, post. The Sims may be the best selling computer game, but it's total crap I'm sure most will agree. Though when you put it that way it seems Will Wright thinks mainstream = next gen, in which case hell yeah the Wii is the most mainstream of the new consoles, which is the main contributing factor to it's overall suckage. The 360 and PS3 audience wouldn't put up with the shallow experiences to be found on the Wii. Super Paper Mario was a good start and there are 3 or 4 good games on the way but thats about all the Wii has going for it. I'd say the PS3 is the most next-gen, thanks mostly to all the other things it does besides run games. My PS3 is rarely switched off because it does everything I want. Games, Movies (DVD and BR), videos from my PC, music, internet. It's allowed me to replace like 5 separate devices with one console that does everything.
The wiimote is not a lightgun!! It obviously will not line up if you look down it!
I understand that its not a light gun, I was just under the impression (before purchasing) that where you pointed the remote at the screen was where the cursor would be.
On the other issue I raised about having a similar controller for the 360 and PS3 do you not think it is just the controller that makes people think the Wii is more next gen rather than the actual console being next gen?
It is the thought behind the console that makes it unique. The light gun peripherals showed that you could not simply release a new control method for an established console and expect everyone to make use of it as not everyone has it (eg I can only think of a handful of games that used the guncon or the eyetoy). The difference with wii is that it is the standard control so everyone needs to make use of it to some point which will hopefully force developers to come up with original ideas. To say it is the only next gen console is a bit off though as all the latest consoles are next gen by default. I do however agree that fancy graphics does not make them better consoles than the wii as I am a true believer in gameplay comes first. The Wii has had the biggest impact on the way we play games since the advent of 3D and it must be applauded for this. Where do Sony and Microsoft go from here? if they follow the same old route of increasing polygon counts then the next generation of hardware may be into the thousands of pounds as to make any significantly noticable improvement on the current graphics they would have to increase the power at least ten fold. PGR3 for example had more polygons in one car than PGR2 had in the entire game world but did the graphics really improve by that magnitude to the naked eye? I would argue that if you quadrupled the polygons that the cars are made up of, you would hardly notice any difference. You could argue that more cars could be displayed but they would be displayed with the same graphics as before. I am lucky to have grown up with computer games from around 1980 and seen the graphics develop from simple lines through intricate and truly beautiful 2d graphics to 3D and I am sorry to say that I do not think we will ever see such a noticeable jump in graphics ever again.
I am lucky to have grown up with computer games from around 1980 and seen the graphics develop from simple lines through intricate and truly beautiful 2d graphics to 3D and I am sorry to say that I do not think we will ever see such a noticeable jump in graphics ever again.
Bit of a gaming old timer like me hey? The realistic thrill of pong was mental when I first played that round at my uncles house (he was the rich family member). It kept us entertained for hours and all it had was 2 bats and a ball. Crazy.
I think the next 'next gen' war in 3/4 years time will again increase the processor/graphic power but it will be used in more subtle ways, rather than making graphics more realistic, so increasing the 'richness' of game worlds. As you say its not all graphics but the game as a whole with more processing umph could give a bigger, better, bolder experience.
the jump in graphics will continue until we are playing near photo realistic games / characters. you have to decide when buying a game what it is you're after. i love the fancy graphics of the 360/ps3 and they make the gaming much more enjoyable when you're constantly gasping at the graphics and can't wait to see the next location. that's what keeps you playing a game along with a great storyline. i love zelda, but after playing on the 360 without a blur in sight and i plug my wii in, the quality is appalling for a next gen consol. whats strange is that if i load mario sunshine on the wii it looks fabulous, but zelda looks crap. whats that about
As for PC gaming, well it is dead when compared to console gaming but with MS pushing out alot of decent games under the 'Games for Windows' brand, I can see things starting to pick up and more casual gamers start playing rather than it being exclusive to the tech freaks.
I hope you've got your flame retardant suit on dude
Seriously though, that's simply not true. PC gaming is alive and well and living in Knowle.
Is that Knowle Solihull?
Christ yes !!
I wouldn't know what's going on in Knowle in Bristol - I don't own any form of armoured vehicle.
As for PC gaming, well it is dead when compared to console gaming but with MS pushing out alot of decent games under the 'Games for Windows' brand, I can see things starting to pick up and more casual gamers start playing rather than it being exclusive to the tech freaks.
I hope you've got your flame retardant suit on dude
Seriously though, that's simply not true. PC gaming is alive and well and living in Knowle.
Is that Knowle Solihull?
Christ yes !!
I wouldn't know what's going on in Knowle in Bristol - I don't own any form of armoured vehicle.
the jump in graphics will continue until we are playing near photo realistic games / characters. you have to decide when buying a game what it is you're after. i love the fancy graphics of the 360/ps3 and they make the gaming much more enjoyable when you're constantly gasping at the graphics and can't wait to see the next location. that's what keeps you playing a game along with a great storyline. i love zelda, but after playing on the 360 without a blur in sight and i plug my wii in, the quality is appalling for a next gen consol. whats strange is that if i load mario sunshine on the wii it looks fabulous, but zelda looks crap. whats that about
To get to truly photo realistic graphics the hardware power will have to increase an unbelieveable amount! In the meantime we will be getting huge increases in power for very little noticeable improvement. The improvements in the graphics between the Xbox and the 360 has left me very underwhelmed and my point is that this jump is nowhere near as huge as the jump from 2d to 3d. When I saw Mario64 and Tombraider I was blown away, when I saw PGR3 i just shrugged and thought "looks nicer".
Also the games are just going to get more and more expensive to make which will decrease the likelyhood of developers taking risks on gameplay.
Didn't Will Wright's cohort, Chris Hecker say that the the Wii was nothing more than two Gamecubes taped together?
I know these people are entitled to the separate opinion, but surely there must be some sort of corporate responsibility to reign in these outspoken idiots.
I'm getting tired of hearing industry loud-mouths taking the mick out of each other's systems or software. Next-gen surely only means the latest group of consoles released to market. I think it is defined by the release of any consoles coinciding with the saturation and imminent down-turn in the existing group of consoles.
It is for this reason that the Dreamcast suffered so badly in the previous generation, as it sat uncomfortably before PS2 but in the midst of the PS1's burgeoning success.
Therefore the Next-Gen concept is in my opinion defined by existing generation market trends.
As for PC gaming, well it is dead when compared to console gaming but with MS pushing out alot of decent games under the 'Games for Windows' brand, I can see things starting to pick up and more casual gamers start playing rather than it being exclusive to the tech freaks.
You sir are a royal idiot.
MS has very little to do with PC gaming tbh anyway.
As for the story, I think he has a point. Playing the PS3 and 360 it feels all too similar to the XBox and PS2.
The Wii obviously has its problems too, but having just played an hour of MP3, I'm more positive about it.
Personally I think the exact opposite - I owned a wii and it genuinly felt like I swapped my gamecube...for a gamecube.
I think Wii is almost alternate-gen whereas 360 and ps3 are next gen.
Does he think there are, what, 2 generations in console gaming? 2D and 3D?
Fully agree with everything youve said here.
& like to add, Thank Christ its not the only next gen console! id be very unhappy bunny & wouldnt be playing games if it was. I love my tradional 360 & PS3 will prove itself eventualy - just stop tacking crapaxis on everything
As for PC gaming, well it is dead when compared to console gaming but with MS pushing out alot of decent games under the 'Games for Windows' brand, I can see things starting to pick up and more casual gamers start playing rather than it being exclusive to the tech freaks.
You sir are a royal idiot.
MS has very little to do with PC gaming tbh anyway.
As for the story, I think he has a point. Playing the PS3 and 360 it feels all too similar to the XBox and PS2.
The Wii obviously has its problems too, but having just played an hour of MP3, I'm more positive about it.
Don't talk about that game (MP3) Just bought my copy and I have 5 hours to go before I can play it
As for PC gaming, well it is dead when compared to console gaming but with MS pushing out alot of decent games under the 'Games for Windows' brand, I can see things starting to pick up and more casual gamers start playing rather than it being exclusive to the tech freaks.
You sir are a royal idiot.
Which one, Prince Philip (old gen) or Prince Harry (next gen)
As for PC gaming, well it is dead when compared to console gaming but with MS pushing out alot of decent games under the 'Games for Windows' brand, I can see things starting to pick up and more casual gamers start playing rather than it being exclusive to the tech freaks.
You sir are a royal idiot.
Which one, Prince Philip (old gen) or Prince Harry (next gen)
Well I wouldn't say Prince Harry was next generation... more of an improvement on the old model....
In Will Wright's view Harry would have to have wings and the power of invisibility to be truly next gen!
This guy came up with the Sims, I think that demonstrates how little about proper gaming this guy actually knows
Oh come on, he didn't just come up with the Sims - he came up with;
The Sims The Sims: Livin' Large The Sims: House Party The Sims: Hot Date The Sims: On Holiday The Sims: Unleashed' The Sims: Superstar The Sims: Makin' Magic The Sims Deluxe Edition The Sims Double Deluxe The Sims Mega Deluxe The Sims Complete Collection The Complete Collection Of The Sims The Sims: Full House - New Zealand & Australia The Sims: Expansion Collection Volume One The Sims: Expansion Collection Volume Two The Sims: Expansion Collection Volume Three The Sims: Expansion Three-Pack Volume One The Sims: Expansion Three-Pack Volume Two The Sims Online The Sims 2 The Sims 2: University The Sims 2: Nightlife The Sims 2: Open for Business The Sims 2: Pets The Sims 2: Seasons The Sims 2: Bon Voyage The Sims 2: Family Fun Stuff The Sims 2: Glamour Life Stuff The Sims 2: Happy Holiday Stuff The Sims 2: Celebration Stuff The Sims 2: H&M Fashion Stuff The Sims 2: Teen Style Stuff The Sims 2: Special DVD Edition The Sims 2: Christmas Edition (2005) The Sims 2: Festive Edition (2006) The Sims 2: Deluxe The Sims 2 Limited Edition
Oh, erm. Call me cynical, but I see a pattern here..
This guy came up with the Sims, I think that demonstrates how little about proper gaming this guy actually knows
Oh come on, he didn't just come up with the Sims - he came up with;
The Sims The Sims: Livin' Large The Sims: House Party The Sims: Hot Date The Sims: On Holiday The Sims: Unleashed' The Sims: Superstar The Sims: Makin' Magic The Sims Deluxe Edition The Sims Double Deluxe The Sims Mega Deluxe The Sims Complete Collection The Complete Collection Of The Sims The Sims: Full House - New Zealand & Australia The Sims: Expansion Collection Volume One The Sims: Expansion Collection Volume Two The Sims: Expansion Collection Volume Three The Sims: Expansion Three-Pack Volume One The Sims: Expansion Three-Pack Volume Two The Sims Online The Sims 2 The Sims 2: University The Sims 2: Nightlife The Sims 2: Open for Business The Sims 2: Pets The Sims 2: Seasons The Sims 2: Bon Voyage The Sims 2: Family Fun Stuff The Sims 2: Glamour Life Stuff The Sims 2: Happy Holiday Stuff The Sims 2: Celebration Stuff The Sims 2: H&M Fashion Stuff The Sims 2: Teen Style Stuff The Sims 2: Special DVD Edition The Sims 2: Christmas Edition (2005) The Sims 2: Festive Edition (2006) The Sims 2: Deluxe The Sims 2 Limited Edition
Oh, erm. Call me cynical, but I see a pattern here..
A possible milking offense?
*slaps head* What the f**k is wrong with people? Buying all this endless Sims s**te.
This guy came up with the Sims, I think that demonstrates how little about proper gaming this guy actually knows
Oh come on, he didn't just come up with the Sims - he came up with;
The Sims The Sims: Livin' Large The Sims: House Party The Sims: Hot Date The Sims: On Holiday The Sims: Unleashed' The Sims: Superstar The Sims: Makin' Magic The Sims Deluxe Edition The Sims Double Deluxe The Sims Mega Deluxe The Sims Complete Collection The Complete Collection Of The Sims The Sims: Full House - New Zealand & Australia The Sims: Expansion Collection Volume One The Sims: Expansion Collection Volume Two The Sims: Expansion Collection Volume Three The Sims: Expansion Three-Pack Volume One The Sims: Expansion Three-Pack Volume Two The Sims Online The Sims 2 The Sims 2: University The Sims 2: Nightlife The Sims 2: Open for Business The Sims 2: Pets The Sims 2: Seasons The Sims 2: Bon Voyage The Sims 2: Family Fun Stuff The Sims 2: Glamour Life Stuff The Sims 2: Happy Holiday Stuff The Sims 2: Celebration Stuff The Sims 2: H&M Fashion Stuff The Sims 2: Teen Style Stuff The Sims 2: Special DVD Edition The Sims 2: Christmas Edition (2005) The Sims 2: Festive Edition (2006) The Sims 2: Deluxe The Sims 2 Limited Edition
Oh, erm. Call me cynical, but I see a pattern here..
A possible milking offense?
*slaps head* What the f**k is wrong with people? Buying all this endless Sims s**te.
What wrong with this man the wii the most boring console ever my brothers ten and got bored of his after a week .You cant beat a good old controller or mouse with the wiis rubbish remote and nuncuck
He's actually right, doesnt mean this 'next gen' is better then the last. In truth there wasnt much difference between the ps1 and ps2 generation. Nintendo have been bold in there approach and it has paid them dividends, a different control method makes a hell of difference, we been with pads since master system and NES.
This guy came up with the Sims, I think that demonstrates how little about proper gaming this guy actually knows
Oh come on, he didn't just come up with the Sims - he came up with;
The Sims The Sims: Livin' Large The Sims: House Party The Sims: Hot Date The Sims: On Holiday The Sims: Unleashed' The Sims: Superstar The Sims: Makin' Magic The Sims Deluxe Edition The Sims Double Deluxe The Sims Mega Deluxe The Sims Complete Collection The Complete Collection Of The Sims The Sims: Full House - New Zealand & Australia The Sims: Expansion Collection Volume One The Sims: Expansion Collection Volume Two The Sims: Expansion Collection Volume Three The Sims: Expansion Three-Pack Volume One The Sims: Expansion Three-Pack Volume Two The Sims Online The Sims 2 The Sims 2: University The Sims 2: Nightlife The Sims 2: Open for Business The Sims 2: Pets The Sims 2: Seasons The Sims 2: Bon Voyage The Sims 2: Family Fun Stuff The Sims 2: Glamour Life Stuff The Sims 2: Happy Holiday Stuff The Sims 2: Celebration Stuff The Sims 2: H&M Fashion Stuff The Sims 2: Teen Style Stuff The Sims 2: Special DVD Edition The Sims 2: Christmas Edition (2005) The Sims 2: Festive Edition (2006) The Sims 2: Deluxe The Sims 2 Limited Edition
Oh, erm. Call me cynical, but I see a pattern here..
A possible milking offense?
where do you find time to list all this stuff. can i have your job please
Copyright 2006 - 2009 Future Publishing Limited, Beauford Court, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath, UK BA1 2BW England and Wales company registration number 2008885
Just bought my copy and I have 5 hours to go before I can play it 
