The "next level" of gaming is not yet possible on current-gen hardware, says Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima.
Speaking to BBC's Click program, Kojima said that improving the visuals and audio in games will only go so far in future console generations.
"We will keep on making games for consoles and the graphics and sound quality will get better and better," he said. "But I think no matter how much we improve the quality, there is only so much we can hear or see.
"The next level will be when we start improving the backgrounds, the things you don't instantly see but enhance the experience. For example, there are leaves in the background and when you water them they grow. Instead of the backgrounds being pre-programmed, they actually respond to what the player does.
"This is not possible right now but maybe in the future it will be, and that is when we will have entered the next era of gaming," he added.
He's as technology-obsessed as ever then. Not that we're complaining; MGS4 is a massively impressive game, and a terrific showcase for the PS3.
Kojima is currently rumoured to be working on a new game based on RPG series Snatcher, with No More Heroes mastermind Suda 51.
So the next level is making the game more realistic. For example make everything 3D and having more things blowing up from grenades. Also, like badgerpog said, a plant watering game would be extremely dull.
Kojima has past his time! He should learn to get to grips with the basics of online play. It is apparent in every new interview that he makes, that he is struggling to come to terms with the ever changing world of gaming. What is the old saying about old dogs and new tricks?
You're messing with forces beyond your comprehension! take heed and turn away, HEEEEEED
"For example, there are leaves in the background and when you water them they grow."
Sounds like a dull game.
yeah, it was called Animal Crossing
but i think he has a point here. there is a future in procedural worlds as seen in Stalker and as promised in Fable. it's not the only thing in a game but it enhances a game. it gives that extra level of freedom and immersion.
Good for you, sir. Pedantry is what makes the world go round.
Although I disagree strongly with the 'interactive background' idea, I can't think for the life of me what 'true next-generation gaming' would be like. Full-on VR, maybe?
Good for you, sir. Pedantry is what makes the world go round.
Although I disagree strongly with the 'interactive background' idea, I can't think for the life of me what 'true next-generation gaming' would be like. Full-on VR, maybe?
It might be that they finally get virtual reality off the ground. I remember paying Ł5 to use a VR helmet in the Trocadero centre in 1997 and got the world's biggest headache playing some weird game of space chess which I didn't really understand. However, if they could redo it now and make it so it doesn't, you know, make you feel like you're having a seizure when you put it on, that would be rad.
The future has always been about making better backdrops. Anyone remember paralax scrolling? We went from static backdrops to paralax in the 90s and then onto 3d backdrops after that.
I think the future should be about head tracking and making graphical engines good enough to cope with rendering images in true, solid 3d. At the moment I think it would be very difficult to do to a sophisticated level so I think that should be the next challenge.
I don't know what to say. Maybe we'll have a game in which paint on the wall dries according to the time of year and the type of material is being painted and the type of paint being used.
Yes, that game would definitely be as exciting as...well...watching paint dry.
I guess some folks will want this...but at some point, I want my video games to be fun escapism, totally segregated from the real world. I like real-life and its pains perils and...tangibility.
And yes, approaching things pedantically is wonderful...especially on gaming forums. As long as one keeps a little common sense and real-life wisdom in the mix!
WiiPaint. What you do is paint a wall and watch it dry. That's next-gen for you.
That, and "Breathing Trainer" exclusively for Nintendo's future handheld.
On topic: I remember Kojima making a smiliar statement in a video aired during Sony's pre E3 2005 conference. At the time he thought the PS3 would allow him to do that...
As much as i loved MGS4 it was the only game i'd let get away with 5 installs countless loading screens & only being able to play 40% of the game. Hideo should move onto a new IP now & prove he can stand alone without the might of Snake. Zone of Enders was ok, the only reason i got it was because of the MGS2 demo. I know he has made games b4 the MGS series but he has been making MGS games for far too long. I dont think i can stomach another cut scene riddled game with dialogue that would have Steven Hawkins scratching his head....if he could.
The trouble with things now is that to improve things any further you'll need to buy better speakers, a larger T.V(or projector), strap on some gadgets, and stand on a motion sensitive platform. which means the total cost of "next-next-next-gen" gaming will go through the roof.
The things he says are possible on PC already, it's just consoles that are lagging behind, normally because of memory shortages.
but unlike my mate I dont have 2,000 pounds for top end pc but i do have a ps3 and god is it hot MGS4 is my 1st mgs and will be saying just this Kojima knows how to make a game good graphics cut sceens and best of all a neat games mechanics just like stealth games of old(HITMAN)I love MGS4 and have now even been watching mgs1 and 2 on utube.
but unlike my mate I dont have 2,000 pounds for top end pc
What the f**k! a top quality Pc wont set you back 2000. You can buy an amzing machine for around Ł700, i wish people would stop pulling stupid numbers out of their bottom
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