While some people believe that we’re already past the midpoint of this console generation, others think that we still have a ways to go. Developer Insomniac Games (Resistance, Ratchet & Clank) is part of the latter group. The company believes that it will be two to three years until the power of the PlayStation 3 is fully realized. In a recent interview with CVG community manager James Stevenson said:
The first couple of years are all about developers getting games up and working. You see what Naughty Dog has had the chance to do in the past two years. You’ve seen what we’ve been able to do in that time. This is where it gets exciting.
I still think you’re not going to see the PS3 really maxed out for another two to three years. We’re using all of the PS3 right now, but you can always be more efficient in the way you use it.
While I do think there are still ways for developers to exploit the power of the PS3, three years seems too long. With games like Uncharted 2, God of War III, and Heavy Rain, it seems like developers are pretty close to maxing out the PS3. While I like and respect Stevenson, his words would have been more powerful coming from someone on the development team.
Still, I could be wrong. What do you guys and dolls think? Will it be three years until the PS3 is pushed to the limits? Or are developers close to that point now?
I think that is a long time. Most probably it will be maxed out sooner. That doesn't mean another machine is around the corner though. They will keep these machines out as long as the games sell. With the exception of the new Rage engine from id, I don't know what will push the limits of what these machines do right now.
This will one of those Head-exploding moments when it happens.
I say it is maxed out. Once you figure out how to program and utilize all of a consoles hardware, you are max. The rest has little to nothing to do with the consoles themselves. That just means the devs are improving their skill and improving the software side of gaming.