The hash tag #playstation2013 has been shuffling around the web and catching fire. Many are proclaiming that it is the
inevitable launch of the PlayStation 4. While this might be true we can only speculate as rumors are running rampart and sources could be paper thin. However, let’s look into what the next PlayStation console needs to do for next generation.
No Delays
The PlayStation 3 at one point and time was known as the DelayStation by some gamers. This is due mainly in part to heavy hitting titles getting pushed back in development because the PS3 was “too hard” to develop for. Titles like Metal Gear Solid 4, and GranTurismo 5 were titles that suffered from these delays. If Sony wants the PlayStation 4 to succeed it is required to improve upon development accessibility for third party developers and publishers. If done correctly, this will make many fans that left during the PlayStation delays return with hope. In creating a well-loved brand there is one thing that always remains true, consistency. No matter if you are a student, developer, or writer being able to keep up with consistent quality assures success. When you show day in and day out that you can provide for your consumers. Their faith in you is restored.
How are they going to do this? This may be a question that plagues many of you out there. The idea here is to get great first party launch titles and awesome third party support. We see the relationship that Ubisoft has had over the years with Nintendo and its console exclusive title Zombi U. We have also seen the relationship with exclusive content for Assassins Creed III and the PSVita game Assassins Creed Liberation. Will that be the end of that? I find it highly unlikely. Ubisoft takes prides on innovating and reinventing. The PlayStation 4 seems to be the perfect place for them to do so. If the PlayStation 4 can get this publisher and others on board to create new IPs than the possibilities are absolutely endless. Delays happen, but making them minimal or nonexistent benefit Sony and the PlayStation brand.
Better Backwards Compatibility
Backwards compatibility was pretty much nonexistent in this generation to an extent unless you owned a fat PS3. Than after that, it didn’t exist because they got rid of it all together. Soon after you had to buy old PS2 and PS1 classics on the PSN store. It was really a confusing process early on in the life cycle of the PS3. That is way this next generation PlayStation 4 has to clarify what it is exactly trying to do. It must have backwards compatibility right at launch so gamers won’t feel cheated into having their previous systems obsolete. Another factor is backwards compatibility with PS3 games to make sure that all PS3 games are able to be played.
If you give consumers the ability to play all of the previous console titles, it adds more value and convenience to what the consumer is looking for. If a hardware manufacturer makes a console, handheld, etc. It must be more accessible to a broader range of consumers. I really felt that this generation was hindered by a lack of backwards compatibility. In fact there are still games that I own on the PS2 that can’t be played on a slim or super slim.
