Define "Next Gen" for me please?

*Melanie68* · 02-11-2006, 10:20 AM

I keep seeing this term used. Next gen games, Next gen consoles and I'm just not sure what it means?

What elements do a console or a game have to include to be called "next gen?"

Thanks for educating me!

Dasilva · 02-11-2006, 10:25 AM

Next generation consoles are machines that are usually more powerful they their little brothers (xbox - xbox 360, PS2 - PS3, GameCube - Revolution...)

It basicly means that the machines will be able to increase the level of graphic intencity of a game, as well as AI and the amount of memory increased. Basicly its the same old console just prettier.

Next gen also counts for PCs, we recently got a new generation of graphics cards (ATI). And it works for everything I guess.

Aj_ · 02-11-2006, 10:54 AM

Generation means very little. It can be due to technical level, as the GC and Xbox, or Dreamcast and PS2. It can also be which products are competing, such as the GC, PS2, and Xbox.

PCs are slightly more complicated, they have a rapid, but gradual cycle. GPU generations tend to be every 6-12months, CPU generations usually are 1-2years, where most of the other components don't get a drastic redesign for years. Nvidia and ATI are not always level on power, or date when they release a new GPU, but people line their offerings up in generations.

Software generations usually start when a company releases a game that uses the power of a new technology and every other developer follows.

Intrepid Homoludens · 02-11-2006, 11:00 AM

Next Gen is also a very powerful, fashionable (i.e. overused) marketing term. It preys on the 'jonesing' rampant in the gaming world and gaming culture, where being on the bleeding edge of hardware often means investing hundreds of dollars every 6-12 months to take advantage of even technically better graphics and other features, of which most developers aren't/can't offer until several months to a year after the hardware hits store shelves.

avatar_58 · 02-11-2006, 02:46 PM

Well many developers are fresh out of ideas and rely on graphic innovations rather than gameplay ones. Its kind of sad really, because if you ask me our games have gotten to the point where they look "good enough" to me. Who actually plays Call of Duty 2 only to say "You know, that texture looks out of place over there......what a shitty game". I'm too busy dodging bullets for that.

Dasilva · 02-11-2006, 02:58 PM

So true.

Intrepid Homoludens · 02-11-2006, 03:11 PM

And that's exactly how it works to success. The hardware industry appeals to people's insecurities over not being able to keep up with the insane pace of tehnology and what it has to offer. In reality, you don't see the optimal amount of features in the software that that $400-$500 graphics card offers, because the software was developed long before it. So it's kinda redundant in a way, as if there were considerable lag time in between.

SakSquash · 02-11-2006, 04:13 PM

NextGen.

Dasilva · 02-11-2006, 04:18 PM

What does a magazine have to do with this thread?

jjacob · 02-11-2006, 04:21 PM

such great heights · 02-11-2006, 06:19 PM

RIP, Next Gen. RIP.

"Next Gen" is going to be very interesting this time around. We've always seen pretty gigantic leaps in quality, but the 360 really hasn't shown as marked of an improvement as some were expecting. Makes one ponder if the gaming industry could survive as-is if we've reached a graphical peak.

avatar_58 · 02-11-2006, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by such great heights

RIP, Next Gen. RIP.

"Next Gen" is going to be very interesting this time around. We've always seen pretty gigantic leaps in quality, but the 360 really hasn't shown as marked of an improvement as some were expecting. Makes one ponder if the gaming industry could survive as-is if we've reached a graphical peak.

Why, have you played Call of Duty 2? That game is amazing graphically. I have the PC version and it blows me away compared to what I've been shown in other titles. Usually I hate WW2 games but this one stands out.

Also check out the screenshots of TES4: Oblivion and tell me you aren't impressed. That game is what I consider to be next gen, because the forests and vegetation look very realistic. In fact its one of the few games that manages to use Bloom to its advantage rather than to just blind you and make everything fuzzy.

There is still a ways we can go (full real time lighting, realistic soft shadowing, phsyics chips) so this is far from the end of technical leaps.

I'm just a little worried of the speed its evolving at. I mean, Doom 3 is starting to look dated and thats a VERY bad thought. Its going to be very expensive to be a gamer in the next few years.

SoccerDude28 · 02-11-2006, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melanie68

I keep seeing this term used. Next gen games, Next gen consoles and I'm just not sure what it means?

What elements do a console or a game have to include to be called "next gen?"

Thanks for educating me!

It's a term used to lure graphics whures into buying consoles. Like it is waaaaaaaaay ahead of its time or something.
Marketting Mumbo jumbo = BS.

EDIT: speaking of marketting mumbo jumbo, I was given a Bingo sheet filled with marketting keywords. Stuff like "cutting edge technology", and "professial experience" and "way ahead of the competition". The sheet asks you to scratch a term everytime you are in a meeting and management says that term. I was shocked to how many of these terms I've crossed during a lot of our company meetings.

jjacob · 02-11-2006, 08:17 PM

I actually dislike the overuse of Bloom in Oblivion (based on what we've seen so far), I think they should do away with it completely and focus on their HDR solution. Graphically though, it won't be a match for Crysis (which doesn't matter really, since the two games are aiming at a completely different audience).

avatar_58 · 02-11-2006, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjacob

I actually dislike the overuse of Bloom in Oblivion (based on what we've seen so far), I think they should do away with it completely and focus on their HDR solution. Graphically though, it won't be a match for Crysis (which doesn't matter really, since the two games are aiming at a completely different audience).

Bloom, when used properly, will make outdoor locations look realistic as opposed to fake looking. For proof, just look at Quake Wars....or even the gothic III screenshots. Neither game has bad graphics, but their outdoor vegetation could use some serious work. The trees look like they are made of metal, and you could cut yourself on them.

Tanukitsune · 02-12-2006, 03:20 AM

Next Gen just means "new and shinier than before", simple as that...

squarejawhero · 02-12-2006, 03:51 AM

Or simply blow-your-mind realistic, as anyone who's played the 360 Fight Night 3 demo can arrest to.

Tanukitsune · 02-12-2006, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squarejawhero

Or simply blow-your-mind realistic, as anyone who's played the 360 Fight Night 3 demo can arrest to.

Isn't the definition of CURRENT next gen consoles?

squarejawhero · 02-12-2006, 06:21 AM

That makes little sense... could you write that again?

Tanukitsune · 02-12-2006, 06:55 AM

Argh, I skipped a word, I hate when I do that...

I meant: "Isn't that the definition of CURRENT next gen consoles?"...

02-11-2006, 10:20 AM	#1
Melanie68 Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,907	Define "Next Gen" for me please? I keep seeing this term used. Next gen games, Next gen consoles and I'm just not sure what it means? What elements do a console or a game have to include to be called "next gen?" Thanks for educating me! Share Share this post on Twitter

02-11-2006, 10:25 AM	#2
Dasilva Hitch-Hiker Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: The Mediterranean Sea Posts: 4,364	Next generation consoles are machines that are usually more powerful they their little brothers (xbox - xbox 360, PS2 - PS3, GameCube - Revolution...) It basicly means that the machines will be able to increase the level of graphic intencity of a game, as well as AI and the amount of memory increased. Basicly its the same old console just prettier. Next gen also counts for PCs, we recently got a new generation of graphics cards (ATI). And it works for everything I guess. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Regards, DaSilva "If you don't get out of the box you've been raised in, you won't understand how much bigger the world is." - Angelina Jolie _ <Susan falls through the floor and gets stuck> <Paco looks at her blankly> "Whats wrong with you?! Lassy would of had a firetruck here by now!" - Susan Mayer, Desperate Housewives

02-11-2006, 10:54 AM	#3
Aj_ Beyond Belief Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Blighty Posts: 2,186	Generation means very little. It can be due to technical level, as the GC and Xbox, or Dreamcast and PS2. It can also be which products are competing, such as the GC, PS2, and Xbox. PCs are slightly more complicated, they have a rapid, but gradual cycle. GPU generations tend to be every 6-12months, CPU generations usually are 1-2years, where most of the other components don't get a drastic redesign for years. Nvidia and ATI are not always level on power, or date when they release a new GPU, but people line their offerings up in generations. Software generations usually start when a company releases a game that uses the power of a new technology and every other developer follows. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Richard Dawkins :: AAI 07 :: NOVA ID on Trial :: Skeptic's Guide :: Beyond Belief :: Out Campaign :: NeuroLogica :: Skepticality

02-11-2006, 11:00 AM	#4
Intrepid Homoludens merely human Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 22,309	Next Gen is also a very powerful, fashionable (i.e. overused) marketing term. It preys on the 'jonesing' rampant in the gaming world and gaming culture, where being on the bleeding edge of hardware often means investing hundreds of dollars every 6-12 months to take advantage of even technically better graphics and other features, of which most developers aren't/can't offer until several months to a year after the hardware hits store shelves. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ platform: laptop, iPhone 3Gs \| gaming: x360, PS3, psp, iPhone, wii \| blog: a space alien \| book: the moral landscape: how science can determine human values by sam harris \| games: l.a.noire, portal 2, brink, dragon age 2, heavy rain \| sites: NPR, skeptoid, gaygamer \| music: ray lamontagne, adele, washed out, james blake \| twitter: a_space_alien

02-11-2006, 02:46 PM	#5
avatar_58 Sierra Junkie Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 797	Well many developers are fresh out of ideas and rely on graphic innovations rather than gameplay ones. Its kind of sad really, because if you ask me our games have gotten to the point where they look "good enough" to me. Who actually plays Call of Duty 2 only to say "You know, that texture looks out of place over there......what a shitty game". I'm too busy dodging bullets for that. Share Share this post on Twitter

02-11-2006, 02:58 PM	#6
Dasilva Hitch-Hiker Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: The Mediterranean Sea Posts: 4,364	So true. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Regards, DaSilva "If you don't get out of the box you've been raised in, you won't understand how much bigger the world is." - Angelina Jolie _ <Susan falls through the floor and gets stuck> <Paco looks at her blankly> "Whats wrong with you?! Lassy would of had a firetruck here by now!" - Susan Mayer, Desperate Housewives

02-11-2006, 03:11 PM	#7
Intrepid Homoludens merely human Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 22,309	And that's exactly how it works to success. The hardware industry appeals to people's insecurities over not being able to keep up with the insane pace of tehnology and what it has to offer. In reality, you don't see the optimal amount of features in the software that that $400-$500 graphics card offers, because the software was developed long before it. So it's kinda redundant in a way, as if there were considerable lag time in between. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ platform: laptop, iPhone 3Gs \| gaming: x360, PS3, psp, iPhone, wii \| blog: a space alien \| book: the moral landscape: how science can determine human values by sam harris \| games: l.a.noire, portal 2, brink, dragon age 2, heavy rain \| sites: NPR, skeptoid, gaygamer \| music: ray lamontagne, adele, washed out, james blake \| twitter: a_space_alien

02-11-2006, 04:13 PM	#8
SakSquash Banned User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New Paltz...for now... Posts: 6,177	NextGen. Share Share this post on Twitter

02-11-2006, 04:18 PM	#9
Dasilva Hitch-Hiker Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: The Mediterranean Sea Posts: 4,364	What does a magazine have to do with this thread? Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Regards, DaSilva "If you don't get out of the box you've been raised in, you won't understand how much bigger the world is." - Angelina Jolie _ <Susan falls through the floor and gets stuck> <Paco looks at her blankly> "Whats wrong with you?! Lassy would of had a firetruck here by now!" - Susan Mayer, Desperate Housewives

02-11-2006, 04:21 PM	#10
jjacob Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 2,771	Share Share this post on Twitter

02-11-2006, 06:19 PM	#11
such great heights Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 85	RIP, Next Gen. RIP. "Next Gen" is going to be very interesting this time around. We've always seen pretty gigantic leaps in quality, but the 360 really hasn't shown as marked of an improvement as some were expecting. Makes one ponder if the gaming industry could survive as-is if we've reached a graphical peak. Share Share this post on Twitter

02-11-2006, 08:17 PM	#14
jjacob Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 2,771	I actually dislike the overuse of Bloom in Oblivion (based on what we've seen so far), I think they should do away with it completely and focus on their HDR solution. Graphically though, it won't be a match for Crysis (which doesn't matter really, since the two games are aiming at a completely different audience). Share Share this post on Twitter

02-12-2006, 03:20 AM	#16
Tanukitsune ACK! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Spain Posts: 2,448	Next Gen just means "new and shinier than before", simple as that... Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Apparently I have a Devianrt Art account... And people actually like it!

02-12-2006, 03:51 AM	#17
squarejawhero Epinionated. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London Posts: 5,841	Or simply blow-your-mind realistic, as anyone who's played the 360 Fight Night 3 demo can arrest to. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Starter of Thread Must Die.

02-12-2006, 06:21 AM	#19
squarejawhero Epinionated. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London Posts: 5,841	That makes little sense... could you write that again? Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Starter of Thread Must Die.

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02-12-2006, 06:55 AM	#20
Tanukitsune ACK! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Spain Posts: 2,448	Argh, I skipped a word, I hate when I do that... I meant: "Isn't that the definition of CURRENT next gen consoles?"... Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Apparently I have a Devianrt Art account... And people actually like it!