Sony got a head-start in the next-generation race for hardware domination with its early reveal of the PlayStation 4. Sony has ditched the Cell architecture it utitlised in the PS4, instead opting for technology that its developers will be more familiar with. As such, the PS4 is more like a “supercharged” PC, running off an x86-based CPU – similar to that found in most desktop computers – and an “enhanced” GPU, both of which are designed by AMD. The console also hosts 8GB of memory, meaning plenty of space for extremely shiny graphics.
Several new exciting features were also revealed for the console, many of which will surely have a very lasting impact on gaming. A pause/resume feature means gamers can turn off their console when finished playing, but turn it on again and continue from the exact point that they left off without needing to sit through any loading scenes. This pick-up-and-play feature minimises the amount of time spent between the initial impulse to play and the experience of actually playing. Players will be able to spectate others’ gameplay over the new network system, and even take over control to assist them through difficult sections. The new pad also features a share button that enables users to record and upload their gameplay to a social network as easily as you would a screenshot.
Excitingly, the network will also learn from the player, using metrics to determine what kind of game they like and suggesting new ones to download. Digital games can be played even as their downloading, with the long terms goal being to “reduce download times to zero”.
Unsurprisingly, the cloud will also play a big part in the new console. CEO of cloud-based gaming company Gaikai – which was purchased by Sony last year for a cool $380 million – will enable players to stream PS4 titles to the PlayStation Vita, with future plans in place to make every PlayStation 1, 2 and 3 game playable via an interface known as ‘PlayStation Cloud’. Unfortunately, physical backwards compatibility is currently not available.
While the modelling and surface work doesn’t appear hugely improved over that in the current generation of games, it’s the details that are really setting these visuals apart. Destructive simulations can now crack and splinter across gameworlds in real-time with little to no slow down from the engine, and VFX such as particles can be generated in their hundreds of thousands. This will all translate into videogame adventures that are closer than ever to the cinematic experience, packed full of immersive detail. Of course, this extra capacity for detail is going to mean a lot more work for artists and animators, and an even greater demand for quality in their work.
Playstation 4 will be released late this year.
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