Problems With Cross Generation Games

Anytime a new game console releases, there are always issues with whether to phase out the older version and how to market the new console and games.

This may not seem like such a big deal to the average person, but I’m here to explain that it is. 2013 has seen the release of next-gen consoles such as PS4 and Xbox One. Now that they’re here, what will happen with the PS3 and Xbox 360?

In the past the transition period between the consoles was remarkably fast. As of late, this is not the case. Some new titles are marketed for the previous generations such as Titanfall, Watch Dogs and even Destiny.

What you may not realize is that Respawn Entertainment is developing the highly anticipated multiplayer shooter Titanfall for the Xbox One and PC, and chose not to develop the Xbox 360 version of the game. For understandable reasons, rumors state that since Respawn Entertainment is a small company, they wanted to concentrate on the next generation experience with Xbox One and PC. This was also the reasoning for the lack of a single-player campaign.

Hold on, isn’t there an Xbox 360 version of Titanfall being made?

Since the release of Xbox One, sales for the Xbox 360 have risen oddly enough. From a business standpoint, making an Xbox 360 version of Titanfall would be profitable.

So this leaves in question, how do you release a game on multi platforms yet you’re only responsible for two?

Respawn Entertainment is the developer, Electronic Arts (EA) is the publisher, and that is how. EA will be publishing the Xbox 360 version of Titanfall. Advertising this important difference will prove to be tricky.

EA and DICE have had major issues with Battlefield 4 due to its cross generation developments. They’re involved in lawsuits claiming that they advertised a different product from what they released. Complaints throughout the community are of quality in the multiplayer for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game. DICE has had so many issues with Battlefield 4 that they have an active Issues Tracker with 20 known issues on the list.

This is where I have an issue.

Can’t this one example lead to a multitude of similar problems upon the release of Titanfall? Cross generation titles could see possible differences and where does that leave the consumer?

I honestly believe that titles such as Titanfall, Destiny and Watch Dogs, that are boasting the next-gen experience, should be exclusive to the next-gen consoles. With that standard  implemented by game developers, efforts would be put towards the new technology and not leaving doors open for problems on a cross generation title down the line.