EGM On the Future of Games

A few issues back, EGM ran a cover story theorizing on what gaming would be like in the future. Attempting to sidestep the easy answers of neural interfaces and crazy inventions, the editors at the magazine spoke with game makers of all stripes to get a feeling for the pulse of gaming in the next twenty years. They discuss everything from control to display, to the business of gaming itself. "How long until Bleszinski's dream comes true? Answering that question is just one of the goals of this months-in-the-making cover story. We've asked experts across the industry to track the next 20 years of everything from game-design trends to the evolution of your living room. A two-decade forecast, we figure, is near-term enough to be tangible (we're staying away from silly sci-fi stuff) but far enough out to fire up your imagination. And maybe give you some kick-ass dreams, too. Your trip to 2027 begins now...."

Comments

Re:plug-in matrix style

[technos]

You just summed up 'Westworld' without Yul Brynner trying to plug you with a Colt.

So actually, not only is your idea is 30 years older than the accelerated graphics card, it was written by Michael Crichton after an acid trip through 'Pirates of the Carribean'.

Re:It's obvious

[IndieKid]

In 20 years, we'll all be playing Duke Nukem Forever...
Come on now, the article is trying to stay clear of the silly sci-fi stuff.

Re:My living room is for living, not gaming

[biovoid]

Question:

Why assume that consoles are going to be around? Or in a common area?

Answer:

Anyway, I'm probably in the minority, but I don't ever see myself buying a console, or playing video games in the living room.

Re:P2P Theory gives networking speeds a boost

[CrazyJim1]

If you update every 50 ms, then you're only off by a single frame in a 32 FPS system. That is something that is negligable. Also, stop to think about how MMOG fighters will be different than traditional arcade fighters. Your special moves will be drained via a stamina bar instead of you having to do complex motions. And short windups for moves could be in place to account for allowing your opponent a little time to block. I mean, imagine your worst case scenario: Killer Instinct. If someone crouch blocked, only a jump kick or a hammer fist would penetrate it. The hammer fist had like a 1 second windup. People still enjoyed that game while it was out. I mean you have a vast array of options available to you in order to account for 50ms ping delay.

Re:P2P Theory gives networking speeds a boost

[RyuuzakiTetsuya]

You're also worrying about sync problems too, which just adds to your overhead.

Fighting games since Super SF2 Turbo have been about tightly timed combos and counter attacks. If there's even a little bit of lag, some players will complain, whether there's a problem or not.