Ubisoft: New console cycle needed for creativity

The next-generation of consoles will encourage creativity.

CEO and co-founder of Ubisoft, Yves Guillemot, believes the long life cycle of the current-gen consoles has hindered the games industry.

Guillemot told Gamasutra: “What we missed was a new console every five years.

“We have been penalised by the lack of new consoles on the market. I understand the manufacturers don’t want them too often because it’s expensive, but it’s important for the entire industry to have new consoles because it helps creativity.”

Guillemot said companies were more prepared to invest in new IPs at the beginning of a new generation.

He added: “It’s a lot less risky for us to create new IPs and new products when we’re in the beginning of a new generation. Our customers are very open to new things. Our customers are reopening their minds.

“At the end of a console generation, they want new stuff, but they don’t buy new stuff as much. They know their friends will play Call of Duty or Assassin’s Creed so they go for that. So the end of a cycle is very difficult.”

Earlier this month Square Enix also claimed the current-generation had gone on for too long.