GDC 13: Ben Cousins on consoles: ‘It’s anarchy out there’

Mobile developer Ben Cousins has criticised the value of console development and questioned how long the home console experience can last in the face of increasing uptake of mobile devices.

Speaking to Bloomberg, Cousins supported evidence that showed an increasing migration of developers away from consoles to mobile platforms.

“It’s anarchy out there, and these big companies are finding it difficult to steer their supertankers,” he said, speaking about the traditional console giants, Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo.

A GDC survey of 2,500 people found that 58 per cent of North American developers are planning their next games for smartphones and tablets.

On the other hand, consoles lagged behind. Only 11 per cent expected to work on Sony or Microsoft’s upcoming consoles, and 6.4 per cent for Nintendo’s Wii U.

However, in same survey, almost 50 per cent expressed a desire to develop for PC and Mac, demonstrating that development the interest in the stalwart home personal computer system still remains high.

Cousin’s is currently developing The Drowning, which is billed as a horror-themed shooter that aims to bring the triple-A experience to mobile platforms.

“With consoles, you’re only in front of the TV for a couple of hours in the evening,” Cousins added. “The main platform for games will be where it’s most convenient, and that’s fast becoming everywhere, on mobile.”

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