While the console wars have raged on for decades, the focus is usually fixed on systems from companies like Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo. However, one industry insider states the current race is being won by a dark horse–the PC!
In a recent interview, John Romero (legendary mind behind the Doom franchise) stated that console gaming simply can’t keep up with the innovations the PC can bring forth, which has a faster development cycle when it comes to things like hardware. “The problem with console is that it takes a long time for a full cycle. With PCs, it’s a continually evolving platform, and one that supports backward compatibility, and you can use a controller if you want; if I want to play a game that’s made in DOS from the ’80s I can, it’s not a problem. You can’t do that on a console. Consoles aren’t good at playing everything.” He brags.
Romero also touches on the new financial climate of today’s industry, with free-to-play having such a huge influence. “Free-to-play has killed a hundred AAA studios. It’s a different form of monetization than Doom or Wolfenstein or Quake where that’s free-to-play as shareware. Our entire first episode was free, give us no money, play the whole thing. If you like it and want to play more, then you finally pay us. To me that felt like the ultimate fair model. I’m not nickel-and-diming you.” Touts Romero.
Doom fans are in for a treat, as the next iteration has been announced for the next-gen (and naturally PC), running at full 1080p and 60fps.