Gaming Technology Is at Saturation Point, According to Former PlayStation Boss
Shawn Layden, the former PlayStation executive who led Sony’s legendary PS4 era, believes the gaming world has reached a saturation point in terms of technology. He believes that most gamers can no longer visually distinguish the technical differences offered by new hardware, making the generational transition between consoles less exciting than it once was.
Former PlayStation CEO Comments on Gaming Technology
In an interview, Shawn Layden stated that most people wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between 90fps and 120fps, and that gaming technology has “peaked.” Layden recalled that previous eras saw radical innovations like the transition from 2D to 3D or the jump from Xbox to Xbox 360, while the current generation of PS5 and Xbox Series X|S offers only minor improvements.
According to Layden, hardware manufacturers’ primary goal going forward should not be to build more powerful machines, but to offer gamers more accessible and affordable systems. “Let’s make it cheaper and simpler,” he said, emphasizing the need for diversity to attract more hardware companies to the market. This approach demonstrates the need for the industry to appeal to a broader gaming audience rather than focusing solely on high-end graphics.
The former PlayStation CEO also praised AA games developed by independent studios. He believes projects like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 are increasing the diversity of the gaming world and offering a refreshing alternative for players tired of the same old content produced by major companies for years. This comment demonstrates that not only technical advancements but also the diversity of content is gaining importance.
Layden’s statements revived the long-standing debate in the gaming world: “Hardware or Content?” While many gamers are eager for more visual improvements, others, like Layden, believe that story, gameplay, and accessibility should now take center stage. It seems that these words of the former PlayStation boss will continue to be debated among both gamers and hardware manufacturers for a long time.
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