EA Games Planning 2 Years Of Cross-Gen Game Releases

When it comes to next gen graphics in gameplay, EA Games has provided quite a show. With Battlefield 4 and Titanfall ready to be released on current gen consoles as well, it looks like the company is playing their cards well. They know that the 144+ million combined PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 install base is a much larger audience than the few million new console owners making purchases this holiday season. But just how long do they plan to cater to the 7th generation?

Computer and Video Games recently spoke with DICE executive vice president Patrick Söderlund, a subsidiary of EA Games. He answered many questions about the company’s plans with games like the new Mirror’s Edge and Star Wars: Battlefront, but also answered candidly about their focus on next gen gaming.

"Historically the first year out most titles have been cross-gen, then the second year there’s less and less, but in year three you’ll probably see everything apart from maybe one or two games in the industry on that end. So I think it will take about 18 to 24 months to get to full gen 4."

Those one or two games that Mr. Söderlund is talking about are likely in reference to EA Games’ serialized sports franchises Madden and FIFA, the latter of which is expecting a PlayStation 2 version coming out this fall. The speculation for the PS2 release is, since soccer is a worldwide phenomenon, EA Games will look to sell on a console that is accessible to countries where people cannot regularly afford current gen consoles. And with more than 155 million units shipped worldwide, the numbers add up.

This revelation speaks more than just to EA Games, but to the industry itself. While next gen games like Watch Dogs and Battlefield 4 will impress on the PS4 and Xbox One, it’s on PS3 and Xbox 360 where most people will enjoy these upcoming titles.