NEWS - Thursday, March 26, 2009
![](/images/news/avatars/274.jpg)
Blizzard in talks with Microsoft for next Xbox
Speaking at the Luminaries Lunch today during the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, Pardo would only state that Blizzard is actively in discussions with Microsoft, seemingly confirming the development process of new console hardware is under way.
However, other developers at the lunch have not spoken to either Microsoft or Sony about future plans, which has raised concerns that content isnt a priority for format holders as they plan the next-generation of home machines.
"How many designers in the games industry do you think they are rounding up to [talk to], because this is going to make or break them this time around," said Acclaims David Perry.
"Im not aware that they are putting a big amount of effort into finding out how to make the games. The people who are actually physically going to make the games are all going to get a surprise," he added.
Warren Spector, boss of Disneys Junction Point Studios and responsible for classic titles such as Deus Ex, said that he believes format holders are too concerned with the wider entertainment market to focus on games.
"I get the impression theyre focusing on owning the living room," he said. "One device that lets you watch movies, television and play games and music and all that stuff.
"Theyre so focused on that that Im not even sure theyre thinking about the games that are going to come out. Which is kind of crazy." he added.
Pardo said that so far theres been a good reason why Blizzard titles such as World of Warcraft havent appeared on home consoles – the hardware hasnt been specifically designed around some genres.
"There are are so many games like we make at Blizzard that we dont take to consoles because they dont support the input device and you end up with crappy ports. Thats why RTS games never do well on consoles," he said.
"If I was them, Id be sitting around trying to figure out whats a cool input device that supports all types of new kinds of games."
Source: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/