Various Epic executives have talked about the next console-centric version of the Unreal Engine.
During Microsoft’s game technology conference Gamefest, Epic Games President Mike Capps told a panel that the next iteration of the Unreal Engine would have a “console focus” in the future.
“We’ve got Unreal [Engine] 4 in production right now,” commented Capps. “It’s going to be in the next console generation – our rough guess is 2012 [to] 2018.”
Lead Programmer Tim Sweeney supported Capps’ statements in an interview with TGDaily.
Sweeney said, “Version 4 will exclusively target the next console generation, Microsoft’s successor for the Xbox 360, Sony’s successor for the PlayStation 3 – and if Nintendo ships a machine with similar hardware specs, then that also. PCs will follow after that.”
Many PC gamers worry that the growing interest in console engines will leave computer players behind technologically. Epic Vice President Mark Rein doesn’t see this trend as dangerous to PC enthusiasts or developers.
“You’re able to buy a PC that’s as powerful as the Xbox 360 long before the 360 generation is finished. So people, calm down,” said Rein to CVG. “If we give conflicting views and say things that are negative, it’s because we care about it and we want it to be strong, and we’re going to work to make it strong. Relax, take a breath… PC gaming will be fine.”
Source: Gamasutra
