New hardware also lets studios "try new things" because consumers expect it. There's "not enough creativity" at this time in the console cycle; mostly just old IPs.
"If we look at the industry’s history we see that there are times when it is right to introduce new IP and times when it is harder," said Ubisoft boss Yves Guillemot.
"At this stage in the consoles’ lifecycles it is possible to do new IP, but it will be more attractive when new consoles come along. That’s when consumers are more open to trying new things."
"As consoles get more mature it is the big established brands that soak up most of the sales," he explained. "When a new format launches, we look to use the new technology to bring new games and new ideas to our consumers. We would always hope to be more successful on new formats than our competitors."
He continued: "It is part of the DNA of the company. Each time there is new hardware it gives our creative teams more freedom and they don’t have to follow the same rules. They can try new things because the consumer expects and wants new things."
"As an industry we need innovation. Kinect, Move, 3DS, NGP – all these things will help." Another Assassin's Creed title is expected to release this year. Are you looking forward to the next console cycle hardware?
"Processors are more and more powerful, graphics cards have moved on, there are many technologies that would help us deliver a better experience and help the industry to grow," said Guillemot. What tech would you love to see make the console cut?