Apple, Google could impact game console war - THQ CEO

The console war has been a three-sided front fought by Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony for the past 10 years. However, according to THQ CEO Brain Farrell, the next generation may see a dramatically expanded battleground.

Speaking at VentureBeat's GamesBeat 2011 conference, Farrell indicated that the current Big Three console makers will have more competition from the likes of Apple and Google as the industry enters the next generation of hardware. Farrell also believes that the next console generation won't be led by technical performance gains.

"We believe Apple is going to be there, Google is going to be there," he said. "Our view is that the next generation of consoles, if there are consoles, are going to be less about technology and more about service orientation of the gamer."

Both Google and Apple have previously signaled their interest in gaming. Late last month, Google began hiring for its "Games at Google" business unit, though it remains to be seen what direction the search-engine giant will take with this program. Meanwhile, Apple has heavily courted the gamer audience with its iOS handheld devices.

Farrell's comment doesn't exactly jibe with Nintendo's direction for the Wii U, thus far the only next-generation console announced. Expected to launch before December 31, 2012, the Wii U signifies Nintendo's arrival in the HD era. Though its exact power remains unknown, one of the system's headline features is a motion-sensing tablet controller. GameSpot's Nintendo Wii U: Inside and Out feature has more information on that device.

As for Sony and Microsoft, neither company has made an official move toward announcing its next console. However, rumors persist that Microsoft, for one, may announce the Xbox 360's successor at the 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo.