Lack of next-gen hurting creativity, says Ubisoft

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot wants the next generation of hardware to arrive sooner rather than later. Speaking to Gamasutra, the executive explained that the extended current-generation cycle is cramping creativity.

"What we missed was a new console every five years," Guillemot said. "We have been penalized by the lack of new consoles on the market. I understand the manufacturers don't want them too often because it's expensive, but it's important for the entire industry to have new consoles because it helps creativity."

Guillemot went on to explain that when new consoles launch, gamers are more likely to try something new, instead of picking up serialized franchises like Call of Duty or Assassin's Creed.

"It's a lot less risky for us to create new IPs and new products when we're in the beginning of a new generation," he said. "Our customers are very open to new things. Our customers are reopening their minds--and they are really going after what's best. … At the end of a console generation, they want new stuff, but they don't buy new stuff as much. They know their friends will play Call of Duty or Assassin's Creed so they go for that. So the end of a cycle is very difficult."

Guillemot also answered a question about Nintendo's next-generation console, the Wii U. Other publishers, including Grand Theft Auto publisher Take-Two Interactive, have questioned the technology, but Guillemot said Ubisoft won't bet against Nintendo.

"I think Nintendo has very often surprised us, so you never know," he said. "I think they've created something good, if the customer uses everything they have created, I think we can see a good success with that machine. That type of collaboration can be fun and also challenging at the same time. It's something that has never been done before. …Those guys are taking lots of risks with the games they create--and they're extremely successful."

Ubisoft is bringing a number of its franchises to the Wii U, including Just Dance, Assassin's Creed, Rayman, and Ghost Recon, as well as a brand-new shooter game, ZombiU.