PS4 could beat Xbox with social features

Sony could win the next-generation with the PS4, according to Cliff Bleszinski, former developer of the Gears of War franchise at Epic Games. Bleszinski whose often made comments about the PlayStation console in the past, sees a future scenario where Sony wins the next gen console arms race. How do they do it? The developer thinks that social features like connectivity and sharing are going to be much more important than raw power.

“I think those who get it with the next-generation will get the idea of connectivity and sharing and allowing the user to build the content,” the developer told Engadget via Push Square.  “I feel like Sony’s really embraced that vibe, and the homebrewed and homegrown movement that’s really taken over, and what a cool thing that somebody in his garage made as a mod that is going to go viral tomorrow.”

Those who get it will get the idea of connectivity and sharing and allowing user created content

Though as a whole, Bleszinski thinks there’s big risk out there right now for console makers.  “I don’t know if we’ll ever see the same level of success that the PlayStation 2 saw, which is one of the number-one-selling consoles of all time.  So it’s a very risky endeavor right now.  I’ll still check it out and play it, but right now we’re seeing a lot of… This generation’s ending with a whimper, now a bang, it feels like.”

If Sony’s PlayStation 4 reveal was any indication of their level of commitment to the social aspects of the new console, they could live up to Bleszinski’s prediction.  However, Microsoft could very well have their own set of social features set to be announced when their new console is revealed on May 21st.  We’ll have to stay tuned to find which one of these consoles is going to spark the most interest from the gaming community leading into their anticipated holiday 2013 release windows.