Does the future of technology in a way scare you?

OK. I'm not talking about iPods jumping up and eating your or anything. I'm talking about how everyone is going for more power (eventually) and that means graphic engines will be more powerful and tech more impressive. But how far can it really go? How long before Mario looks like a true human and not like the imaginary hero most of us know and love? I mean I love beautiful, detailed graphics. But how far can technology go? Don't you think that there is a max and that eventually (as if some don't already) a lot of games are just going to seem like the same thing?

I just felt like starting a discussion lol. I'm gonna post another one tomorrow but about a completely different topic.

The capacity to create graphics that look like real life would not prevent people from creating something stylized. I think it would actually encourage it considering alot of the issues that would come up with action games set in such a close to life setting.

However amazing current technology may be, we're still a looong way away from anything like that. To give one example, video games are still stuck inside the "uncanny valley", where characters look almost real, but not quite real, such that the emotions conveyed by their faces and actions still looks mechanical and not believable. L.A. Noire looks to at least build the beginnings of a bridge across that gap, but it's still imperfect.

Even if we do reach a level of complete perfection, though, I'm not sure why that'd be scary. Once we get to that level, then we can focus on the games as opposed to the graphics and so forth. That can only be positive.

Nah that doesnt scare me, but what will scare me are robots that will take over the world.

However amazing current technology may be, we're still a looong way away from anything like that. To give one example, video games are still stuck inside the "uncanny valley", where characters look almost real, but not quite real, such that the emotions conveyed by their faces and actions still looks mechanical and not believable. L.A. Noire looks to at least build the beginnings of a bridge across that gap, but it's still imperfect.

Even if we do reach a level of complete perfection, though, I'm not sure why that'd be scary. Once we get to that level, then we can focus on the games as opposed to the graphics and so forth. That can only be positive.

GabuEx

Nah that doesnt scare me, but what will scare me are robots that will take over the world.

Gamingclone

Let me put it this way.

Have you ever watched "I, robot"?

OK. I'm not talking about iPods jumping up and eating your or anything. I'm talking about how everyone is going for more power (eventually) and that means graphic engines will be more powerful and tech more impressive. But how far can it really go? How long before Mario looks like a true human and not like the imaginary hero most of us know and love? I mean I love beautiful, detailed graphics. But how far can technology go? Don't you think that there is a max and that eventually (as if some don't already) a lot of games are just going to seem like the same thing?

I just felt like starting a discussion lol. I'm gonna post another one tomorrow but about a completely different topic.

darksongbird

I'm with the second poster, and no, you will never see a photorealistic mario. Ever. I think the limitations consoles impose on components will keep graphics from advancing much further than they have as well. What I mean is that since consoles are supposed to be compact, and well cooled, we arent going to see processing get a whole heck of alot more extravagent, because that would drive up cost and make it difficult to keep the parts running cool, so while games are definitely going to get better looking, starting with Cafe(hopefully), I dont expect to start seeing hollywood CG level stuff coming from consoles for a while, if at all.

[QUOTE="Gamingclone"]

Nah that doesnt scare me, but what will scare me are robots that will take over the world.

darksongbird

Kinda Kinda, mostly, Im not serious, but I am concerned to say the least about society relaying so heavily on machinery.

just a comment on the mario thing... he's a cartoon character. and no matter how many live action movies exist, there are still animations. so mario will remain looking how he looks. also, i like my uncanny valley. and it's something that will take a while to cross.BrunoBRS

Agreed, more power doesn't = photorealism, I'm shocked at how many people on this site in general don't seem to realize that particularly in system wars. Mario, Donkey Kong, and Pikmin with Toy Story level visuals? Yes please.

I agree. Graphics doesn't mean it will be uber-realistic. Sadly, almost all developers want to use that real style. Its such a shame, With all the creativity that could be done with the graphics they go to real life mostly. Also, I would like ot see colors in todays games. Most of them are grey/brown (I now, creating atmosphere) but you know, colors.

However amazing current technology may be, we're still a looong way away from anything like that. To give one example, video games are still stuck inside the "uncanny valley", where characters look almost real, but not quite real, such that the emotions conveyed by their faces and actions still looks mechanical and not believable. GabuEx

And just because the technology would be there, Nintendo wouldn't add pors and crap to Mario's skin, so I don't think you need to worry..

Hmmm.

Maybe it's for the best?

It will evolve alot.

I don't dare to imagine how it's gonna be like in 20 years....or even 10.....

I've been waiting for games like Mario to look like Toy Story for an eternity now and finaly we're getting closer.

Back in the days "cartoon graphics" were the stuff of dreams.

Games like Dragon's Lair were a massive success despite limited gameplay.

I'd also love to see a military or racing game that looks close to reality.

And finaly a lot of games will still be stylized despite very realistic graphics (for example taking place in sci-fi or fantasy settings).

I'm sure graphics will be amazing in the not so distant future but what I'm not really impressed with is how slow games are progressing in terms of gameplay, AI, intelligent design and stuff like that.

This should be priority instead of just pretty graphics imo.

Don't tell me you wouldn't love games to look like this:

I think it would be awesome for action games that already try to portray a realistic look. But for more stylized games, I think they will just get even better because the artists will have more resources.

^ LOL that DKCR wallpaper actually has a LQ texture :PBrunoBRS

Then again the fur on DK is the most realistic I've seen yet.

yeah man:?

Even if we do reach a level of complete perfection, though, I'm not sure why that'd be scary. Once we get to that level, then we can focus on the games as opposed to the graphics and so forth. That can only be positive.

GabuEx

[QUOTE="BrunoBRS"]^ LOL that DKCR wallpaper actually has a LQ texture :Pnameless12345

Then again the fur on DK is the most realistic I've seen yet.

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

Even if we do reach a level of complete perfection, though, I'm not sure why that'd be scary. Once we get to that level, then we can focus on the games as opposed to the graphics and so forth. That can only be positive.

Sepewrath

Since we're in the Wii forum, I think Nintendo will pick art over realism. No matter how advanced Nintendo's consoles become, they'll stick to a certain artistic MO.OceansBloom

As for my topic, I'm glad we've got some discussion going. If you feel like there is more to touch on, feel free to add more and reply to responses and such. :D

Hopefully, I will remember to post my other topic and start another discussion later on today. I don't want to do it now because not a lot of people are on.

[QUOTE="Sepewrath"][QUOTE="GabuEx"]

Even if we do reach a level of complete perfection, though, I'm not sure why that'd be scary. Once we get to that level, then we can focus on the games as opposed to the graphics and so forth. That can only be positive.

BrunoBRS

There is never a detail limit in computer graphics. Unless they find out something trully revolutionary, we'll always see more details, better lighting, ect.

Besides, surreality is above reality :P

However amazing current technology may be, we're still a looong way away from anything like that. To give one example, video games are still stuck inside the "uncanny valley", where characters look almost real, but not quite real, such that the emotions conveyed by their faces and actions still looks mechanical and not believable. L.A. Noire looks to at least build the beginnings of a bridge across that gap, but it's still imperfect.

Even if we do reach a level of complete perfection, though, I'm not sure why that'd be scary. Once we get to that level, then we can focus on the games as opposed to the graphics and so forth. That can only be positive.

GabuEx

I think its safe to say that humans won't ever possess the skills to cross Uncanny Valley. Right now, we fully possess the technology to create photo-realistic 3d renderings. The problem is that humans don't possess the ability to create photo-realistic humans. You can even see that in paintings and drawings. Sure, they look pretty damn close, but you can always tell the difference. And this is coming from a Digital Animation major, so this kind of stuff is painful for me to say :P

I'm not "scared" about the future of gaming technology or anything. However, I have a problem with the fact that games are becoming more and more focused on graphics and nothing but explosions and shooting. It always depresses me when my little brother turns down a game I recommend because it doesn't look like it was directed by Michael Bay. He's turned down Portal 2, the Zelda games, most Mario games, Bioshock, Mass Effect, etc. and he ESPECIALLY turns down anything that doesn't have face-melting graphics, like Minecraft, Half-Life, Deus Ex, and retro games. I plugged in my dad's old Atari and Odyssey and he comes over going "WTF are those? Those games look retarded." I swear to god I almost punched him in the face lol.

Just wait, 20-30 years from now, that generation will be calling Crysis1 and 2 ugly, as well as any other graphical pleasing game of today. Since they didnt grow up with it/ experience it when it first came out, they will have no appriciation for it.

Just wait, 20-30 years from now, that generation will be calling Crysis1 and 2 ugly, as well as any other graphical pleasing game of today. Since they didnt grow up with it/ experience it when it first came out, they will have no appriciation for it.

Gamingclone

We won't last that long.

This is the rumored Project Cafe final build:

By the arms and legs its obvious gimmicky motion control is back in... Cool IR pointer though.

I think its safe to say that humans won't ever possess the skills to cross Uncanny Valley. Right now, we fully possess the technology to create photo-realistic 3d renderings. The problem is that humans don't possess the ability to create photo-realistic humans. You can even see that in paintings and drawings. Sure, they look pretty damn close, but you can always tell the difference. And this is coming from a Digital Animation major, so this kind of stuff is painful for me to say :P

drkessence

"Won't ever" is an awfully strong statement. Have you seen the tech demo for the technology behind LA Noire? It's not perfect, but it's a huge step forward for realism in terms of human expression in computer animation.

No, there is still hope. Games like Minecraft go for retro blocky styles and in the future, game developers will want to stand out, which can be done by unique looks, not HD.

[QUOTE="Gamingclone"]

Just wait, 20-30 years from now, that generation will be calling Crysis1 and 2 ugly, as well as any other graphical pleasing game of today. Since they didnt grow up with it/ experience it when it first came out, they will have no appriciation for it.

WreckEm711

We won't last that long.

This is the rumored Project Cafe final build:

~pic~

By the arms and legs its obvious gimmicky motion control is back in... Cool IR pointer though.

Lol, awesome! 2012 seems like a perfect year 8)

[QUOTE="Gamingclone"]

Just wait, 20-30 years from now, that generation will be calling Crysis1 and 2 ugly, as well as any other graphical pleasing game of today. Since they didnt grow up with it/ experience it when it first came out, they will have no appriciation for it.

WreckEm711

We won't last that long.

This is the rumored Project Cafe final build:

By the arms and legs its obvious gimmicky motion control is back in... Cool IR pointer though.

[QUOTE="WreckEm711"]

[QUOTE="Gamingclone"]

Just wait, 20-30 years from now, that generation will be calling Crysis1 and 2 ugly, as well as any other graphical pleasing game of today. Since they didnt grow up with it/ experience it when it first came out, they will have no appriciation for it.

BrunoBRS

We won't last that long.

This is the rumored Project Cafe final build:

By the arms and legs its obvious gimmicky motion control is back in... Cool IR pointer though.

See the one all off-balance and falling to the left? Thats the Kinect model, it's RROD'ing :P

I am actually quite scared of the future of tech for gaming. This generation we have seen some absolutely gorgeous games like, Final Fantasy 13, Heavy Rain, and Uncharted 2, but at what cost? As the graphics engines of games improve, inevitably the price of producing games increases as well. I have noticed that this game generation has some of the best looking games, but only a few have substance or last very long.

Nope because i love technology :)