Id Software co-founder John Carmack has said it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing mobile phones that are more powerful than current-generation hardware.
Speaking to IndustryGamers, the Doom legend reckons mobile devices will surpass the likes of PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in terms of raw technical prowess in just a few years.
“It’s unquestionable that within a very short time, we’re going to have portable cell phones that are more powerful than the current-gen consoles,” said Carmack.
“People have exaggerated the relative powers – the iPad2 is not more powerful than the 360. It’s still a factor of a couple weaker. But the fact that it’s gotten that close that fast – that means that almost certainly, 2 years from now, there will be mobile devices more powerful than what we’re doing all these fabulous games on right now.”
Furthermore, Carmack believes punters are likely to overlook the visual shortcomings of mobile and cloud gaming in favour of the lure of convenience.
“A whole lot of convenience can make up for [what’s lacking],” he offered. "So I do wonder if the mobile platforms might get more and more of that going for them, where it provides a good enough experience for [most people] – there’s a whole spectrum of people and there’s a whole spectrum of game concepts and directions."