Next Generation consoles are unlikely to include backwards compatibility with current-gen software and will focus on cross-device connectivity instead, according to an EA executive.

Electronic Arts’ chief financial officer Blake Jorgensen shared with industry executives what he expects of the next console generation. “We have internally, but no one externally has really seen what the look and feel will be like on the new consoles,” he said. “I think people are going to be pretty excited.”

“An important thing to remember is that next-gen consoles will most likely not be backwards compatible,” he shared. “And if you [play] multiplayer on a game, you’ll most likely not be able to play with someone on a different generation.”

Jorgenson went on to hint at a late 2013 release for the consoles, “If you’re a FIFA player and, and the soccer season’s starting in August, and all your friends are playing FIFA, you’re going to want to be on the same box that they’re on. So if they all go out and buy a gen-four box if it comes out at Christmas, then you’ll most likely do it. If they all hold on and continue to play on third-generation, you’ll probably not see that box purchase until after the soccer season’s over.”

He also predicts that the consoles will focus on cross-connectivity with tablets and phones, “I do think once again without describing the new consoles, you’ve got to assume they’re going to be highly integrated into the living room and the house, and there will be a lot of capability for interaction.”

“I think as well you’re going to see a lot more integration between tablets, phones, and the consoles over time. You’re going to see people playing on glass at the same time they’re playing on the console. And there’s going to be some exciting innovations around that,” he added. “And I think it’s going to be an extension of moving from what’s in the living room to what’s outside the house. Even though it might not be playing on the console, it’s connected to the console in some way.”

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Source: Gamasutra