Marketing exec at Elder Scrolls studio not yet convinced about Nintendo's new console, believes current-gen not holding devs back, next-gen presents problems.

Bethesda had a minimal footprint on Nintendo's popular Wii console (its only US release was Star Trek: Conquest), and it does not appear that the Elder Scrolls and Fallout publisher has more ambitious plans in place for the Wii U. In a new MCV interview (via Videogamer), Bethesda marketing executive Pete Hines said the company mantra has been, and continues to be, that it will launch games on platforms that support them.

Bethesda isn't too keen on the Wii U.

"So far the Wii hasn't fitted into that," Hines said. "Whether Wii U does down the road is [to be determined]."

The Wii U may miss out on more major franchises than just Bethesda's. Capcom's Resident Evil 6 is not scheduled for the new console, nor is Electronic Arts' Dead Space 3.

Hines also took time in the interview to compare current- and next-generation consoles. He claimed existing platforms are not holding developers back, adding there is still room to expand on visuals, technical capabilities, and storytelling. He also said the current "huge" install base of users is an advantage the current generation has over future platforms.

Hines cautioned that new platforms could be problematic for multiple reasons, the first of which stems from technological concerns.

"For me the problems with new consoles are two-fold," he added. "The developers are trying to hit a moving technical target, because the platforms are being built. A new console doesn't just show up a year before launch and is exactly what it will be when it comes out. It moves and iterates along the way. And introducing something like that to games that are in development is always a bit tricky. And that is obviously an element of risk."

The second reason Hines is less than elated about future platforms is that their arrival may splinter an existing audience.

"Your install base always starts at zero," he said. "Then it comes out and suddenly a certain number of people buy it but it won't be the same number as the current gen. So you have divided your audience."

Ultimately, Hines said the technological advancements future platforms may afford will be "exciting," but he cautioned this progress "comes at a price."

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