Former EA and Microsoft executive Peter Moore says there are “serious questions” to be asked about video game hardware and whether or not there is a future for the traditional home console system.
Moore, who held senior positions at EA, Microsoft and Sega before leaving video games to join Liverpool FC in 2017, reflected on the losses suffered every time there is a new generation of consoles, suggesting that both “companies and gamers” No, gamers “really need to spend what could be five or $600 on a custom-made piece of hardware just for gaming.”
Newscast: Why are there so many layoffs in the gaming industry?“I think it's a really serious question that's being asked, I'm sure, in Tokyo, in Redmond, Washington, in Kyoto,” Moore told the charming Wes Yin-Poole in IGN. “That's what everyone is working on right now, because when you start the next generation, you have to be prepared to absorb billions of dollars in losses.
“And is the industry, given all the layoffs and everything we're going through at the moment, prepared for that? Look at Sony laying off 900 people, many there in the UK.”
After reflecting on the impact of AI, Moore added: “Are these companies willing to make another billion-dollar round? And at the same time, they're preparing for another cycle where gamers may not adopt the console.” and just say: You know what? I don't need this, times are tough. I have my phone, I'm enjoying what I have on my phone. There are a lot of games I can play. Otherwise, of course I have With my PC or my Mac, I can do whatever I need to do there. And do I really need to spend what could be five or $600 on a custom-made piece of hardware just to play games? So both companies and gamers themselves are asking this question.”
Moore left EA to take up the CEO role at Liverpool FC in 2017, stepping away from a career in video games that began with Sega around the time of the Dreamcast and held high-profile roles at Microsoft and EA.
“Passion is essential for all of us at Electronic Arts,” EA CEO Andrew Wilson wrote in the official statement confirming Moore's departure. “It's what gets us up in the morning and drives us to do extraordinary things. And if you've ever met Peter Moore, you'll know that he literally wears his passion for Liverpool FC on his sleeve. So it's with great enthusiasm that I congratulate Peter for following his dream of becoming the next CEO of his beloved Liverpool Football Club.”
In 2020, Moore became an advisor to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and Wrexham AFC.
