Crytek: Dedicated handheld consoles "losing ground" to tablets

Crysis developer Crytek has said that dedicated handheld games consoles are losing ground to multifunctional tablet devices in the portable space.

Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, the developer of hardcore shooting games said that it has no immediate interest in Sony's PlayStation Vita, despite the team's willingness to adopt and experiment with new, high-end technology.

"While it's a nice achievement from Sony in the first step it's not something we would take into consideration in the short term," said Crytek managing director Avni Yerli.

Yesterday Heavy Iron Studios criticised handheld consoles, in particular the Vita, claiming that the audience no longer wants a single-function gaming portable when iOS and Android systems offer so much more functionality.

Yerli agreed that tablets offer more, stating: "I can see that the multifunctions that devices like tablets offer is a big advantage of them. And I think people want one mobile device that can do multiple things.

"Considering this, I think those handhelds are lacking in that area and they are losing ground, actually. I think they have to be more innovative."

Crytek is very open to new technology, said Yerli, so long as the team can get excited about what it offers or it fits into the overall philosophy of the Crytek business.

"In the first place anything new and exciting gets our attention, regardless of what it is. But then the second step is does it fit to what we want to do? Will our people like to work on this? It's all very important. The team must pick it up as well, or a dedicated team we think can pick it up. But ultimately it must make sense in the context of Crytek."

"And then sometimes we say 'OK, that's a nice piece of technology but it doesn't fit' so we leave it. It's a matter of whether it fits basically, with the strategy of Crytek."

Crytek is currently working on free-to-play game Warface with Tencent and Kinect exclusive Ryse.