So, the less we wait, the better for dev? By this logic, 2 years iteration is better than 3, 1 years is better than 2, 6 month is better than 12?
Not necessarily.
-You need time to see some evolvement in architecture
-The consumer base should be ready or willing to upgrade, plenty of people even wait longer after a "gen" ends before buying new boxes, this will hopefully catch them
I find this weird coming from mostly indie devs like yourself, who aren't actually developing games that are that technically or graphically advanced in the first place, and don't really even make extensive use of the current hardware let alone larger jumps. Add to that, with iterative console releases you'll still have to develop for more hardware versions and variants, so it's not like it's not more work in other areas.
You're also speaking on behalf of AAA devs, many of whom (like Epic and Crytek) actually want far more advanced hardware to push their engines and tech even further. It's not like devs even have to, or are forced to push bleeding edge graphics despite getting massive jumps in hardware, they can continue to make graphically less advanced games like your own studio for example, brute forcing things where necessary, which should be easier the more powerful the hardware is.
Also, unlike you, other devs and gamers actually put massive weight and importance on the visuals and tech behind games, it's actually one of the biggest selling points of a new console in the first place, so in that respect that "massive coming to grips process", that you don't regard as "actual gamedev", is to many, up there as one of the most important aspects of game development progress.
Because time and money during production are irrelevant to AAA devs. Mmhmm. /s
Also, being indie we do make our own tools, in case you glossed over the several times I've mentioned it in posts. Doesn't always have to be about power. But you seem to know a lot about gamedev. By all means, tell every dev how it actually is since you know so much more than we indie and even AAA devs!
And saying I don't regard the tools process as part of "gamedev" - it is. Very much so. Where did I say it wasn't? Ever?
I've said the meat and potatoes is the GAME, not the tools. That doesn't mean it's not a part of gamedev especially since ive mentioned it a zillion times.
So show me where I explicitly state that tools is not a part of the entire process? I've been driving home the point about tools forever in regards to game development.
You are either purposefully trolling by putting words in my mouth since I've mentioned it not just as a part of gamedev but even mentioned how it contributes to devs leaving the biz, in which case, fuck off - or - you are daft.
I haven't made up my mind yet.
Edit: you know what? I take that back. I'll leave it up here but I'll lean off.
You are free to be as ignorant as you wish.