Skip to main content

The next-gen consoles may lead to interactive TV if Ubisoft gets its way

Back in June at Ubisoft’s E3 press conference, buried amongst the slew of new trailers, game announcements, and the awesome Aisha Tyler, the publisher quietly discussed its plans to introduce a TV show based on the Rabbids franchise that would have an interactive element. Viewers at home would watch the show and choose the outcome on a second screen, whether that was a tablet, smartphone, computer, or even a controller like the Wii U’s GamePad.

The announcement was a minor footnote in the grand scheme of things, more a discussion of something that may happen in the future rather than something that was confirmed to be on the way. Judging by comments from Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot to Bloomberg at Gamescom, that plan is just a matter of finding the right partner. And with the next-gen consoles coming soon, the new technology will make it easier than ever.

Recommended Videos

“Game consoles could help make TV smarter,” Guillemot said. “The point is to make the audience more involved, by letting it decide what happens on-screen, for example. That’s something the video-game industry is very familiar with.”

The original example used was a TV show based on the Raving Rabbids property, which was developed by Ubisoft’s new motion picture department and debuted in the U.S. this month on Nickelodeon. Imagine watching a fictional show where you choose how it ends. On a simpler note, it’s not a stretch to think that this technology could easily be incorporated into reality TV. American Idol fans vote on contestants every week by sending text messages. Being able to cast votes on your console as part of a reality competition and seeing the results instantly? It could change the nature of television. 

Ubisoft’s motion picture division, which also includes television programming, has been remarkably busy of late. It recently announced production on a Watch Dogs film, which joins the previously announced Assassin’s Creed starring Michael Fassbender, a Splinter Cell adaption, and a Ghost Recon movie. There’s more to come too.

“Content producers are using special effects [that] we use in gaming, while we’re hiring actors, and creating characters and story lines deep enough to build a movie on,” said Guillemot. “With next-generation consoles, we’re moving a step further toward bringing these two worlds – films and gaming – together.”

Guillemot’s vision is to let people steer a show using a second screen device. That could mean each viewer gets their own unique plot to follow, or it could mean viewers vote and the majority decides on direction. The technology for this exists today, but the advent of the next-gen consoles will make it much easier to implement.

Ryan Fleming
Former Gaming/Movies Editor
Ryan Fleming is the Gaming and Cinema Editor for Digital Trends. He joined the DT staff in 2009 after spending time covering…
3 new PlayStation Plus games to play this weekend (July 4-6)
Lilith staring into the camera in Diablo 4. She has giant horns and red wings behind her.

We have a double-whammy of a weekend to look forward to as PlayStation Plus subscribers. Not only do we have an extra-long weekend for the Fourth of July, but this month also marks the 15-year anniversary of PlayStation Plus. As such, Sony is hitting us with a particularly strong lineup of games at the Essential tier. Now, don't get your hopes up and expect all the best PS5 games to be on offer, but the selection is still very strong and offers something different to suit your tastes. We have one of the most popular action RPGs, a strong fighting game, and an artistic indie that you might have missed when it first came out. If you're looking for something new to play this weekend, I've got you covered.

Diablo 4

Read more
3 new Game Pass games to play this weekend (July 4-6)
mono and six together.

Those of us in America have a nice, long weekend to kick off July thanks to the 4th of July holiday. While some of us may have plans for barbeques and fireworks watching in the evening, there's still loads of time to spare playing some awesome Xbox games. As luck would have it, Game Pass just added a ton of new additions to the service this week that are perfect for the extended weekend. We do have to wait until next week for the first major day one release, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4, but there are still some great options to check out before that. I've included a fun party game for anyone hosting an event, a game with a short but powerful runtime, and a classic RPG to get lost in. Let's check them all out.

Ultimate Chicken Horse

Read more
After a month with the Switch 2, I can’t fully recommend Nintendo’s new console
A Nintendo Switch 2 playing Mario Kart World appears on a table.

We're still firmly in the honeymoon period with the Switch 2 right now. Most of us are still exploring Mario Kart World's open world for secrets or wondering if Welcome Tour was worth the $10 price tag. With Donkey Kong Bananza arriving just in time to beef up the exclusive catalogue with a new 3D platformer, I found myself conflicted with my time with the console so far. I don't mean personally; I am in love with this piece of tech. What is trickier is when others ask me whether or not I think they should pick one up.

One month into the system's life, there's a lot to love already, but not without some caveats. Consoles only get more enticing as they age, so adopting one early essentially means you're investing at its least appealing time. There are plenty of people I would recommend a Switch 2 with no conditions, but I would say the majority of gamers are better off waiting.

Read more