'PS4 Pro isn't the start of a new generation, and that's a good thing,' says Mark Cerny

- Mark Cerny on the advent of mid-cycle console upgrades.

The PlayStation 4 Pro, a powerful new iteration on Sony's flagship console, shouldn't be viewed as the start of a new console generation, according to the device's system architect, Mark Cerny. 

Speaking in an extensive interview with Gamasutra, Cerny was keen to point out that devs should be thankful the PS4 Pro isn't attempting to overhaul the established hierarchy. 

Why? Because fresh console cycles breed chaos. Not just for players looking to upgrade and leap across the generational gap, but for devs who have to get to grips with new hardware. 

In some cases, such as the launch of the original PlayStation, developers struggle to adapt, and ultimately wind up becoming victims of a hostile new ecosystem. 

"It was certainly rewarding for players, but it was a true learning experience for the development community,” explains Cerny, recalling what it was like for developers when the PlayStation launched back in 1994. 

"At the time I estimated that, just by looking around, something like a quarter of the people involved in making games had to transition out of the business because they couldn't get familiar enough with the new tools and technologies."

To hear more from Cerny, you can tuck into the complete interview right here.