Ubisoft expects to have "mostly the same engine" running on tablets, consoles within three to four years

Ubisoft managing director Nicolas Rioux has said the firm expects to have "mostly the same engine running on tablet and the main console," within three to four years.

Speaking with GI International, Rioux said the firm is using the same assets on the console and the tablets for The Division.

"In the future, it will be easier for us to provide this kind of experience," he said, adding that he also feels a second screen - whether through consoles or the addition of tablets and mobile is the future of games in general.

"What I like in second-screen play is its accessibility, which means different types of people can play," he added. "Those who don't know how to play with the [controller] or don't like to play with it can use touch. So that's the first good element.

"It gives you an opportunity to play from outside the home with your friends who are playing from their homes. So I'm in an airport, and I can play with my friends using my iPad if I have a good connection. We think this is going to open lots of new possibilities to the industry, and to the type of gameplay that can occur."

Rioux feels there are benefits of connecting mobile players with console players in the same universe, especially since for "a lot of people, the games on tablets will be their first screen."

He also doesn't see second screens alienating console gamers, as you don't need either the tablet or console part to have a full experience.

"For the person playing on the tablet, maybe for him that game is more accessible. Honestly, we give the players new opportunities," said Rioux. "It's not a big issue for console players to play the tablet version to have a more complete experience. I'm a console player and a gamer on tablets; for me to have these new possibilities is not a constraint."

You can read the full interview through the link.