Most gamers associate better graphics and new IP with the launch of next-gen hardware, but there's a lot more that our current consoles brought to the table. Join us for a look at some of the ideas that have been introduced and/or cemented over the past few years of gaming, and what they could mean for next-gen consoles.

Gaming Moves Online:
While previous console generations gave us the ability to take our games online, this round of hardware made online multiplayer the default method for playing games with our friends. Splitscreen multiplayer modes have become a luxury, and virtually every title now has an online multiplayer component (for better or for worse). Some games like MAG and Battlefield 1943 even forgo a single-player experience and instead offer only online multiplayer. Voice chat also became a default standard this generation, with very few games withholding the option to talk with your friends.

What it means for next-gen: Online gaming will only grow more prevalent with the next generation of consoles. Expect to see larger player counts in online matches, and more support for MMOs on home systems. You'll probably also see more alternatives to traditional online gaming, such as asynchronous multiplayer modes, and the further blending of single-player and multiplayer campaigns.

Cooperation is Key:
Not all players want to spend their time shooting their friends. Co-op play has become another common bullet point on the back of current-gen game boxes. Sometimes it's a dedicated mode, such as Call of Duty's Spec-Ops missions or Gears of War's Horde mode. Other times, the story campaign can be played with multiple players. Co-op support usually accommodates two to four players, and great strides have been made to make it easy for friends to team up together while still making progress in their own games.

What it means for next-gen: Just as with online multiplayer, co-op gaming is a popular feature developers would be crazy to abandon for next-gen consoles. We're guessing we'll see some new IP designed specifically for co-op gaming, as opposed to shoehorning co-op into existing franchises, as we've often seen in this generation.

A Downloadable Future:
Another result of this generation's online advancements, downloadable games and DLC expansions have skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years. With retail games becoming ever more expensive propositions for developers, many have turned to DLC to make extra money on games after release. Additionally, big-name studios and indie developers alike have embraced downloadable games, with some titles like Limbo, Bastion, and Journey receiving the same critical acclaim as triple-A offerings.

What it means for next-gen: Downloadable content has been a massive success for many developers, so expect next-gen consoles to accommodate more digital content. Larger hard drives, faster download speeds, and (hopefully) easier-to-use marketplaces will all make downloadable content even more available next generation.