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How and why video game ‘downgrades’ happen

There’s been a lot of chatter lately about video game ‘downgrades’, where the finished game appears graphically inferior to its reveal trailer.

warriorcase2832d ago

Because games are developed on computers and usually Demoed from those computers then in the polish phase have to account for the lowest common denominator.

xX-oldboy-Xx2832d ago

The thumbnail should be any UBISOFT game or CRACKDOWN 3. But ya gotta get them clicks.

CarlDechance2831d ago

They do address the BS 'downgrade' some accused Insomniac of doing on Spider-man.

"With the specific example of the reduction in puddles for Marvel’s Spider-Man, all of the developers I speak with agree that they were likely stripped back for a different reason entirely: readability. In the original E3 screenshot, puddles dominate the scene. It’s important for the player to be able to parse enemy silhouettes and make out what threats they are up against, so the puddles were likely reduced to make it easier to read. "

Srhalo2832d ago

How and why video game ‘downgrades’ happen: Well it starts when someone see's a game on a console they don't own and try to damage it's reputation, then it continues when some website that wants clicks writes a story about it in order to start an argument.

RedCloud882832d ago

Although the article brings up some valid points about changes it artistic vision and the problem with "Verticle slice demos" I find it interesting the the main cause for downgrades is completely ignored. Video games today are developed on computers or special built dev kits that are typically vastly superior to the console they end up on, this often results in the dev's previewing a project with a target performance that in actuality isn't possible on the final hardware without some sort of compromise. The biggest example, Watch Dogs, was a product of Sony and Microsoft being very late with development tools for their current gen consoles. This resulted in Ubisoft building target dev kits of their own with what they expected the consoles to launch with spec wise, and unfortunately they didnt anticipate the consoles being built off midrange pc parts that wouldn't be up to snuff. Spiderman doesnt look downgraded to me though, so let's just enjoy Insomniacs newest project and stop bitching about puddles.

Hardiman2832d ago

There are those who come to mind when the word "downgrade" is used describing a video game like Ubisoft being a good example! On the flip side PS exclusives get hit with this quite a bit with Uncharted 4, HZD, GOW, Detroit and Spider-Man all having click bait articles claiming they've been downgraded when in fact the release version is superior to the original trailer!

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80°

Playstation Plus Monthly Games for May: EA Sports FC 26, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, Nine Sols

All available May 5.

Read Full Story >>
blog.playstation.com
FPSRUSSIA38d ago

What's Point in commenting your basicly closing down the site.

LiViNgLeGaCY38d ago

I'm surprised it's still the old site. I thought he said starting today?

Eonjay38d ago

Its like the final episode of the Sapranos. You gonna go to make a comment and when you click add th-

Profchaos38d ago

Timezone thing maybe.... RIP

darthv7238d ago

Insert the Ferris Bueller end scene... "You're still here? It's over.."

LiViNgLeGaCY38d ago

I think the only game here for me is Nine Sols. Was always interested in that game.

TheColbertinator38d ago

Glad I don't buy FIFA games anymore

Rebel_Scum38d ago

Hey now! Thats a great month.

Nacho_Z38d ago

Good month for me, I wanted that particular footy game and thought it might be due. Anyway who cares, shame about the site I'll miss the comment sections. All the best everyone.

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70°

Naughty Dog Was Reportedly Divided On Joel's Controversial Fate During Development Of TLOU Part 2

Naughty Dog was reportedly divided on the controversial fate of Joel in The Last of Us Part 2 during the game's development.

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twistedvoxel.com
SimpleDad39d ago

NO, that can't be... No! I can't... Really?/s

Cacabunga39d ago

They for sure chose the worst way to deal with it

-Foxtrot38d ago

Funny considering Bruce left half way through development and now we get told there was an internal conflict with the story direction.

Makes you think…

HectixRose39d ago

I think it was good decision, if he was still alive, he would have been a mascot just like Kratos, drake and many others. These old dudes gotta die for new characters to take center stage with their own storyline. They keep dragging the emotional baggage into many sequels and eventually the story just turns into absolute shit show.

JEECE39d ago

It was ironic because people complained heavily about the story in the Uncharted games not having sufficient stakes because all the key characters always survived, despite the dangerous situations they were always in. Then ND killed a character in a more serious series and everyone lost their minds. Just shows that people don't always really want the thing they say they want.

CantThinkOfAUsername38d ago

I thought the more common complaint about Uncharted franchise was how the main cast are the good guys acting so nonchalantly while killing hundreds in cold blood (aka the dissonance between gameplay and story cutscenes). They just did it again in Part II.

Soy39d ago

Didn't have to kill him. Just have them part ways or Joel can "retire," whatever.

DarXyde39d ago

I don't think he would necessarily need to become a mascot (and besides, technically, I'd say Ellie is... So regardless, someone was going to be).

From a narrative perspective, I do think it has a similar effect to Ricky dying in Boyz N Da Hood: very likeable character, and you're really motivated to see the get back—in this case, it's more intense because it's an interactive experience. Most people hated Abby, but I get what they were after with portraying the cycle of violence and revenge—unfortunately, the game appears to want to take the side of the bad people.

But I will say that if Joel survived, it does become harder to tell an interesting story. What COULD have happened is an exploration into the rift between Joel and Ellie after the trolley dilemma events of the first game. It could have been interesting to see Abby out for revenge at the same time Ellie hated Joel.

Ashunderfire8638d ago

Sorry just had to say this lol! RICKYYYY!

Man Cuba Gooding Jr was miscast in that movie, but that part was cringey it was sad and funny at the same time man.

Ashunderfire8638d ago (Edited 38d ago )

I understand but the way they went about killing Joel, was poorly executed. Even the show of the Last of Us games tried to improved it, but it was just as bad. Well at least Joel got to know the reason why he had to die, before the death happened in the show. That part gave us the full context, but the game just let it happen with no pay off.

Joel death should have been a midway thing through the story, so we at least get to play him a little more with Ellie. Abby didn’t need to be this Hulk looking woman, but more like the show Abby which is a beater idea in my opinion.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 38d ago
InUrFoxHole39d ago

The only ND game that was so disappointing to me I couldn't finish it.

pwnmaster300039d ago

Honestly as much as I loved the game, they could have just not killed him off.
I get it creator vision and all but killing a character that made you millions is just wrong imo. At least have him go down fighting.

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60°

Final Fantasy X 25th Anniversary Website Launches With New Nomura Artwork and Merchandise

Square Enix launches Final Fantasy X 25th anniversary site, revealing new Nomura art, books, music releases, and merchandise.

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twistedvoxel.com
-Foxtrot39d ago

Look I know VIII has its issues and all that but how on earth can the do big anniversary events with new artwork and merchandise for VII, IX and X yet VIII got sweet f*** all.

They could have given it something during its 25th anniversary yet all it got was a single Happy Anniversary post on their social media.

solideagle39d ago

they should know that we are OG fans of VIII as it sold truckload as well. not as much as VII or X. I personally didn't like IX but X and VI are my personal fav.

Shadow Hearts 2 covenant is another game I love. I hope one day someone can make remake, I would be delighted

Relientk7739d ago

Final Fantasy VIII is great and you are always the first to defend it in the comments