I just think developers are reducing game quality on PC due to console issues.
I just think developers are reducing game quality on PC due to console issues.
They do it, particularly for multi-platform titles. Engines and tools are designed with consoles in mind—the main shared point. Of course, PC gamers often reject this notion, outright denying it by saying "PC will always be better," like saying "La la la, I can't hear you (over the noise of my $2000 system that's mainly for console ports or indie games)." Personally, I don’t have any problem—I’m mainly focused on console ports and usually appreciate the upgrades they bring (like 60fps, higher resolutions are standard in 99%). That’s true; better console specs always push the limits. I believe we’ll actually achieve deep fidelity this time (my generation). Well, at least I hope so—this game looked good. Capcom always crafts the best engines, though. Sadly, PS4 netbook computing power wasn’t sufficient, otherwise I’m sure they’d have succeeded. Not to mention the engine isn’t bad, that’s for sure.
He made it incorrect, but the idea remains valid. Most games (excluding indie ones) are primarily designed for consoles first, with PCs as a secondary option, which limits their ability to fully utilize the hardware. Because of this, console graphics remain limited and game quality is generally poor overall. Terrain changes? No, consoles are too weak... better physics settings, less clipping? Yes, but consoles are too weak. AI improvements? Not happening... and so on. Developers could enhance these aspects for PC ports, but they only adjust a few sliders for resolution and possibly frame rates. Quality control isn’t needed either—PC players can fix the issues themselves for free.
Consoles are limiting graphics performance. Without them, we might have cards capable of twice or three times today's capabilities. Many dislike Nvidia for releasing cards with only small improvements, but it’s business strategy they keep quiet about unless necessary. What’s the real issue? Consoles aren’t disappearing—stop complaining and stop fixating on graphics. Enjoy the games you like, or consider giving up if it bothers you. The hardware in next-gen devices will still fall short compared to PC options, but console makers will keep adding low-quality SSDs to reduce costs for long-term users.
Game creators focusing on PC releases usually don’t aim for the premium segment right away. Looking at the Steam Hardware Survey gives us useful insights. While it doesn’t capture every detail of everyone’s setup, it offers a meaningful reference. The main issue is that GPUs in the top 25th percentile are mid to lower midrange models, typically around $200. CPUs in the top 50th percentile are quad-core processors, with more than 75% of respondents having such hardware. If you plan to develop a game for PC, it makes sense to aim for systems that are widely available. When Crysis launched, few people actually purchased it—many used it for testing and it became a pirated benchmark. People were unlikely to pay full price for a game they couldn’t run smoothly. Regarding beta footage, it often appears polished because marketing shapes expectations rather than delivering the final product.