I'm tired of PC performance being focused solely on graphics. I want a *more intelligent* game.
I'm tired of PC performance being focused solely on graphics. I want a *more intelligent* game.
Over time we notice significant improvements in graphics and performance. Creators showcase their visuals, details, and textures, yet consumer CPUs often boast up to 16 cores but deliver little change in gaming experience—especially in gameplay or AI. Ten years ago, similar upgrades would have been impossible. While mechanics have evolved, they’re largely achievable with today’s hardware. AI remains stagnant, mostly relying on pre-written scripts that break easily. We need smarter AI that creates engaging interactions, offers strategic depth, and responds in ways that feel natural. We’re investing in high-end graphics cards now, but we can’t expect FPS characters to be overly predictable or scripted. The goal is a more dynamic, challenging experience where AI adds genuine complexity rather than just exploiting known flaws.
I wonder if part of the PC's advantage is also holding it back. Games usually adjust their performance based on hardware capabilities. They might look impressive on powerful machines, but running smoothly on a basic system is impressive in itself. Boosting the top performance doesn't necessarily mean more creativity in game design. Lowering the bottom might actually help. In fact, I wonder if consoles could encourage PCs to advance faster. Sure, PCs can lead at the top end, but we should raise the standard baseline if we want lasting improvement. With today's consoles offering around 8 solid cores, expecting PCs to match could open doors for more complex experiences. Imagine the excitement if minimum gaming specs jumped to 8 Zen 2 or Coffee Lake cores! Not ideal, but it could spark change. Perhaps another topic to discuss, but I’m seeing more focus on story and visuals than actual gameplay. Money is pouring into graphics and narratives, yet the mechanics often feel shallow. I tend to enjoy watching others play rather than playing myself. This isn’t just a new trend—it’s getting worse over time. I think I first noticed this when playing Final Fantasy XII on the PS2.
Interestingly, there are some games that are going more ML based for AI. Sony is using Sophie in Gran Turismo 7 and sounds like it can be very punishing if you use it turned up. I'd like to see this come to PC more. https://www.sciencealert.com/ai-breakthr...-not-human The problem with it coming more to pc is that you know as well as I that the most vocal crowd in PC world is "RTX!!! My pretty frames! They're not at 1000 FPS!!!!!!." Much like GPUs still being "difficult" to get, at this point we're as much victims of something we caused. I know that's a controversial view, please don't derail thread with it. That game alone has had me half thinking a PS5 is in my future if consoles go more and more towards that.
You make your product for the lowest common denominator. There's no point in making a game that requires 16 cores to run, as you greatly restrict your market, and you'll gain tons of bad press from people complaining it doesn't run on their out-of-spec systems. The number of gamers that are spending $1,000USD on a graphics card is actually quite small in the overall terms of the market.
Exactly. It would be pretty frustrating to play GTA with every little mistake causing the car to fail or breaking down. Or having AI that always anticipates your moves perfectly. While Porsche Unleased was my top pick for racing games, most players would likely dislike the realistic repair costs and damage. You wouldn't be able to drive around carelessly like in many racing games. Probably only a tiny group of simulation fans would appreciate that level of detail, but most people want to enjoy themselves without worrying about speed limits, getting caught, or running out of fuel while the car is off balance.
Absolutely, I’d love games that prioritize AI and gameplay over cutting-edge graphics. I’m weary of shallow multiplayer and single-player titles that obsess over ray tracing and advanced visuals while neglecting substance. I want innovation in AI rather than just marketing claims, as seen in shows like Cyberpunk and Watch Dogs. It’s frustrating when the industry focuses too much on visuals instead of meaningful gameplay. The recent Left 4 Dead 2 vs Back4Blood comparison really hit hard—especially the drop in animation quality, which is disappointing.
I was considering something more engaging to challenge instead of a game that feels overwhelmingly difficult like AlphaStar. An AI doesn<|pad|> can be made more interesting through various methods, not just by making it harder. It's about creating an AI that's enjoyable to play against and can occasionally surprise you. This was once a goal for game AI, but it's now largely stagnant.
Bethesda missed an opportunity with Radiant AI in Oblivion and hasn't returned. I won't expect much from them. GTA VI seems more likely to improve NPC behavior. I'm excited about the Dragon's Dogma 2 announcement, especially regarding the Pawn AI. DDDA was the only title I've played that blended AI into gameplay.
The reality is graphics saw only modest progress, with most efforts focused on reaching higher resolutions—4k, 4k, 4k…—and then adding features like upscaling and DLSS. These didn’t significantly enhance overall visual quality. I’ve played a lot of PS3 games, and the improvements were minimal; background textures might be slightly sharper now, but there’s also been some decline in areas like clothing clipping, physics, and environmental interaction. Over the years, those aspects have taken a less prominent place compared to resolution hacks. Despite all the new mechanics, AI, and gameplay innovations introduced during the PS3 era, the overall evolution felt stagnant. Even character models sometimes regressed. I once compared Tekken 6 and 7 character designs, and some thought I’d “photoshopped” them—actually, it was just basic screenshots. The point is, people often overlook the impact of low-calibration colors and oversaturated visuals on screens that look impressive but aren’t truly refined.