During the onset of the latest console era, Microsoft promised that the affordable Xbox Series S would not hinder the progress of the gaming industry. However, feedback from developers, including Del Walker, a former artist at Rocksteady Studios, Naughty Dog, and Respawn Entertainment, has been less than favorable towards the Series S.
Walker took to social media to express his frustrations:
I really wish the Series S never existed. It’s such a hassle to optimize for that console. I fear we may see more game releases skipping Xbox in the future.
Don’t take offense to my personal experience – I simply dislike having to optimize current-gen games for that console. I wish it never came into existence. The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, is a remarkable piece of hardware; an outstanding console.
I really wish the Series S never existed. It’s such a hassle to optimize for that console. I fear we may see more game releases skipping Xbox in the future. https://t.co/97Ifpmtj9q
— Del Walker 🇵🇸 (@TheCartelDel) August 23, 2024
Don’t take offense to my personal experience – I simply dislike having to optimize current-gen games for that console. I wish it never came into existence. The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, is a remarkable piece of hardware; an outstanding console.
— Del Walker 🇵🇸 (@TheCartelDel) August 23, 2024
In response to Walker’s comments, he elaborated that due to the Series S, developers are compelled to downgrade games even for more potent platforms:
It’s not just about graphics. If a game has 40 enemies on screen on Series X, you won’t be able to handle that much AI, processing, VFX, multiple animations, etc., running on Series S – so now you’re forced to create a game with only 18 enemies on screen. It impacts the entire game.
It’s not just about graphics. If a game has 40 enemies on screen on Series X, you won’t be able to handle that much AI, processing, VFX, multiple animations, etc., running on Series S – so now you’re forced to create a game with only 18 enemies on screen. It impacts the entire game
— Del Walker 🇵🇸 (@TheCartelDel) August 23, 2024
It’s worth noting that Microsoft mandates studios to maintain gameplay consistency – versions for Series X and S may vary in graphics and frame rate, but not in gameplay. The first exception was made for Baldur’s Gate III – the RPG version for the budget model lacks local co-op support.
The recent days have been challenging for Microsoft‘s gaming division:
- One of the year’s biggest hits, the action-adventure Black Myth: Wukong, only launched on PC and PlayStation 5 – the Xbox Series release is pending.
- The announcement of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for PS5 by the corporation received mixed reactions from the Xbox community.
- Studio Obsidian Entertainment revealed that the role-playing adventure Avowed will run at 30 fps on Xbox Series.
Article sourced from stopgame.ru