60 FPS or no buy!
There are a lot of reasons to play video games this day and age; escapism, entertainment, social experiences, the list goes on and on. However, one thing that a lot of gamers seem to be adding to that list lately is higher frame rates. There are several advantages that come with 60 fps, but is it really a must for current-gen games? I’m open for change, it is what allows video games to grow and expand into something we would never expect. However, I do not require a certain innovation to be attached to my content in order for me to enjoy it. This is the exact mindset that is bringing about a mentality that could be poisonous for the industry.
One title in particular that has received some flak for lowering the frame rate down to the “despicable” 30 fps is Destiny. I am super excited for this game – it’s ambitious, beautiful, and innovative on many levels, but what I care about more is if it runs well and that it is fun to play (which judging from the Alpha both of these are true). A certain sect of gamers, though, still insist that it should be running at a higher frame rate. In an interview with VentureBeat, Senior Environment Artist Jason Sussman gave us Bungie’s reasoning on why the game isn’t 60 fps:
“We’re cross-platform, so we had to be very delicate with all four consoles, making sure they have the same experience, that it looks as good as it possibly can on all these consoles. A lot goes into that, from geometry to textures to post effects to particles to how many players you get on the screen. We’re always balancing that out to make sure everyone gets the same experience.”
After reading that I don’t know how anyone could be upset. Yet, still, I hear complaints about frame rate to which my usual response is, “Does it matter?” Video games are in a transition period. If you want the best out of it, don’t demand features from developers that could potentially inhibit them from creating the experience they’re trying to achieve.
What I challenge these spec savvy gamers to do is simply play the game. If it is fun, then the developer succeeded. Don’t get tangled in a mess of technical jargon that distracts from the entertainment that video games brings us. Play for fun, not for frame rate.
Source: VentureBeat