[Updated] Skyrim on the Xbox 360 is low res without an install

[Update] Apologies this article is incorrect, the texture loading issue occurs if the game is installed not the other way around. We were all at a MW3 event yesterday so this mistake went unnoticed. Thanks to the abuse in the comments though, always much appreciated 🙂

If we find more information we’ll post it up [/Update]

I posted up about the optional Xbox 360 and mandatory PS3 install yesterday but now it seems the story has changed a bit.

While this isn’t the official viewpoint it looks like the Xbox 360 version is basically a low res version if you don’t install and has followed the Battlefield 3 HD res pack idea.

Take a look at these two screenshots from gamersmint, the first showing Skyrim with the optional Xbox 360 install and the second without. Notice the texture issues?

Notice the texture on the sword

And it’s gone… you can click to zoom in and swap between the two to see this better.

So the answer is simple, if you buy the Xbox 360 version make sure you install it and if you don’t have enough hard drive space then apparently you’re stupid. I’m not quite sure how that logic works but the last time I complained about installs public opinion was that if you bought the 4Gb version then you’re just a moron and deserve what you get.

I personally feel it’s lazy from the developers, they were offered an easy way out and are now abusing it until it can’t walk anymore.

Last Updated: November 8, 2011