If there’s one game that has had me considering the possibility of dumping a next-gen console and buying some new PC hardware instead, it’s the Star Citizen from Chris Roberts. The most crowdfunded game in history has a ton of support so far, but it looks like it’ll be an exclusive on that platform. And that’s because of the uncompromising vision that Roberts has for his new game.
In a forum post on the Roberts Space Industry website, the Wing Commander creator detailed what Star Citizen would need from consoles, in order to find a home on next-gen platforms.
“Star Citizen IS a PC game. It will NEVER be dumbed down for a lesser platform” Roberts wrote.
We will NOT limit the input options or supported peripherals to the lowest common denominator. We will NOT pass on features and technology just because they will only run on some hardware configurations.
I just upgraded my office rig to a pair of Titans running in SLI, driving a 4K monitor and a 1440P one (Thanks NVidia for the goodies!). We’re about ready to build the ultimate AMD rig with FOUR R9 290Xs and AMD’s eight core CPU driving a set of 4K monitors in Eyefinity (Thanks AMD!)
You think that’s a good approximation for console, even a next gen one like PS4 or Xbox One?
Roberts also mentioned that because of the open nature of PC and that platform having access to a constant supply of new hardware, Star Citizen would constantly be taking advantage of new graphical technology as it grew.
As for next-gen consoles, Roberts remained firm on his stance regarding the creative control that he wanted to have over his new game:
As far as consoles go Star Citizen will never be on the PS3 or Xbox 360. As for the next gen consoles, PS4 and Xbox One, we have NO CURRENT PLANS, but my stance remains open and is consistent with the many interviews I’ve given.
IF the platform holders (Sony & Microsoft) allow us to update the code and data without restrictions and odious time consuming QC procedures, IF they allow our community to openly interact with each other across platforms then I would CONSIDER supporting them.
Which means that we’re most likely never see Star Citizen on Xbox One or Playstation 4, as there isn’t a chance in hell that those consoles would allow one game to have that much control. It still kind of stings that I’ll never get to go back to the space combat universe, especially with my current PC.
But it’s also admirable to see a game stick to its guns and remain commited all the way.
Last Updated: November 19, 2013
Admiral Chief Duke
November 19, 2013 at 09:21
“lesser platform”
teeheehee
Hammersteyn
November 19, 2013 at 09:28
Yeah consoles, why does Sony and Microsoft even bother still.
John's (JJ's) Annihilation
November 19, 2013 at 09:54
As with the ANC voters, the buying power lies in the uneducated. Trolololo!
Spathi
November 19, 2013 at 09:55
That’s a real low blow man!
John's (JJ's) Annihilation
November 19, 2013 at 09:57
Sorry man, couldn’t help myself. Just got onto LG for the first time today. I’m sure if that was directed at Tanya though, no one would’ve blinked an eye.
TiMsTeR1033
November 19, 2013 at 09:58
What you trying to say?
John's (JJ's) Annihilation
November 19, 2013 at 09:59
Oh look, here’s Tim!
Hello Tim!
Nice day we’re having.
TiMsTeR1033
November 19, 2013 at 10:01
I am watching you! Johnny boy! Don’t make me do something I will regret… *whispers, photoshop you*
Unavengedavo(aka. IceCreamMan)
November 19, 2013 at 10:10
You could always Gimp him… Nope, it still sounds wrong!
Weanerdog
November 19, 2013 at 10:32
Take an arm this time 🙂
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 19, 2013 at 10:00
I didn’t see him say anything.
Hammersteyn
November 19, 2013 at 10:11
Hahahaha
RinceandShrubbery
November 19, 2013 at 10:16
Damn dude, if your eyes weren’t already blacked from staring at your black-souled husk I’d oblige!
John's (JJ's) Annihilation
November 19, 2013 at 10:28
Hahaha
Lardus-Resident Perve
November 19, 2013 at 10:28
Made me laugh as well! As someone who plays games on console and PC, I am happy when some games remain exclusive to the platform it was MEANT to be on. Look at the cock-up Diablo was on PC because it was designed for console and not for the PC faithful. Keep Star Citizen on PC (even though my rig is already 6 years old and will need replacing) and it should be great!
Hammersteyn
November 19, 2013 at 09:22
There’s a lot of freedom that the devs require, but you are right I don’t think it will be possible on the First or Fourth Reich.
Admiral Chief Duke
November 19, 2013 at 09:23
I did Nazi that coming…
Hammersteyn
November 19, 2013 at 09:29
Still haven’t had my fist cup of morning jews.
Admiral Chief Duke
November 19, 2013 at 09:39
Heilarious!
John's (JJ's) Annihilation
November 19, 2013 at 09:55
Jew guys are taking this too far now.
Admiral Chief Duke
November 19, 2013 at 09:57
Is it not in mein kampfort zone?
AJ Titanium
November 19, 2013 at 11:13
Guess they’re being caught when their pantzer down.
Hammersteyn
November 19, 2013 at 11:14
Hahahaha
SpookyMossel
November 19, 2013 at 09:24
Master Race! Amandla!
TiMsTeR1033
November 19, 2013 at 09:45
Mossel your pc specs have been detected, Star citizen recommends low settings! LMAO!
Mossel
November 19, 2013 at 09:50
Bitch please! As it stands, my pc has better specs than “next-gen” consoles. Bring it timmy!
Admiral Chief Duke
November 19, 2013 at 09:51
AMEN
TiMsTeR1033
November 19, 2013 at 09:53
Did you not just read what they said? Glad you have FOUR R9 290Xs and AMD’s eight core CPU….. To get the BEST Experience you need that! ;P
Mossel
November 19, 2013 at 09:56
No man, that is the development rig. It will be optimised to run beautifully on a mid to high end pc. lol Everytime I read your name I think of this:
TiMsTeR1033
November 19, 2013 at 09:57
TI TI TIMMY!
Willem Swanepoel
November 19, 2013 at 14:14
Dude, you do not have DDR5 RAM … the consoles are light years ahead of the PCs. Dat DDR5 is so badass !!!
Mossel
November 19, 2013 at 14:16
Bacuase RAM is what makes the difference. Most games do not even utilise 4gb of the 8gb I already have.
John's (JJ's) Annihilation
November 19, 2013 at 09:58
Spiff profile pic doed
InsanityFlea
November 19, 2013 at 09:27
*insert master race troll comment here*
No Longer SIR Twakkus
November 19, 2013 at 09:27
Well never say “Stroompie ek sal nooit uit jou drink nie”.
Matewis Jubilai
November 19, 2013 at 09:28
chakalaka its ntcha!
UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy
November 19, 2013 at 09:28
So PC. Very master race. Will always be better than console. Much power. Wow
UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy
November 19, 2013 at 09:29
I never doubted this… These guys are PC through and through! AWESOME
Purple_Dragon
November 19, 2013 at 09:34
This is actually one game that I’ve seriously considered getting a PC for. I’m so keen on a game like this.
Kudos to them for sticking to their guns but I wonder if they are missing out on making some cash by not putting it on consoles.
Robert Hart
November 19, 2013 at 09:57
They are rolling in cash and the game is not even out 😛
ToshZA
November 19, 2013 at 12:41
Its not about the cash, its about the game. This man is legend.
RinceandShrubbery
November 19, 2013 at 09:37
So what he is saying is even with with a PC, you are going to have to buy some serious hardware to be able to play the game. That’s all fair and what not, great to have a stunning looking game, but then don’t expect to shift as many copies of the game as you can.
TiMsTeR1033
November 19, 2013 at 09:43
exactly…
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 19, 2013 at 09:48
It actually worries me a bit too. I expect that you’ll need something really beefy to run with all the bells & whistles. But at the same time it’s running on CryEngine, which is current tech, so it should scale quite nicely so you don’t need his rig above to just launch the game.
RinceandShrubbery
November 19, 2013 at 09:50
But that is the point he is making, he doesn’t want people to ‘just launch the game’. He wants them to play with all the bells and whistles.
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 19, 2013 at 09:51
If that rig above is recommended specs, I bet more than half the people who backed the project won’t meet it. That’s a pretty damn expensive PC.
RinceandShrubbery
November 19, 2013 at 09:52
I wouldn’t have a clue being a peasant. It just worries me that what with being the largest crowd sourced game many people won’t actually get to play it.
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 19, 2013 at 09:54
That’s why I expect it will scale well. Sure you can’t play it on your antique 486 – but a current mid-range PC should be able to handle it. If you can play Crysis you should be fine.
SlagywaG
November 19, 2013 at 11:20
You forget the game is only scheduled for release in december 2015… Going by the trent of technology, that “Monster rig” will have the same performance as a single mid-high end rig. Also the fact that they using it to run not one, but two 4k resolution screens…
No Longer SIR Twakkus
November 19, 2013 at 09:52
That is what I am thinking as well. If it is a pc game catered for PC fans, I might not be able to run on -The Enterprise- setting, but I should be able to adjust it to my pc and run it still looking and more importantly playing awesome!
Johan du Preez
November 19, 2013 at 09:48
Remember thats a development rig …. Its not actually the machine required to run the game.
Robert Hart
November 19, 2013 at 09:56
I dont think he said that. He simply made a point that the game can still challenge even the best rigs on high graphics.
The game should still run fine on todays hardware, provided you dont mind playing on medium settings.
Captain GUZ
November 19, 2013 at 10:12
Its about his vision, what game he wants to create. Take it or leave it I don’t think he really cares as pre article above
RinceandShrubbery
November 19, 2013 at 10:15
But surely he should? He is being funded by ‘us’ as it were. Or perhaps this attitude was in his initial call for funding?
Captain GUZ
November 19, 2013 at 10:19
Well either way I would really like to play it when it releases
Weanerdog
November 19, 2013 at 10:37
Agreed, the best thing about the last few years was that consoles kept the PC specs in check which meant that most PCs would run the games. Maybe run on low but you could still play and thus they could still move product. If you Spec yourself out of the Market don’t go crying that you can’t move the units.
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 19, 2013 at 09:44
I saw this earlier. I don’t see why he says it won’t be “dumbed down” for consoles when the point is current gen (and maybe next gen) consoles just don’t have the specs to handle it. That’s not dumbing down. I think it would be cool if next gen consoles could get the SP portion of it at least, if the MMO part is too much.
TiMsTeR1033
November 19, 2013 at 09:46
Wont you need an upgrade for this too Trevor?
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 19, 2013 at 09:50
Don’t know, I’ll see how the dogfighting module runs at the end of the year before deciding. I was planning to upgrade the old gfx card closer to the end of next year, but if this needs it & with Witcher 3 I might do it sooner.
Captain GUZ
November 19, 2013 at 10:21
Space dog fights FTW! pew pew pew
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
November 19, 2013 at 10:07
He meant dumbing down as in less supported peripherals (joysticks, etc), less keymappings (Because controllers have nowhere near as many keys as a keyboard has). Things like that.
Very poor chosen words though. But I don’t think he was meaning dumbing down in the sense that he was calling console players dumb. Just the hardware limitations dumb 😉
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 19, 2013 at 10:13
That’s my point – it was poorly chosen wording 😉 But he has demo’d the game while using an Xbox controller.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
November 19, 2013 at 10:15
for sure and I guess in certain scenarios that could work. But at a point you’re going to need more keys and a UI that can handle the keymapping requirements etc.
But I digress. Dumbing down does not mean making it for stupid peeps lol. Just means reducing the capability of the game itself in terms of UI, actions etc
ToshZA
November 19, 2013 at 12:38
This guy is so obsessed with his game. I think it would be a fair assumption to say that he is referring to his game, and his vision for it. He’s like a father, and this is his child, and he wants it to be all it can be. If he CAN send the child to the best school in the world, why would he settle for a public school? It wouldn’t make sense.
I think this is the essence of what he’s trying to say.
Weanerdog
November 19, 2013 at 10:41
In reading between the lines (or as my wife likes to call it “making up shit to win an argument”) I think he is referring to the input from a controller not being able to do what he wants it to do.
Johan du Preez
November 19, 2013 at 09:46
Chris Roberts for president 🙂
Wayne
November 19, 2013 at 09:51
The most profits don’t come from a Ferrari but a simple car everyone can afford !
ToshZA
November 19, 2013 at 12:34
But everybody WANTS a Ferrari, and everybody stops their lives to look. Everybody. And when you drive one, you know, you’re the man. You don’t need to say it, you just KNOW. Its one of the most sought after cars in the world.
Now why wouldn’t you want to create something like that? Something that’s AWESOME. Its not about the money for this guy, its about the game.
Umar Moe Moe
November 19, 2013 at 09:51
Cocky developer states dumbed down and then continues to ramble about Ultra spec hardware and graphics……As if that is the main factor for creating a brilliant game
Robert Hart
November 19, 2013 at 09:54
Way to miss the point entirely.
Umar Moe Moe
November 19, 2013 at 09:57
Nope i totally understand his point though. But I’m sorry, he’s coming off extremely smug and arrogant
Rags
November 19, 2013 at 10:00
And rightly so. ;D
Robert Hart
November 19, 2013 at 10:00
Yeah but thats because he is a smug and arrogant person 😛
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 19, 2013 at 10:00
Yes I think the “dumbed down” comment is a bit tactless. And pointless.
Rags
November 19, 2013 at 10:02
No it’s not. Just the truth. 🙂
TiMsTeR1033
November 19, 2013 at 10:03
I am sure they could make Next gen consoles run it beautifully. Devs know hoe to squeeze so much out of so little on consoles
Rags
November 19, 2013 at 10:06
It is not just the graphics. The whole mechanics need to be dumbed down for console controllers and environment. You also can’t have the continual micro updates that he is planning to have.
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 19, 2013 at 10:07
You know he’s demo’d it while playing with a controller right?
TiMsTeR1033
November 19, 2013 at 10:08
why not? games have updates all the time now a days.
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 19, 2013 at 10:10
They’re planning to roll out new content every 2/3 of weeks if I remember right. They’d have to get approval for each update for consoles.
Rags
November 19, 2013 at 10:10
Too much red tape.
Umar Moe Moe
November 19, 2013 at 10:10
Dumbing down….do people not understand the term…..Making a game easier, is dumbing down…..taking out complexity is dumbing. Streamlining to some extent is dumbing down…making a game work with a control DOES NOT mean it’s being dumbed down
Rags
November 19, 2013 at 10:12
To a certain extend yes it is. For UI specifically you need to dumb it down for controllers for navigation and interaction.
Umar Moe Moe
November 19, 2013 at 10:17
I don’t view it as dumbing down though I just see it as a compramise as the mechanics of the game is still in tact
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
November 19, 2013 at 10:12
Reducing the amount of keymappings, active skills that can be linked at any given time etc etc etc can all be considered “dumbing down” because a keyboard can use that many shortcuts but a controller can’t
Umar Moe Moe
November 19, 2013 at 10:16
Yes to some extent that is true, but look at Diablo 3 , and how that is better on console – the keymappings. Hot Keys are very convinient, but you can still make it work on a control, maybe with a skill wheel etc, and that too can require skill
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
November 19, 2013 at 10:18
But if you compare Diablo3 to Diablo2, the game has been “dumbed down”
No real skill customisations, less skills that can be used at any given time. Only 6 whereas Diablo 2 you could set shortcuts for (if I recall) 11 or 12 skills to quick change to any skill you want on the fly?
Diablo3 you can’t do that.
yes it plays better on the console because it was “dumbed down” to work on console with a controller. Thus reducing the effective UI elements and actions
Umar Moe Moe
November 19, 2013 at 10:24
Very good point, in terms of Diablo 2 and 3. That was a streamlining process between Diablo 2 to 3, not really 3 to console. Sure lessening of skills helped it feel better on console. But Dragon Age had a huge number of skill mapping , yet the core experience was still great on console
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
November 19, 2013 at 10:45
Sadly I can’t agree there.
If it was streamlining then they failed miserably
http://www.diablofans.com/topic/86640-diablo-3-designed-for-consoles/.
That topic and the guy’s original post is exactly what I’ve been trying to say for a while
Umar Moe Moe
November 19, 2013 at 10:53
Hmmm good post and it is probably too. Well maybe Diablo is not the best example but my point is yes there will be compromises for the control, but it’s just a different form than what is on pc. It doesn’t mean it was dumbed down but I do get uourr point
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
November 19, 2013 at 10:57
I think the term dumbed down is just misunderstood (poor little dumbed down. No one ever could understand him).
Umar Moe Moe
November 19, 2013 at 10:03
Yebo…Which is what I’m getting at.
BeatzByChrisBrown
November 19, 2013 at 14:20
I don’t understand why you find it offensive. Consoles are dumbed down. It’s one of their weaknesses and strengths.
John's (JJ's) Annihilation
November 19, 2013 at 09:53
And pc gamers everywhere rejoiced.
Spathi
November 19, 2013 at 09:55
I for one really hopes it makes it the next gen consoles. Even if it is a year after the PC release. That being said, I really appreciate their stance with regarding to dumbing down the game. If the experience isn’t possible on the consoles, then so be it.
Wayne
November 19, 2013 at 10:03
This is South-Africa Boom!
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
November 19, 2013 at 10:05
While I applaud him for sticking to his choice of having a game that drives technology I do feel he needs to practice some caution here.
If the game becomes so demanding that you need an SLI top range set up just to run it, then the game fails because the vast majority of PC gamers (Contrary to popular belief) do not actually have the funds to support such setups.
They need to cater at least a little for the lower end. I’m not saying let go of quality, but I am saying that if they want to stick to a platform with so many vast configurations, they need to cater at least for the mid-range PC’s as well. Not just top of the line tech.
John's (JJ's) Annihilation
November 19, 2013 at 10:06
Agreed. Seconded. PC life yo.
AndriyP
November 19, 2013 at 10:08
The game will cater for a lower setup, you have to understand that at the moment it is far from being optimised thats why they need such rigs to run tests, at the moment the hangar module is very intensive on the graphics but it will ease off the stress as the game will et optimised
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
November 19, 2013 at 10:10
As long as they do that then cool. I would just hate to see this project fail because the guy wants only the best tech running for his game and then half the PC world can’t run the game lol
AndriyP
November 19, 2013 at 10:12
im not sure how low they will be looking to go though, im sure a mid range PC will be fine, ive been stuck on the forums for months now since i initially pledged, this game will be intensive, you are looking at visuals above farcry3 so to run it optimally one will need a high end PC im afraid
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
November 19, 2013 at 10:16
As long as I can run it at medium I’m happy 🙂
AndriyP
November 19, 2013 at 10:22
with your setup and a say….870 you will run it just fine on better than medium settings
i might kill my card on the dog fighting module
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 19, 2013 at 10:11
Tell me about it, I thought my PC was about to take off when the old fan on the gfx card started running flat out heh.
AndriyP
November 19, 2013 at 10:13
Its pretty intense ,my poor 560ti is 99 percent utilised at 60 degrees which isnt that bad but the fans are pretty loud
Captain GUZ
November 19, 2013 at 10:23
3,2,1 launch
TiMsTeR1033
November 19, 2013 at 10:27
invest in water cooling..
AndriyP
November 19, 2013 at 10:07
This game will be epic
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
November 19, 2013 at 10:49
HOLY WHAT? WHAT IS THIS? IS THIS A MIRAGE?
AndriyP
November 19, 2013 at 10:56
Urm….NO!!! it can possibly be 1 of 2 things i tell ya…1) Its @Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew’s fault for baiting me with my fav game development since like forevers or 2)
My account has been hacked by some Asian 10 year old to come and stir some controversy in the land of LG
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
November 19, 2013 at 10:56
Or you are becoming like lans. Only come out of the works with specific game news 😛
#justkidding #trollol
AndriyP
November 19, 2013 at 10:57
Thats how legends roll 😛
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
November 19, 2013 at 11:25
I’m going with the hacking. ;P
Kromas
November 19, 2013 at 10:18
CR for president of the worldl!
Anon A Mouse
November 19, 2013 at 10:28
Would have loved to play this, but since I only have a measly little laptop I will never be able to. I guess I should be happy that I can still play Red Barron on this.
Weanerdog
November 19, 2013 at 10:31
Red Baron Rocks!!!
Devourer of Small Bunnies
November 19, 2013 at 12:45
Is it just me, or is this guy coming off as a bit of a pretentious prick?
Dont get me wrong, you controller wielding 40 inch couch jockeys kill me (:P) but this dude is a bit over the top. Yeah I get that your game is all powerful and requires teh fat computerz, but do we really have to stoop to subtle mud flinging tactics? Distasteful imo.
CypherGate
November 19, 2013 at 14:30
If the money is right they will do it.