Resolutiongate has taken a lot of us by surprise. Once all the DRM and always online issues were removed, the two consoles seemed really similar. Shuhei Yoshida was also surprised at the difference in resolution.
Speaking to Games Industry, Yoshida explains that despite leaks earlier this year about console specs, he was surprised to see such a big difference in performance:
Since the beginning of this year when we saw leaks [about the specs] of next-gen platforms, we immediately knew since the tech specs on PS4 were accurate that the Xbox specifications were likely accurate as well. So we knew at that point that we had much more raw power… So I was hoping from earlier this year that when games come out from third-parties – because that’s the best example, to look at the same game on different platforms – if there’s any slight performance difference on the two systems I’ll be very happy. I wasn’t expecting something like [what happened with] Call of Duty, 720p versus 1080p – that’s a significant difference. Or Battlefield 4, which is 900 versus 720 – 900 requires 50 percent more pixels to be rendered.
Yoshida goes on to explain that while most people probably can’t tell whether they’re looking at something in 720p or 1080p unless they are in the industry or hardware nerds, resolution can make a big difference. For example, shooters on consoles will have greater accuracy due to improved clarity in the graphics while racing games will give an improved draw distance, giving the player greater anticipation for what’s to come. In this way, graphics can have a direct affect on the gameplay experience. He goes on to say that things will continue to improve graphically with the PS4:
There are a lot of hidden powers in our system. You may be familiar with GPGPU and PS4 has a lot more GPGPU processing in it, which is difficult to learn and master, similar to a Cell processor. So every year the games on PS4 will perform better because most of the launch teams probably didn’t use GPGPU – they probably just used core graphics. So when the developers [use more of these] in two to three years the graphics will be really amazing.
I’m curious to see how this all plays out. Personally, I still want both consoles. However, I will be waiting for local launches, which means I will only get an Xbox One next year. I’m curious to see which console I end up using most – that Xbox controller is fantastic, but will it be enough to lure me from the PS4’s graphics? Or will all the kinks be ironed out by the time Xbox One launches in South Africa and both consoles will be nearly identical? I suppose only time will tell.
Last Updated: November 15, 2013
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 15, 2013 at 14:42
I’d be really surprised if devs makes 3rd party games look that different between the systems.
Tarisma
November 15, 2013 at 14:45
Ya unfortunately I think the PS4 will be constantly hamstrung by the Xbone.
ToshZA
November 15, 2013 at 15:17
Which is why exclusives exist. It works the opposite in a marriage though, exclusives produce the worst graphics over time. Best get some third party game hey?
Bradley Schultz
November 15, 2013 at 23:29
I’m sorry? Last of us? Uncharted 3?
Brian Murphy
November 16, 2013 at 00:44
lol, re-read what he said. It was a joke about marriage. 🙂
Bradley Schultz
November 18, 2013 at 18:02
face palm
Brian Murphy
November 18, 2013 at 18:49
Hehe, it’s all good, I had to read it again myself 🙂
RinceandRepeat
November 15, 2013 at 14:49
Agreed. I suspect that very minor differences will be seen, like current gen.
InsanityFlea
November 15, 2013 at 14:48
Only exclusives will. Otherwise everyone else will have one set standard for both platforms.
CAE9872
November 15, 2013 at 15:00
If we had the choice here in SA I think I would have bought the Xbox One first only because it has couple more games I am interested in right this moment. Forza 5 *sniff* So upset about not being able to play that now.
Oh well GT6 will tide me over.
However, will definitely get a PS4 soon after launch (haven’t bothered pre-ordering for the first time in a decade!). Despite all the poor/indifferent reviews I want to play Knack…and Resogun…and Killzone SF.
Will be very interesting to see how both consoles stack up in 2 or 3 years time. Will that difference get smaller…larger? What impact can cloud servers for Xbox One really make?
Interesting times.
RinceandRepeat
November 15, 2013 at 15:01
Agreed. To be honest, I am sure they both are actually going to rock. All fanyboy BS aside, it’s good for us to have options, and it’s good for them to have competition. I hope you get your Forza 5 🙂
TiMsTeR1033
November 15, 2013 at 15:02
Pah the cloud is a sad excuse to help a weaker console perform… If they really are going to use that as a trump card, then it will be a very very sad time for Ms and a happy fantastic time for Sony.
CAE9872
November 15, 2013 at 15:18
Although I agree, those, what was it, 300 000 servers in MS must have been put there for some future use. Multiplayer gaming doesn’t need all that! That is mucho (said in your best Mexican…or is it Spanish) bucks so yeah I think it will/can become a factor.
I do prefer all my bits in one place though ala PS4.
But by then PS4 could have Gaikai up and running properly. There will be teething problems sure, but if they can get that to work. Its just another +1 to their armoury!
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
November 15, 2013 at 16:39
YOSP is so freaking awesome! I wish he was my dad.
Brian Murphy
November 15, 2013 at 18:00
Both machines have enough power to show us some amazing games this gen, the quicker devs can get used to the resources they have at their disposal the better. Can’t wait to see what the future brings!