There has been many debates on the graphic level of Diablo 3 and how it should be different. Finally a developer comes out and says “um, no.” Their reasoning is fairly simple, it’s one thing to photoshop up a screenshot with some filters but it’s another to get the texture and lighting to run at that detail on a standard computer.
How do you argue with that? Personally, I think the graphics look wonderful, brilliant, vibrant and professional. Diablo 3 game designer Jay Willson said:
“The key thing to remember here is that this has been Photoshopped. This isn’t created by the engine. Though it looks really cool, it’s almost impossible to do in a 3D engine because you can’t have lighting that smart and run on systems that are reasonable. If we could do that, we probably would in a few of the dungeons.” (slashdot)
Non-developers seem to forget that the colors, cameras and lighting don’t come free on a video game. Everything has limitations and, although the limitations change over time, today’s graphics for a standard machine are capable of running Diablo 3. Blizzard isn’t making a game that only hardcore PC gamers can play, this game is for everyone.
Building a video game is a lot of smoke and mirrors to make a virtual object look “real” to normal gamers. Immersion and definition is important, grainy dark graphics do set a mood, but they also frustrate many players. Remember DOOM 3? Some people could barely see the “epic graphics” of the last DOOM sequel, it’s time to mature and show off true colors.
Darkness usually is used to hide imperfections, Diablo 3 has nothing to hide.
(For a high resolution photo, checkout MTV Multiplayer Blog)
@Super Pitfall
Erm, the youtube video didn’t look THAT bad …
@“Super-slim” PS3 will be a no-show at Gamescom
Meh … not a console user, don’t plan to buy one, not a PS3 at least.
@UbiSoft claims lack of new consoles penalizes creativity
… again with the lack of new consoles? Enough with blaming the hardware manufacturers for the bad choices developers/publishers make. The producers/developers are not being held at gunpoint to release only Call of Duty, it is their damned choice >:(.
Not talking about indies? Why not? How come their creativity isn’t penalized? Or is it that they simply take the plunge?
Rage tanked, yes. Still, kudos to id for at least trying, even if they only got themselves a new game engine.
@Diablo III ‘God mode’ exploit for Wizard discovered
I’m just going to stay away from Blizzard, until they get their act together. Always online DRM, single player game on an MMO platform, really? Really?!
@EA: Nintendo “on track to become primarily a software company”
Yep, always funny reading comments of one company rep. setting a road map for another company …
No question of the week from me.
Gez I think that Blizzard needs to get their act together. They had problems during the beta that weren’t dealt with. But maybe it’s a marketing scam? draw attention to the company just before they are set to release a new WOW expansion?
@Super-slim PS3
Never cared how slim my console is. It’s not a PC. It will run the same games at the same rate as a fat console. Regarding PS3 sitting on the shelves, that’s to be expected. Out of all the consoles currently available (at least in UK) PS3 is still the priciest. Since there is a lack of exclusives nowadays, there is not much difference between PS3 and Xbox 360. Xbox is just cheaper and has Kinect.
@Ubisoft and penalised creativity
I am sick and tired of hearing this argument. We know this console generation overstayed it’s welcome. Why does Ubisoft have to state the obvious that has been stated many times before? Do they want us to storm Microsoft headquarters and demand a new Xbox? Do they think there will be a new Xbox if they tell everyone how bad the industry is feeling? Ubisfot. Sit down. Shut up. Bake Assassin’s Creed 3.
Diablo III “God mode”
You will be surprised at how many glitches/ exploits can pop up in well tested games. Cast yourselves back to the Modern Warfare 2 Javelin glitch. It was discovered a few years after the game was played by millions of people for trillions of hours.
@Nintendo going software only
This argument splits me down the middle. EA has a point. I own a 3DS. I am regretting it. I could have spent my money on more worthwhile things. Like illegal drugs, alcohol and prostitutes. And the WiiU looks dead in the water already. So close to launch and still no price. Most announced titles are games you can play on the Xbox NOW. I hope that Nintendo will pull itself together. But they are led by Japanese old men who seem to live by bushido code and would rather kill their company then give up their franchise to business.
This is all I have this week.
@QOTW: When was the first time that you really got into video games?