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)
Merry Christmas guys!
@ Patch for AC Unity: They really do need to stop rushing games out that aren’t finished, a positive is they at least addressed issues. I never understood the need to rush a game before it was done, the people wanting to buy it are still going to do so even if you need a few more months to fix things. It does looks pretty bad if you have to redo the whole game that’s already been shipped.
@Blizzard gold for time: It does sound like a nice idea for players to pay for their time with the in game money. The article did have in it’s quote that it would cover some of the cost, I’m sure they will limit how much gold you can give so it’s not an entire month free. I’m sure someone will find a way to abuse this though.
@Hatred: Games like this always make me uneasy. Where is the line between artistic trying to get people to experience things and just being gratuitous because you want to be. Should games like Custard’s Last stand be allowed on Steam along with those Nazi games that Jonah mentioned? I think Jonah does have a point with the consequences, if your shown that this is not acceptable behavior, maybe even go so far as to show just how these actions affect the lives of those victims.
I just feel Hatred is more about the killing than trying to get you to see how terrible a thing that is. At least in GTA V when you did the torture scene you were given a speech about how useless and terrible such acts are. You are hunted by the police when you get wanted ratings, you are shown consequences for your actions.
@ last QotW: I’d like to choose the Tarrasque from Dungeon’s and Dragons, the ultimate middle finger to players when the DM wants to tell them they are royally screwed. This mammoth is roughly the size of Mount Everest, spews acid, has massive claw/bite/tail damage. He is the Godzilla of the Mystical realms.
@ This week’s QotW: Yes I have used Humble bundle, and I’m glad it has helped to raise so much money.
Hey Guys, with regards to the questions about connectivity options for older consoles. If it has a RF connection then they will need an RF Modulator. If they have older composite or S-Video (Yellow RCA, or 4 pin connect) then they can check out these product from StarTech.com. They offer both basic converters and up scalers. Yes up scalling will not make the image look better but might enable support with some TVs that do not normally support it.
http://www.startech.com/AV/Converters/Video/