Battlefield 4 Could Be Deliberately Downgraded For The PlayStation 4

Eskimo Press: "Battlefield 4 is one of the most anticipated first-person shooter games of both current and next-gen consoles. Despite running on 6 year old tech, like the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the game still looks amazing. But it's the next-gen versions that people are truly excited about (that is to say you are not a PC gamer). Unfortunately, after seeing both next-gen versions in action I was a little disappointed. At first glance, the Xbox One version looked better. This didn't sit right with me, so I did some research... and my findings were very peculiar."

[Xwow2008]

Its not downgraded its just DF digital foundry face off was so bad that made the xbox sometimes looks as good or better than both PC and ps4 version(same with ign but not as bad as DF).

See jackfrags videos in youtube, The ps4 MP really looks better than the xbox one SP.

[FiLTHY ESKiMO]

In the video posted in the article, you can clearly see some effects completely missing from the PlayStation 4 version. I guess the author's speculation is that those effects weren't added (or maybe removed) on the PlayStation 4 because it can't handle it, but rather to keep the graphical difference between both next generation consoles minimal.

But she is right. It is very peculiar that the Xbox One is running BF4 on a (almost) sub-HD resolution; 1080x720p.

[Xwow2008]

The Xbox one is the 1 missing effects like the AO.

[monkeyDzoro]

She believed those effects were removed, not because PS4 can't handle it, BUT to narrow the gap between the nearly sub-HD X1 version and the PS4 version, since EA and MS are now sleeping together.

[raWfodog]

Maybe MS has their multiplatform game policy in effect that stipulates no multiplatform game can look better on another console. They had it for the current gen (360), maybe they have it for the X1 also.

[123pol]

xwow2008 ... both ps4 and xbone is missing AO

[Elzer]

Producing more detail in exchange to lowering the resoultuion then upscaling the final product in result producing a much better quality game, upscaled 1080p > native 1080p.

It's called "trade offs" do some research and stop defending the PS4 In every way you can.

Xbox one has better dept detail. It's fact. And it's not just contrast. It has better shaders overall. People can complain it looks to dark all they want.

If 720p will be the final resolution for xbox one version's of battlefield I can only conclude that just like RYSE they didn't "downgrade" to 900p, they choose to for trade offs in making the game look much better. The recent ryse footage looks way better than the E3 build which claimed it was running at native 1080p compared to its final state of 900p. Game looks crazy! Xbox one has crazy good upscalers. Look it up its "fact!"

[MrPerfect813]

WTF is 1080x720p... how does one get that resolution :-)

[FiLTHY ESKiMO]

1280 x 720! Sorry... wow... that sucked :)

[SanMarco]

Heres the real difference. Paid vs the Truth. These websites all get paid to sway peeps in favor of the person who pays them.

The truth comes from the youtubers. JackFrags and other fellow youtubers were invited to DICE personally to give honest facts on the final product. unbiased. PC elitist.

They all agree both versions are great! but a slight edge to PS4.

[pedrof93]

@Elzer

Better dept detail ? Better shaders ?

I want what you're smoking.

Do you know whats a fact ?

The capture system weren't the same. Search yesterday posts.

LOL upscaled 1080 is better than native ? Whatever.

Every reviewer SAID THAT PS4 VERSION WAS SUPERIOR, EVERY SINGLE ONE.They went even saying that Ps4 was close to PC.
I understand that at a first look (on the videos posted on youtube) X1 version looks better, thats because "The capture system weren't the same."

This is all based on facts, not fanboyism.

[G20WLY]

Nobody should give this trash site the hits it's so clearly hungry for. Offer proof or GTFO.

All they do is troll and bait for clicks, offering no worthwhile information, but instead inflammatory speculation.

Mr X, watch your back, these guys want your crown...

[lsujester]

Not only are some effects missing, but some things are completely changed like your character's camo style and how the clouds are black instead of white.

To me, it almost looks like DICE didn't try that hard in making the PS4 version. Whether it was due to some deal with MS (entirely possible) or laziness on DICE's part (also possible), I don't know.

I understand that it's a different API and slightly different hardware, but some things are so blatantly different between versions that you wonder if they even bothered to work on the PS4 version at all past getting it past some arbitrary "good enough" level.

[Ashunderfire86]

Look at the video again. Its the X1 version that is missing detail, like the camouflage design from the main character on the PS4 version. You see very little camouflage design on the X1 version(Just Look at his sleeves while he holds the gun). There is a lot more clouds in the PS4 version than the X1 version.

http://i.minus.com/ib0gOrDz...
http://i.imgur.com/HWb79lR....

[VENOMACR1227]

IDK why it even matters. I mean come on, the game looks AWESOME on both systems. If your buying a PS4, game looks great. Buying is on X1, game looks great. So who cares? I'm buying an X1, it doesnt matter to me if the shadows or the lighting is slightly better on the PS4. The gameplay will be the same on both systems and honestly, your too busy flying a jet, driving a tank, blowing up buildings, and getting shot at to stop and look at a crane or a wall and go "ya know what, that could be smoother. I bet the PS4/X1 looks better." It's so miniscule who really cares as long as your version looks good and plays good.

[Jazz4108]

how does proving articles like this help this gaming communuty. It doesnt and a divided house will fall. If you really care quit giving eskemofat hits and many other known hate rumor sites the time of day. There is more to life then which console performs game better.

[Hicken]

It makes it harder for companies to get away with lying to us. Which means they have to be truthful. Which means we don't get screwed over. So they have to produce better products to earn our money.

It SHOULD work out that way, anyway. But too many people are willing to believe the lies, anyway.

[GribbleGrunger]

Yeah, it wasn't downgraded at all. It's just that suddenly lower framerates, lower resolution, less effects and excessive aliasing are ok as long as you have a higher contrast, even though it causes crushed blacks. EXTRAORDINARY!

[Pintheshadows]

It is quite mind boggling.

[GribbleGrunger]

It just got worse though. Wait til the COD: Ghost news hits N4Gs, if it hasn't already

[trywizardo]

im reading and laughing you guys made my day , sonybots are really amusing these days
well carry on , keep it up i won't bother you

[tigertom53]

AO effects on xbox one said they will be added in the final version plus more effects, so xbox one version is still not final code from what the developers said. we still need to wait until it is released...

[BoriboyShoGUN]

both consoles are receiving an update at launch for the visuals!

[Withdreday]

And? 1080p > 720p

End of story.

[tigertom53]

I guess you can say that with the news of Call of Duty Ghost

[FITgamer]

IGN just posted a Xbox One MP video it looks terrible. Part of me feels like it's actually 360 gameplay.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[popup]

The short of it is that the devs could easily make the PS4 version technically match the Xbox One (freeing up plenty of previously used resources). Just don't ask them to try it the other way around.

Low settings, Sharpness +9, Saturation +4, Contrast +3, fingers crossed.

[xboned_you]

Lol they will say anything to sleep better at night I see! Xbox version looked better and it was an older build compared to the PS4 version so just imagine the final product! GDDR WHAT?

[GarrusVakarian]

Is your entire purpose on this website to troll?

The X1 version looked better IN YOUR OPINION. My opinion is that the PS4 version was better looking. See, opinions are fun!

The PS4 screenshots ive seen look really washed out but the JackFrags gameplay ive seen of the PS4 multiplayer didn't look washed out or blurry at all. It looked crisp and smooth as butter with vivid colours. Watch it for yourself. I call BS, the PS4 version runs at a higher framerate (indisputable) and a higher resolution (indisputable).

Also, i don't think there is anyone less biased on the internet than JackFrags, he is a PC gamer mainly and frequently says how he doesn't care for console fanboys or bias. So naturally, i would rather take his opinion that he PS4 version looks better and his footage and judge that over other sources.

And i think all of us can agree that Digital Foundry has lost all its credibility now. So judging the game based off what DF has shown doesn't make any sense to me.....

@Xboned

"Even with that being said the Xbox one version is still cleaner more vivid and has better textures! "

Did you even read my comment? JackFrags has PS4 MP gameplay that shows the game not looking blurry or washed out at all.

[Ketzicorn]

Anyone that's not blind agrees with you.

[Xsilver]

true on Jackfrags vids the PS4 didn't look washed out or blurry so idk know whats going on with DF.

[FiLTHY ESKiMO]

The author forgot to mention that the PS4 version is also up-scaled to 1080p via software. The results are far from impressive; muddy textures and washed-out colours. This could explain some of the differences, but the entire lack of certain effects is unacceptable, in my opinion. I really doubt that it is because the PlayStation 4 cannot handle it because, trust me, KillZone Shadow Fall well proved what the PS4 is capable of.

[xboned_you]

You mad or real mad? Cause you edited your comment like 3x! Even with that being said the Xbox one version is still cleaner more vivid and has better textures! Numbers are only half the story (indisputable)

[scott182]

I actually prefer the more natural colors and lighting on the PS4 version, it's a lot like the PC version. I thought at first I liked the X1 version more, but it is almost fake it is so dark in some places, why did they make it like that? And distant objects in screenshots are smooth on the PS4 version and not on the X1 version. Just some things I have noticed.

[FlunkinMonkey]

So PS4 was running at a higher resolution, had AA (One had NONE), and every single CRITIC has said the PS4 is superior.. You need to take a step back and take an objective viewpoint.

Another toddler hiding behind his 5/6/7th account.. Like a schizophrenic on N4G except every single one of you is acting like they haven't lost their virginity.

"GDDR WHAT"? Here we go.. Clueless buffoonery . You have no idea what you are talking about do you? (No need to respond).

You guys on the MS camp really are trying hard after being made to look utterly stupid wk in wk out.. It's like any slither of 'good' news you get, you clutch on for dear life. You are so desperate to get some good news that you fabricate it.. Utterly bizarre.

[monkeyDzoro]

@filthyeskimo

What you seem NOT to understand is : the footage in the video uploaded in this article was botched by DF. Idk what happened but they f*ckde with their capturing devices. They admitted it THEIRSELVES.

You've seen JackFrags vids ? Those vids were damn beautiful, even the X1 version. And there wasnt washed colors, or blurry textures on PS4 for BF4... multiplayer ! And one knows that MP is always a bit downgraded compared to SP.
That, imo, implies the SP looks even better. PS4 MP was on par (a tiny bit above) X1 BF4 singleplayer.

DF have been very keen on defending X1 hardware lately. Many "damage control" PR talk/interview posted on their sites. And one could legitimately ask himself, whether or not, they screwed those vids ON PURPOSE.

[FiLTHY ESKiMO]

John's statement about botched upload was retracted. Their findings still stand, Monkey.

http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

[monkeyDzoro]

You are so dumb. Why would they retract it so rapidly ? A "so-called" progamer site, not even able to match an individual (JackFrags) when it comes to capturing vids ? There is a problem, a huge one.
Dont know who is the real monkey between both of us. My username has "monkey" in it, but it appears you ARE the true one.

[Ketzicorn]

Didn't they already have an article about how DF botched their upload? So why are we still using their information?

[GarrusVakarian]

Exactly, deliberately darkened X1 and upscaled PS4 footage that made it look blurry. Every gaming critic is saying that the PS4 version looks better but because ONE website shows the X1 version looking better then that's the opinion that X1 fans are hanging onto and completely ignoring the others.

[StrangerX]

They were both upscaled to1080p, no excuses

[FiLTHY ESKiMO]

Hi Ketz. DF retracted John's statement about a botched upload. Their findings still stand, and they are still very curious about the differences between the two.

New freelancer John Linneman made comments online suggesting that the workflow was in error and that there wasn't time to correct it. We love John, but he wasn't privy to the workflow of last week's events, nor involved in any of the internal discussions we had. While his heart was in the right place, his post doesn't accurately reflect the facts as they stand and they are certainly not official comment from Digital Foundry.

My source: http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

[Ketzicorn]

So they retracted a retraction? Sounds like a reliable source there.

[venom06]

stupid article trying to start a flamewar... useless.. DICE has already said they're downgrading anything... this author is a SONY FANBOY thats dissapointed that his choice systme IS NOT much better looking than the XBOX 1

[itisallaboutps]

To keep it short. Xbox one gives the impression that it looks better because of the cheap dirty lighting trick, Hell I thought the textures also looked better, but uf you get up close and personal they aren't. the ps4 is the winner here.

[ramiuk1]

gotta agree with jackfrags .
ps4 version looks awesome,better than xbone.

but ffs people it looks good on both systems and we all gonna enjoy it.
ps4 for me though cannot wait,29th is so close now

[hollabox]

I thought it was not my eyesight, I started seeing articles saying the PS4 version looks way better than the XB1. Checked the videos and screenshots and got to wondering what the hell are people talking about looks way better? PS4 version looked washed out and blurry, DF capture of the XB1 made it look worse with black crush and it still looked slightly better than the PS4 version.

But overall I do give the advantage to the PS4 version as of right now. Higher resolution, more effects, more stable frame rates, and longer draw distance. PS4 is simply doing more per frame while maintaining higher frame rates. On top of that the XB1 lacks AA from the looks of it, but the textures were noticeably sharper. When XB1 gets AO and can keep framerates stable, it will probably be the clear winner. Otherwise for people who are strictly graphics junkies just get the PC version of the game, end of story.

[SIX]

Probably not what this article is talking about but I'm almost certain this game could have been done at 1080p on the PS4.

[dethpuck]

At 30 fps maybe this ain't killzone

[Naga]

There as absolutely nothing substantive in that article at all. They didn't find anything. They just speculate and posit that the findings are just weird.

"Though I hate to sound like a conspiracy theorist it is no big secret that EA and Microsoft have a really good relationship. EA have been known for favoring Microsoft's consoles with certain releases, and their new partnership is even more reason for EA to be interested in Microsoft's success"

You know you are reading piss-poor journalism when ^^THAT^^ is the entire basis of such a bold claim.

[jhoward585]

The blurriness might be caused by the incapability of the capture card used to record the ps4 bf4.

Or it could be that the X1 has a built in contrast image enhancer software for recording gamely footage.

Or it might be that the x1 directx 11 is fully compatible and the ps4 is not fully compatible.

[Naga]

Or it could be that both systems are up-converting to 1080p, and the up-converter in the Xbox One does a better job.

[hollabox]

That makes the most sense, Sony upscalers has always lagged behind MS. I tried The Last of Us on the PS3 in 1080I and talk about a blurry mess. Well I guess I don't know but do the PS3 or PS4 have hardware upscaling? Or is it all done in software?

[urwifeminder]

I think dx11 may be a factor myself cheers.

[Neonridr]

It wouldn't make much sense for EA to "downgrade" the PS4 version. Why would they want to make an inferior version for that console? So they don't hurt the other consoles feelings? Developers aren't going to be shy about pointing out the fact that the PS4 will have more going for it, and it will show in their games.

Playing this game on your large 50" HDTV will show much larger differences than what you saw on a small youtube video that was probably showing at 720p anyways...

Maybe 900p was all the developers could get out of the PS4 this early in its development.. 1080p for one game doesn't mean it's automatically better than 900p on another if that engine is pushing more particles, polygons, effects, etc..

[Sci0n]

If your highest paying business demands parody or better and offers more cash a money hungry company like dice and EA will of course accept that offer.

[Neonridr]

You could very well be right... I was merely suggesting that without a "payout" there would be no logical sense for EA to make the PS4 version inferior. They make money regardless of what platform the game sells on.

I would have to think that MS paying EA to make the PS4 version only so much better is an illegal practice and one that I would be surprised EA would openly take.

I think as the development continues on both of these consoles, games will naturally look better. This is only their first efforts on the console. Just because they were unable to do 1080p doesn't mean that the companies weren't trying..

No offense but with a graphics card equivalent to a Radeon 7850 or so on the PS4, I am not surprised they can't do 1080p unless they sacrifice some effects or run it on lower settings (maybe equivalent to Medium on PC). I have a 7870 Ghz Edition and on Ultra settings I can usually get in the 50-60 fps range, so I can't expect a console with a GPU that isn't as powerful to do the same.

Again, I don't know how intensive the FB3 engine is, since KZ apparently can do 1080p/60fps natively...

[MrPerfect813]

But i dont think anyone, even microsoft would pay money and then end up on the short end of the stick with the ps4 being 900p and x1 being 720p and call that parity.

[Supermax]

What is jackfrags never herd of it.ive been a gamer for 30 years and never herd of a jackfrags in the gameing industry.

[GarrusVakarian]

He is a youtuber, plays alot of Battlefield. He has many gameplay videos of Battlefield 4 multiplayer on the PS4 and it doesnt look blurry or washed out at all like the Digital Foundry footage did.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

That look washed out or blurry to anyone here? Didn't think so.

[Sci0n]

while jack frags vids show the truth I still don't know if I trust EA or dice enough to buy the game for my PS4. I think microsoft will shell out extra cash this gen to get certain developers to utilize tricks to make there version seem equal or better then the competition. Some of those comparisons images even made the PC version look bad compared to the inferior X1 so you knew something fishy was going on. I just will feel more comfortable purchasing Killzone 4 as my first game because I honestly don't know if microsofts cash antics will hinder the competition regarding multiplats this gen like it did last gen.

[dethpuck]

Tricks or Really good programming. I guess dice making battlefield run on 8 year old hardware is a trick too. It's about trade offs. Effects verses framerate

[felidae]

and the XB1 version will look even better when they add the missing effects!

[Sci0n]

I keep telling yall microsoft is shady and shiesty as hell that's why I want them out the industry they are a cancer. Even with these latest BF4 sceens you can still see the PS4 version looks better but just knowing the images was altered and the X1 even overshadow the PC the lead platform for BF4 makes you wonder whats going on behind the scenes.

[Shadonic]

they both look great to me

[Whitey2k]

If it has just shows how sad and pathetic EA is and how much like it up the bum by MS but isnt it true that all multiplat games try n look the same the only test of strenth on games is the first party studios

[Pintheshadows]

Eskimo press, the same website that claimed there would be no single player DLC for GTA5. Uh huh.

[sigfredod]

I don't think so, i consider that Dice did a great job with bf4 on the PS4, having in consideration that they had first all his effort on the pc version, then worked to optimize for the consoles, so with the given time for polish i think they did good, now about the bone version looking better that she saw, i wonder what is she smoking? lol

[Supermax]

Did you say this jackfrags is a youtuber a true becon of gameing journalism.

[digger18]

There is no way on Gods earth would any Xbox one version of a game look better than the PS4's version, unless MS put in a new GPU to match the PS4's

[Sci0n]

look at microsofts practices over time though with console gaming guys. Instead of shelling out cash to forumlate there own IP gaming studios they would much rather give infinity ward or activision millions to say the multiplats run better and look the best on there consoles. I just think it goes deeper then marketing with them and certain gaming studios. The PS3 was more complexed and harder to develope for but it got easier over time and some multiplat devs got fat and lazy and was complacent after receiving checks from microsoft and didn't care to try to optimize the PS3 version of some games. PS4 is so beastly and easy to develope for so we better not see any excuses or BS from multiplat developers.

[Matt666]

and here comes the fan boy BS, you have to remember people YouTube decompresses the videos anyway making them look worse then what they are both look good, for what ever console your getting it for.

[DevilishSix]

Wouldn't surprise me as it seems EA is given special treatment to MS.

[christocolus]

lmao....what an article.

[MasterCornholio]

They could have made the game exactly the same on both systems but they didn't which is why the PS4 version looks better than the Xbox One version the same happened with Call of Duty Ghosts.

Nexus 7 2013

[BG11579]

Is EA trying to justify parity between the PS4 and Xbox?
I wonder how much Microsoft is paying for that?

[StrangerX]

Hi Pedro, to be honest I understand your point but I think it was a little unfair to review a Final PS4 build to a unfinished Xbox One build lacking features and updates and bug fixes. But I do find weird that even thou jacks review mentions this Xbox One build to be 720p native, the developer DiCE hasn't even said that it's confirmed or that it's official at launch. Which makes me wander that this day one updates might bump the resolution to the Xbox version the way you could change resolution fidelity on PC. I guess we will see right after launch updates. Good day! :-)

[Belking]

Excuses excuses....lol,COD superior on ps4. BF4 superior on xb1. I think xb gamers would take that trade off anyday.

[iistuii]

Oh god, now you all think Microsoft are going around to developers & telling them to mess up the PlayStation versions of games to make the Xbox look better OMG, can you hear yourselves. Do me a favor, your all going mad. The facts are both consoles, X1 more so, are still pretty weak & are struggling to hit native 1080p. I would have thought a proper next gen console would be hitting 1080 60FPS in every game from the beginning, especially how developers are telling everyone how simple they are to develop for. There's just not the power there you all hoped for.I remember when the 360 came out it was wow, it was better than top PC's, these new ones are behind already, imagine in another 8 years.

[Gamer666]

I don't see what's wrong with either version. They both look like play and look awesome.

If these are going to be the differences this gen then gamers from both consoles will enjoy their purchases.

[Hercules189]

But X1 version is missing a couple clouds and has blurry cables that are only noticabe when you pause the game, completely unplayable and should be avoided at all costs because looking at the environment to spot minimal differences is much more important that working with your team.

[AnthonyJrWTF]

I love your words.

[windblowsagain]

PS4 floodzone

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

PC floodzone

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

PS4 is spot on with PC version.

[Man_Son]

Maybe Microsoft was telling the truth about the ESRAM

[FuturePerspective]

Another article funded by Microsoft in their attempt at hitting Sony where it hurts. Everyone who was at the Battlefield review event has stated that the PS4 version looked better; even on Multiplayer. Might I add that the Xbox One has yet to hit native 1080p on any game, exclusive included, other than Forza 5.

[hkgamer]

It's strange, looks like the PS4 version has different textures.

http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

Look at some of the textures, especially the floor textures, the ps4 is different to the Xbone or PC.

[AnthonyJrWTF]

Really did a lot of research, especially noting the X1 "software up-scaler." It's hardware-based, which is why it gives an edge over Sony's software scaler. Don't open an article explaining how deep you dove - if you're only going to stare at the surface and make assumption.

There's no real merit here, move along. A secret money / resolution war is about the wildest pipe-dream I've read during this entire debate. Even if it made any sense, Microsoft would have paid for more engineers to help fill out the X1 build quicker, from a fiscally-viable standpoint.

Do you all understand that we're crying over the shape and color of blades of grass and distant lights zoomed in 300%? Why are we still talking about contrast ratios when we've been told the DF capture system wasn't setup properly for the X1? Has anyone watched the IGN video? They booth look gorgeous.