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1080p is a must for next-gen: No it isn't

Recently there was news concerning the Xbox One and the upcoming Call of Duty: Ghosts game that for many, was disheartening to say the least. From threats of cancelling system pre-orders to extreme bouts of nerd-rage, and enough virtual facepalms to make one's head completely cave in, the internet exploded to the extent that you'd think Activision officially announced that smallpox infected blankets would be shipping with the Xbox One versions. Unfortunately, nothing that drastic has happened to warrant such extreme behavior, and instead it's just news that the Xbox One version of the upcoming Call of Duty Ghosts will be 720p, compared to 1080p native on the PS4.

In light of this "tragic" news, I'd like to address the recent notion that 1080p is a "must" for next-gen gaming....it isn't...1080p is not some "holy grail," mandatory accomplishment that games must meet in order to be considered "next-gen." It is little more than an arbitrary technicality cooked up by the community, largely due to moving goalpost mentalities and wishful thinking. Graphics or resolution alone is not some guideline to base whether or not a game achieves "next-gen" status, and if you think otherwise, then quite frankly, you're wrong. I don't doubt that games will release in 1080p, as some games already are, but to apply this short-sighted way of thinking to every single game? If that's the case, then frankly, you are in for some disappointment.

The notion that in 2013, 1080p, or more importantly, 1080p/60fps, should be a standard in gaming, is again, largely wishful thinking. This level of gaming can be standard, if you have the power, and frankly the new systems do not, as is evident by games being announced at less than 1080p and/or 60fps on both systems. If we were discussing high-end PC's, then these arguments would carry much more weight, but we are speaking of modestly priced, retail entertainment devices. The fact is this - the new systems, regardless how "next-gen" many expect them to be, are still using dated tech before they even release, that can't even achieve 1080p on certain older titles, with or without max settings enabled. Even in instances where games do achieve this goal, sacrifices are likely going to have be made elsewhere to do so.

If you choose a lesser medium in terms of graphics/processing power, then you should except lesser results, it's really that simple. You can point the finger and cry "PC elitism," but really it's just being rational. You can't buy a Hybrid based on preference, and then demand it performs like a Ferrari, and then cry foul when it doesn't. Anyone suggesting that any game that gets released on a $400-500 device, cannot be considered "next-gen" if it is anything less than 1080p, or even more demanding, 1080/60fps, is naive and out of touch with reality, especially considering all the other (arguably) more important factors that can contribute to a game being "next-gen," which is a little more than a buzzword itself, with no definitive meaning.

If none of the games released on the new consoles achieved 1080p, they could still easily qualify as next-gen, due to other aspects, such as better performance, new, innovative ideas or added features. Battlefield 4 is a good example of this. Is it running at 1080p? No, not on either system, but both versions are running at 60fps, and have 64 player servers, as well as advanced features such as Battlescreen That is an example of "next-gen" in gaming, despite lacking 1080p resolution. In relation to COD Ghosts, both versions will have the same campaign, the same multiplayer, the same features and both will be running at 60fps. Players will equally be having fun on both versions, despite the apparent doomsday revelation that the Xbox One version will only be running at 720p...

It seems that the console community has become increasingly close-minded and superficial in their views, to the point that they seem to have forgotten why they play games in the first place - for fun. Why is it that when discussing graphics in a PC vs console format, graphics don't matter as much and it's all about the games, but once it becomes a matter of console vs console, graphics take center stage as proponents from each side engage in a blood lust fueled fervor? 720p, 1080p, who really cares? Games are going to be equally enjoyed by players on both consoles, so why turn it into a chest pounding ego-fest? Why does it always have to result in a "console war"? There are many people who will be purchasing both consoles for their love of games, so it seems trivial to pick sides and fight tooth and nail for your preferred platform. If it's the prettiest games running at smooth framerates that is needed to justify your purchase, then again, you are on the wrong platform, since we have been achieving this for years on PC. If it's other aspects that lead you to choose console gaming, such as functionality, exclusives, controllers, etc. than focus on those aspects and leave it at that.

HonestDragon4256d ago

"Why is it that when discussing graphics in a PC vs console format, graphics don't matter as much and it's all about the games, but once it becomes a matter of console vs console, graphics take center stage as proponents from each side engage in a blood lust fueled fervor?"

Well said, but in terms of the console vs console part with graphics, you can add exclusive games and company history to that list. You will have fanboys on either camp saying that the PS4 and Xbox One "don't have any games", which translated means "their games are inferior to MY console's games". Then there is also the favored jabbing of company history. The big blunders if you will. People love to harp on the shutdown of PSN without knowing the facts of what happened. People also love to reference Microsoft's deal with the NSA with sharing customer information. While both instances are serious, it shouldn't alter a person's perception of the company as a whole.

I think that the reason why so many people are talking about better fps and resolution per a game is just to boost the console they are getting this month. It could be a case of classic fanboyism or obsession with graphics. If anyone shares my view when it comes to video games, we would appreciate video games for being a good quality game as opposed to having the best graphics ever.

Why else are gamers (including myself) still playing hit games from ten to twenty yeas ago? Not because they have intense graphics, but because they are good games. Sure, technology is advancing, but that doesn't mean we can't look back and appreciate what was there. I play games to experience interesting, fun, and great games, not for how realistic something looks.

darthv724256d ago

A great game is a great game regardless of the specs.

A bad game is a bad game regardless of the specs.

What defines great/bad is the passion and creative development behind the game....not the specs.

The specs are a guideline that developers use to gauge their project and know how much they have to work with. i have seen some amazing things done with lesser hardware and some really crappy efforts put into better hardware.

TopDudeMan4256d ago

I totally agree. I was playing Terraria in 480p on my Netbook and still think it was one of the better games of last generation.

The 1080p thing is just another thing for fanpersons to bitch about. If I'm playing a bad game I don't think "well, at least it runs at 1080p".

It's desirable, not a necessity.

HonestDragon4256d ago

Exactly. We should be looking at a game on its own merits (gameplay, sound, plot, controls), not for the specs. For example, Battlefield 4 will play same and be the same on all platforms it's on. No resolution, frame rate, or video card can change that game's presentation or modes. Like you said, "specs are a guideline".

pixelsword4256d ago (Edited 4256d ago )

"Why is it that when discussing graphics in a PC vs console format, graphics don't matter as much and it's all about the games, but once it becomes a matter of console vs console, graphics take center stage as proponents from each side engage in a blood lust fueled fervor?"

Why is it that when people say "PC graphics" all of a sudden every PC that ever existed can do 4k, 1000fps?

PC graphics are arbitrary and variable, and the people who experience the most exceptional versions of PC graphics are the minority.

The average PC player doesn't fare much better tha PS3 or 360, and when that standard rises, it'll be no different than a PS4 or Xbox One.

MidnytRain4255d ago (Edited 4255d ago )

pixelsword

What I find interesting is that many times the cost of the machine and the install base has nothing to do with the topic. People like to talk about "1% of PCs" as some sort of attack when it's not even relevant.

pixelsword4255d ago (Edited 4254d ago )

@ MidnytRain:

Well, yeah; it's not relevant:

When people talk about such a small percentage of their gaming audience pretending that they're 100%, they totally skew the conversation, plus overlooking the needs of the average PC gamer.

Skizelli4254d ago (Edited 4254d ago )

@darthv72: Well said. Those who disagreed with you shouldn't be allowed to call themselves gamers.

@pixelsword: "Why is it that when people say "PC graphics" all of a sudden every PC that ever existed can do 4k, 1000fps?"

When people say "PC graphics," they're talking about what PCs are capable of right now, regardless of its install base. He made a valid point. PC games have been pushing higher resolutions than consoles for as long as I can remember, but fanboys choose to ignore these things unless it suits their argument.

pixelsword4254d ago (Edited 4254d ago )

"When people say "PC graphics," they're talking about what PCs are capable of right now, regardless of its install base."

Well, you actually made my point because PCs are also capable of making graphics as good as a PS3/PS4 right now, and the needs of those people aren't being addressed; irregardless of the install base. Seeing that most PC players won't play with the graphics and settings the minorities will have the privilege of playing with, this is tantamount to bullshots to the average PC gamer, but that is never addressed; they actually will never see what a game will look like with average settings.

It's the biggest crock in gaming.

Skizelli4254d ago (Edited 4254d ago )

"Well, you actually made my point because PCs are also capable of making graphics as good as a PS3/PS4 right now, and the needs of those people aren't being addressed."

I'd have to disagree. The needs of PC gamers are being addressed just fine. I can name numerous multiplat games from this generation that looked significantly better on PC than their console counterparts (Dead Space series, Batman Arkham series, Battlefield series, the list goes on). PS4 may rival what's been more than possible on PC for a while now, but "PC graphics" will continue to evolve, and before you know it consoles will be behind again.

I'm not saying PC is better than console, as I'm a fan of both. I'm just being realistic.

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 4254d ago
DragonKnight4256d ago

"Why is it that when discussing graphics in a PC vs console format, graphics don't matter as much and it's all about the games, but once it becomes a matter of console vs console, graphics take center stage as proponents from each side engage in a blood lust fueled fervor?"

Because PC and consoles aren't on equal footing. There is no way a console can compete with PCs in terms of graphics, but when two consoles are pitted against each other (especially if they are so close in specs) then you're talking about two devices that CAN compete with each other.

I mean, I could say "Why is it when talking about exclusive games in a PC vs Console discussion, graphics are all that matters..." couldn't I?

HammadTheBeast4256d ago

The problem isn't expecting 1080p and 60 fps. It's not the whole deal at all. The problem, is that a system that costs $100 less than the competitor is out-performing it. That, is the real problem.

DaGR8JIBRALTAR4255d ago (Edited 4255d ago )

precisely...and furthermore I don't see why all of a sudden the gaming community are the bad guys for wanting and expecting more out of next-gen systems. I bet if the shoe were on the other foot though...

HammadTheBeast4255d ago

It's ironic, since the PS3 got tons of hate for not out-performing the 360 by a lot at the price that it was.

Skizelli4254d ago (Edited 4254d ago )

Yeah, and people seem to forget that PS3 cost $600 when it came out, yet most multiplats ended up playing better on 360 throughout their lifespans. Power isn't everything. The PS4 isn't even out yet and we already have a review for a 1080p game with framerate issues that the other ports don't seem to have.

And I say this as someone who's getting a PS4 first, so don't get your panties in a wad, fanboys.

ThatCanadianGuy5144254d ago (Edited 4254d ago )

^

"The PS4 isn't even out yet and we already have a review for a 1080p game with framerate issues that the other ports don't seem to have. "

Might want to check up on that.
http://n4g.com/news/1388010...

Skizelli4254d ago

^

Thanks for the correction. That article was nowhere to be found last night when I posted my previous comment. Seems to be a crappy game in general. They even re-used a cut-scene from MW2.

http://www.computerandvideo...

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4254d ago
H0RSE4251d ago (Edited 4251d ago )

The "problem" you are bringing up has nothing to do with the piece I wrote. You are injecting your own concerns into a discussion where they aren't even a talking point. This blog is not Xbox vs PS4 piece - it is my opinions on an issue(s) that is taking place in the community in general, and is not exclusive to either console, so please don't turn the comment section into yet another battleground or soapbox, okay?

HammadTheBeast4251d ago

Well, your blog is discussing 1080p on next gen,which is 2.5 consoles, and the blog picture is that of a PS4 game stacked against an XBO game.

The game, BF4, stirred controversy and dispute over not being 1080p on either platform, but higher on one, so in the end it does become a "vs." thing as much as we try to stop it. In the coming weeks it only gets worse.

H0RSE4251d ago (Edited 4251d ago )

I understand how it can be a "vs" thing with you, or others, or even the community as a whole, but that isn't the point. My point was that it doesn't and isn't a "vs" thing in this blog, so bringing up the topic, is actually off-topic.

I chose the pic for my blog, because it shows a game that serves as a good example where a game can achieve "next-gen" status, despite not being 1080p on either platform - I explain this in more detail in the blog. Although the point you make is valid, it is an entirely different discussion, regardless how related it may be to this one.

The last paragraph of the blog should be be sufficient enough to see that it was never about choosing sides, so stop trying to shoehorn your personal opinions in and make it an "us vs them" debate.

memots4256d ago

This i don't agree, 1080p looks nicer that is a fact.

My issue is with 30fps versus 60fps. This to me its a non issue since forever there are only a few games that hit 60fps and it didn't add that much to the game. Did i enjoy less The last of Us, Mgs2/3/4, God/gear of War or Halo because they were 30fps >? Nope.

HammadTheBeast4255d ago

Depends on the genre. For FPS type games which require quick reflexes and mechanics, 60 fps is nice. For more cinematic games, like TPS action adventures, it's not really all that necessary.

It's always better, but not necessary.

mp12894253d ago

completely agree, 60fps is for competitive multiplayer were every reflex counts. This is why guerrilla was smart to use 30fps on single/60 on multiplayer.

MRMagoo1234256d ago

I guess it matters to anyone but the ppl that are getting an xbox one only, most ppl getting both will want to know which console has the best performance and that will be the ps4 so they will get it for that. The gameplay will be directly influenced by console performance as well, by drops in frame rates, it would be nice to just hide it all under the rug so the xbox one fans didnt have to hear it, but thats the way it is.

Putting the shoe on the other foot , if it was the ps4 getting the multiplats in 720p and the xbox one getting them in 1080p i would be pissed with Sony and would probably switch to the xbox one, but luckily i dont have to.

newflesh4256d ago

Some nice valid writing you did here I agree with. 1080p doesn't make a game next gen at all. I'd rather have 720p and 60 fps with more physics and detail in exchange

MRMagoo1234255d ago (Edited 4255d ago )

Yet with the ps4 you get "more physics and detail" and you also get 1080p with 60fps, there is no trade off. Thats the thing ppl are failing to see, take cod for example like it or hate it (the game i mean not the point im gonna make) you get the exact same game on the xbox one as you do on the ps4 no extra bells or whistles but the ps4 is doing it all at 1080p, there is no downgrade of effects or textures, so why not have both if your machine can do it, and why not call it was it is an advantage.

Convas4255d ago

If every game on PS4 was running 1080p60, you'd have a point, but that's not the case so, there are definitely trade-offs on the PS4.

And if you think devs will stop putting purty, eye-pleasing graphics at a higher priority than achieving 1080p60, you've got a rude awakening coming.

Show all comments (36)
170°

Death Stranding 2 Beats Mario Kart World in UK Games Sales Charts

Tamagotchi Plaza debuts in a very low position while Death Stranding 2 soars in the UK games sales charts.

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CrimsonWing693h ago

Damn, that’s actually saying a lot.

3h agoReplies(2)
3h agoReplies(3)
-Foxtrot3h ago

"“launch sales were ~66% lower than Death Stranding 1"

Maybe he'll put this franchise to rest now and do something new (which I know he is thankfully)

Not to hate if you enjoy these games but they weren’t for everyone and it puzzles me that he did a sequel rather than doing Physint next or even an actual P.T like game.

I just feel he's trying to make Death Stranding a thing, like as big as Metal Gear Solid and it's just not going to happen.

Flewid6382h ago

I'm about half way thru the first game and its definitely an acquired taste.

Cacabunga2h ago

Clearly not for everyone. I never tried it and it tells me absolutely nothing

P_Bomb1h ago(Edited 1h ago)

“Maybe he'll put this franchise to rest now and do something new”

He is making new things, so I don’t see what the problem is. Game reviewed better than the first. It has its fans and served its purpose.

At its core, it’s just not a very commercial game. Takes work, which might turn off casuals.

andy851h ago

Probably not, the sales won't be much lower than the first game. And its a critical success

neutralgamer199224m ago

Fox

It's selling well digitally you can't compare it to sales of ps4 game because even back than digital wasn't the be all end all like it is today now. With GTA6 delayed DS2 is the game to beat for GOTY

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 24m ago
Flewid6382h ago

Exclusive vs Exclusive and a Mario game lost? There is still hope for humanity.

2h ago
Lightning7743m ago

If they released at the same time Im pretty sure Mario would still take number one.

Ganif1h ago(Edited 1h ago)

At least get the statement right, physical sales were down 66%, not total.

https://xcancel.com/Chris_D...

Obviously, digital is bigger part of the landscape than it was on PS4.

Digitally on the PlayStation store it is and has been the best selling retail game since prior to release, and still is today.

Also, the digital edition came with early access.

P_Bomb1h ago

My friends and I bought it digital. Truth be told, I haven’t bought a disc in years. Is what it is.

1h agoReplies(2)
I46231m ago

lol trying to downplay a 66% sales drop 💀

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60°
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I Am Your Beast Review | TheSixthAxis

TSA writes: General Burke wants Harding back for one last mission, but Harding doesn't want to go. I Am Your Beast is the rapid FPS that follows.

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Review: Rally Arcade Classics Is Pure Dreamcast-era Racing Goodness – Entertainium

From NETK2GAMES out of Barcelona comes one of the most enjoyable arcade racing you’ll play: Rally Arcade Classics is no fluff, all fun.

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