Microsoft To Share Rare's Sea of Thieves Water Tech with PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds

The gorgeous water tech from Sea of Thieves will be implemented in PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, as revealed by Brendan Greene himself.

[Imp0ssibl3]

That's fantastic, I love the water in Sea of Thieves (not so much the game, seems boring so far).

[naruga]

PUBG evolved to be an online megahit (not unfairly as it got very well done TPS mechanics , world and addictive objective )...and as a success hyenas are trying shred it more and more...MS has for good set foot on it and i doupt if it ever going to be multiplatform ....others like Activison or Bethesda like vultures they are also have eyes on it (lame scavengers that usually eat the what is left form others --see Bungie) .... ..Bring some new games you untalented bunch!!

- Overwatch -Diablo 3-WoW are below trash in quality and fortunatley are at last flopping in fron of this qualitesque mod , MS has to release a worthy new game IP since X360 also Bethesda and Ubi havent produce even 1 damn game that is not crap /boring /uninspired since PS1 era

[Genuine-User]

It's coming to PS4.

[Cy]

You seem like a bot that posts the most common and overused comment section talking points.

[naruga]

@Cy.... while you re posting genuine, humorous and enjoyful comments making all of us here in N4G to love you

[PFFT]

@Genuine-User

As Well as it should. The game should be open to all platforms. More platforms more money to the developers and in turn the developers can release more content and or new projects. Its a Win Win for all.

[kevnb]

they canceled the xbox version?

[yeahokwhatever]

With PUBG, this is one of those times I'd like a good studio, and experienced studio, to make exactly the same game, but, you know, polished. Could you imagine how good of a game PUBG would be if adults made it? Basic things are broken in PUBG. There's even extremely hacky work-arounds present in the software. Example: every time a match is over, THE ENTIRE GAME HAS TO RELOAD. Why? They couldn't fix things. Imagine this game being done in Gorilla Games' engine for Horizon..

[LexHazard79]

@Genuine,
not for a while..

[WilliamSheridan]

So I'm confused. This incredibly sought after game is mocked for going Xbox console exclusive, but Capcom and Street Fighter were praised?

I never can understand why it's always ok for Sony to buy an exclusive, but anything Microsoft buys it's instantly touted as a selfish money grab that should have been shared. It's such a sad mentality.

This is why I think Sony can't remain on top. I don't think this level of hatred and anger can become the dominant force.

That being said, I'd love to just see one mega console to rule them all... Just combine the two and let's all hug

[chuckyj1]

@Genunine-User

I think it was coming going to PS4, until the publishing deal was signed with Microsoft studios. I believe it is now a Xbox Console Exclusive with the publishing deal in place.

[zerocarnage]

Does that go for Sony then as well who seemed to of sank there teeth Into bunjie for destiny 2,it seems now bunjie are Sony's little whore.

Sorry but you can't blame ms anywhere with bunjie, they made sure bunjie had all the money in the world when it came to creating halo and looked after that studio. Bunjie chose to walk away only to end up under a worse publisher which is Activision and then I can agree with you on that part as they truly sank there teeth in and anything bunjie now creates gets torn apart by acti ie Destiny, would of been much better still under ms. because Activision have been so good at ruining destiny for bunjie all because they're out for the money and greed gotten to them long time ago.

[darren_poolies]

Trying to read this comment made my head hurt.

[mafiahajeri]

Thats funny you know it wont go multiplat? Im playing it right now on my PC 😂😂😂

Poor delusional Xbox fanboys, living in their own world...

[vegasgamerdawg]

How did this turn into a fanBOY fight? Fking children. Can't you go to Nick Jr or something and have your little sissy fights? N4G is basically the same argument asking the same question, with the same talking points in every comment section. It's incredibly boring and insane at the same time. All non-employee of MS or Sony fans just punch yourself in your little low IQ brainwashed heads....my gawd.....it's the same conversation for 20 years now.........lol.

[YAO-BLING]

Uncharted 1 water is even better than sea of thieves

[LexHazard79]

chu crazy

[subtenko]

UC4*

[subtenko]

well, the game in its current state, are the activitys finish or can you not experience everything you can do in Sea of thieves currently? I realize the game could be really bland when it releases, im just waiting it out not checking every single news about it

[meka2611]

It's in it's alpha stage. An alpha is just to make sure the game engine is working and bug free. They will add actual content in the beta. Not saying you did this, but I'm tired of people saying, "there's nothing to do." No shit it's a damn alpha.

[FITgamer]

Well after the most recent play session I finally got a chance to play a decent amount of SoT. With a group of people it's fun as hell.

I could imagine it would be extremely boring if you went the solo route.

That being said I wasn't sure about SoT at first, but now I'd say there's 95% chance that it'll be a day one buy for me. Assuming it doesn't launch near some other big title I'm interested in.

[Tsar4ever01]

"I love the water in Sea of Thieves (not so much the game, seems boring so far." quote,

SAME.

[SierraGuy]

When it comes to PS4 are they leaving the water effects out?

[UltraNova]

Depends on how many dotted lines Bluehole signed.

[notachance]

it'll be crushed by Monster Hunter World anyway

non MH gamers still don't know what kind of super addictive crack that'll hit 'em next year, better be prepared lol.

[ccgr]

Impressive!

[iDadio]

Still wont make me feel any better trying to swim across islands to avoid the guantlets on the bridges

[WhyHate]

Keep in mind that little to none of the proprietary Microsoft tech will make it into the PS4 version of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds similar in the same way that the Minecraft 4K texture pack may never appear on the PS4. Though the latter part of my statement may happen due to Minecraft being MS goodwill gesture to help kick start with in the industry a feature developers and customer have asked for, for years now.

(Cross-Network Play)
And if you're old enough to have witnessed it, then you're aware of the truth in that comment.

The statement made by wccftech.com:
"Also, in a funny twist, Microsoft will indirectly help improve a game that’s eventually going to end up on Sony’s rival PlayStation 4 console".

That is pure conjecture by the article's author designed to make the PS4 owner feel better about the game's Sony platform situation. By the time they get started developing and talking about the PS4 version of PUBG we will also start to get word about MS/Sony next gen systems.

The PS4 version of PUBG will have its own development path separate from this Bluehole / MS deal.

And really PS gamers isn't that the way you would want it.

[frostypants]

I feel dumber for having read that.

[WhyHate]

The truth scares you huh.

I have read some of your previous post, and I'm not sure how it would be possible for you to feel any dumber then you actually are bud.

[LightofDarkness]

@frostypants

This is obviously part of their exclusivity deal, and MS would never allow them to use their technology on another machine without express consent. That's how software licensing works. This is probably just MS ensuring that the game takes a very long time to appear elsewhere, because if this tech becomes tied to gameplay, the team will have to develop a facsimile that doesn't infringe on MS's intellectual property, or else a license to publish on Playstation will have to be sought. This is both short-sighted by BlueHole and a very shrewd move from MS.

[ninsigma]

Nice. Good way to do a partnership!

[freshslicepizza]

Well it looks like Microsoft wants to try and keep this partnership going.

[Alexious]

They will if they're smart. This is more important than anything else they have announced from their internal studios.

[Genuine-User]

Yeah, it's the biggest thing on PC right now, no wonder Microsoft wants to keep a healthy partnership with Bluehole.

@Alexious
Spot on.

[AmUnRa]

Yeah i know, just like Hideo Kojima from Death Stranding uses the decima engine from Guerrilla.

[PcRandy]

Wouldn't surprise me if Microsoft buy bluehole in the future

[ninsigma]

Battlegrounds is a very popular game so it would definitely be a good buy.

[KaiPow]

What a cool little underappreciated detail.

[Cmv38]

I wish they would clarify the exclusivity of the game....so people like me May actually consider buying the xb1. With this development, it might be moving to bring more exclusive if that makes sense.

[Cy]

In another interview Brandon Greene said the reason they're not doing PS4 exclusivity right now is that they have a small team and they want to focus on PC and Xbox, and because PS4 has no early access/game preview program. So it'll probably launch on PS4 at some point, but if you don't want to wait potentially another year after it comes out on Xbox you'll probably want the X1 version.

[Cy]

Ugh, should say "PS4 version" not "PS4 exclusivity". I hate how often I don't proofread the crap I post.

[Goldby]

@cy, but there ahve been games released on PS4 that are early access.

Paragon and ark just to name a couple

[Cmv38]

I can wait a year. Other games to play until then.

[4Sh0w]

'eeh it will be exclusive for a year or more considering they haven't made any effort yet to port it to ps4. Looks like they are all in with Microsoft for NOW but whenever the dev or Microsoft or Sony won't give a definitive answer on exclusitivity that means that its going to the other console, just a question of WHEN, not if. -I don't blame them for not saying HOW LONG it's exclusive to Xbox, because they most likely don't know= they haven't planned that far ahead yet/busy with current work.

[BeOpenMinded]

It'll come out on PS but it may take years.. ark and elite were almost two years in waiting. Conan may be longer than a year, astroneer who knows but it's been over a year. Easy compatibility, PC ports first, and early access is a boon for xbox and it works for me. PS has games too so no need for added salt

[343_Guilty_Spark]

You're going to be waiting a long time I feel

[PcRandy]

Minimum 2 years imo if ever could see Microsoft buying them in the future

[Bigpappy]

So I found Microsoft some how screws PS4 players out of getting the game then you'll buy an Xbox. wow

[Cmv38]

That's the nature of the business. Ms isn't forcing it, the developers can say no. They might already have said no. We don't really know much right now.

[meka2611]

Why not? Never hear excuses for having to get a PS4 for exclusives, it's the way the industry is.

[Fishy Fingers]

Rare to (potentially) share Rares water tech. Credit where it’s due.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Awesome....love to hear about collaboration like this.

[peppeaccardo]

The best water ... only on XBOX!

[generic-user-name]

The highest quality water pixels.

[SkippyPaccino]

What's so special about SoT water... Seems pretty generic and nothing to brag about when the game looks like a jaggy mess

[rainslacker]

Game looks pretty good since the more recent updates as far as graphics go. Water is pretty well done....if not one of it's best artistic attributes.

One may not like the style of the graphics, but they aren't bad. Certainly not a jaggy mess.

[SkippyPaccino]

I didn't mean it as an insult. The game has a certain cartoonish style, which is perfect for what they're doing. I'm just not understanding with all the beautiful games that have come out over the years (some of which had incredible water, Black flag, uncharted etc) why are they bragging about their water when some have done it better... Be proud of what you're doing, don't embellish it for the sake of embellishments... They've been talking about the water for years and they're the ones who have to point it out, because no-one would've even noticed or point it out..... It's like they're trying to overload us with lies, which will then become the truth after repeatedly hearing it for years.... Let the game speak for itself.

[ThinkThink]

You're spot on about the catroonish style with the exception of the water. That's the only aspect of the game that wasn't cartoony from what I played. There are times when lightening strikes and you see it through the crashing water and it looks incredible. Oh and when you fall overboard and look up to see the rolling ocean above you is one of the coolest visuals that i've seen used in a video game. I can only imagine what that would look like on a 4k big screen.

[BigWan78]

im in the SoT beta... the water is actually more realistic than cartoon based...

[Wulfer]

Uninformed people really shouldn't post.

[Antifan]

MS must want total exclusivity. Goes to show you how MS follows trend, they don't create them.

[meka2611]

Lol does anyone really create trends besides developers? Neither sony or microsoft can succeed in making trends. Gaming industry is hard to predict because gamers are fickle about what becomes popular.

[Takwin]

540p AND 15 fps? SIGN ME UP.

[Chaosdreams]

*Slowly smiles.

[gamer7804]

Interesting. Wonder if that affects the game coming to ps4?

[Yohshida]

This exactly. I dont see them releasing a game with the tech from MS on a other console.

[Yohshida]

"they are a business"

and giving the competition a free game is a bad business move.

[4Sh0w]

How exactly is this in any way giving the competition a free game?

No, they are helping a partner by implementing their own tech for better water, so what if that partner in a year or so releases the game on the competitions console?....Its irrevalent because whatever deal Bluehole and Microsoft have together will have paid for itself by then....not only that but this support they are giving Bluehole will.likely build future good will so they may partner first with Microsoft on other games. Jeesh you guys read and comment on videogame news everyday, yet you sound like a completely casual game fans who have no idea about how the industry works. Havok, Minecraft, Windows 10, online gaming, sharing licensed software and other mutually beneficial business decisions over the years are enough to hint that not everything is locked down for the sake of competition.

[Yohshida]

You wont ever see ms releasing this tech on ps4. Minecraft and havok were on ps4 before they bought them. They cant just pull out. Why would ms spend money, manpower, share tech and develop the console Version with a Studio that Releases their game a few months later on the competing platform, makes no sense.

[4Sh0w]

"Minecraft and havok were on ps4 before they bought them. They cant just pull out."

Sure they can, well obviously any game ALREADY on ps4 using Havoc is already a done deal but surely Microsoft CAN only license it for future 3rd party games that are only coming to Xbox, but why?... it's not proprietary in house tech, its always been multiplatform, so why cut off that potential revenue stream?.. when most 3rd parties who were gonna use it for their multiplat game would just choose something else rather than being artificially locked into an exclusive with no compensation.

"Why would ms spend money, manpower, share tech and develop the console Version with a Studio that Releases their game a few months later on the competing platform, makes no sense."

- It will be longer than a few months and that makes perfect sense= PUBG is THE HOTTEST GAME ON PC, right now. Bluehole was in the driver's seat of choosing who they would partner with on console, possibly hiring more staff and going multiplat. Microsoft no doubt either had to offer them a good deal with heavy incentives for timed exclusitivity and Microsoft has already shown they are not 100% opposed to their tech and games appearing on ps. -I really already explained this, when I said even though this water tech will appear in the game permanently and thus on the ps4 version when it inevitably releases on that platform it's OK from a business perspective because in a year+ of the game being available exclusive on *consoles for Xbox it has the potential to earn Microsoft alot more cash through software and extra hardware sells.

Come on bro, stop thinking like a fanboy....you are wrong because Bluehole would say outright its ONLY gonna be on Xbox consoles if that were the case, the dont because they are smart to leave the door open for extra sales via ps4 fanbase in the future. The ONLY way Bluehole will NOT port it to ps4 is if Microsoft buys >>exclusive rights<< which is unlikely because Bluehole obviously wants to stay in control, but of course if they do you would hear Microsoft scream its permanently exclusive from the rooftops= which is exactly why YOU ARE WRONG because they aren't screaming it's permanently exclusive.

Case closed.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

For what though? There's barely any emphasis on water in PUBG.

[Yohshida]

Have you ever played PUBG?

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Yes

[Yohshida]

Water is a big part, especially if the endzone is south.

[Yohshida]

Its funny because I said to a friend that the water out of sea of thieves would be amazing in PUBG about 2 months ago. The current water is a copy paste pattern that just is ugly as fck. Would be nice to see a improvement, just hope it doesnt take too much resources.

[KaoSouL]

Everything about Sea Of Thieves looks as dated and as boring as Crackdown 3.... I don't understand why they're pushing it so hard... I'm 99.9% confident this game is going to fail hard and make MS look bad.... again.... :(

[Tybeur7]

Do you like any game? Like at all?

[meka2611]

I think it's more likely that you want it to fail.

[zerocarnage]

Ms and the developers of sea of thieves deserve credit on the water alone. It has the best water I have ever seen in a game to date, along with ship physics it creates a realism that has been missing in all games that have venturedon open water.

I loved battlestation midway, one naval warfare game franchise that I wished ms would buy from Sega, battlestation midway and Pacific would of benefited from it.

MS have the one thing missing from battestations and that was the real life like sea, RARE I think deserve a new project after sea of thieves and I think they should create a naval warfare game during the world war 2. I would not play anything else if rare created another exclusive after sea of thieves and it was that type of game I've mentioned.

[AizenSosuke]

Wonderful Microsoft now make this a permanent exclusive of Xbox and you'll get customers.

[gbsrnctaln]

So GTAV will still have the best water. Got it

[ThinkThink]

PilotWings 64 will always be the champ in my eyes. Remember firing a missile from the hang glider and thinking the splash it made was photo realistic. good times.

[subtenko]

waaaaater sucks, it really really sucks

[Atanasrikard]

I see what you did there.

[C-H-E-F]

Must not be tooo exclusive because the same will be implemented on the PS4. [Parity]

[OffRoadKing]

Anything that improves games overall is a good thing.

[Angel911]

PS4 gamers keep trying to convince themselves that it will come to PS4 but they don't realize simple fact that if MS is so heavily investing and even sharing their tech, then chances are it could end up being exclusive for long time or even permanent...Contracts can change if game is mega hit on Xbox, they could easily pay him even more money to keep it exclusive..

We are talking about MS here, they paid 2billion just for Minecraft lol

NOTE - Person who downvotes my post is a Pony who knows iam right but won't admit that iam right..

[ChipdiddyChip]

It was the same for Titanfall 1

[CJLogix]

thats cool, not sure how that could improve the gameplay unless theres a map with larger water areas.

[mafiahajeri]

The water in Batman was dope, MS trying so hard to get anything exclusive.

Rejoice xbox players! You are now getting exclusive particle effects 😂😂😂