PS3 Not Maxed Out By Killzone 3, says Guerilla

This week marks the release of Killzone 3, the latest chapter in the popular first person series that continues the war between the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance (ISA) and the evil Helghast Empire. It is arguably the best looking game on PlayStation 3, complete with gorgeous environments, giant enemies and epic scenes of destruction. Therefore, it’s only natural for people to speculate whether developer Guerrilla Games maximized the console’s potential. Well, Managing Director/Co-Founder Hermen Hulst wants to kill the argument before it begins. The team didn’t squeeze the PS3 for all it’s worth. Not even close.

[Cyb3r]

I thought they said Killzone 3 maxed out the PS3

[BrianG]

They maxed out what they could do with their tech in the time that they put into KZ3. Their tech may use 100% of the PS3's power, meaning 100% of its processing power. However better engines could lead to better use of that 100%.

Optimization always leads to more power being squeezed out.

EDIT: I should say better use of power, instead of more power. They could rewrite the engine, or parts of it, to use less RAM and resources, freeing them up for other aspects of the game.

[Mr Tretton]

They found a hidden SPE! ;p

[imvix]

So why didnt they run the game in 1080p? if there was any juice left, or why not give it 60fps? or were they simply incapable or was it they yet want ps3 fans to wait for the next release until they utilise it all, or they could say the same garbage with the next release lol.

[BrianG]

@imvix

They did what they could with their engine. Their current engine probably can't push that level of effects, action on screen, scale, etc.. in 1080p at a respectable framrate.

What I'm saying is they can continue to refine the engine, find new ways to do lighting, particle effects, etc.. like they did with AA as mentioned in the article. This should allow them to improve things like resolution, fps, etc..

@ranshak

Clearly the hardware has limitations. I am not denying that, so please everyone don't confuse that. I'm simply saying they can always utilize the resources from the PS3 more effectively. I agree with your example as well.

Clearly more powerful tech will lead to better specs. But developers and engines have a lot to do with it. They decide how that power is used. That is why console games continue to look better on old tech, tech that PC gamers say could never run games of this caliber.

[Ranshak]

@BrianG

Anyone will tell you its not the engine thats the limitation, if the hardware was powerful enough it would be doing 60fps 1080p easy. Sony devs should stop spouting crap about power being left over lol.

Its a simple example, run any game on PC with a weak GPU watch the game run at a certain FPS, replace the GPU with a more powerful one and you will see better frame rate. Its not about the engine being the limitation.

[zootang]

People have something against Sony, jeez! They bring the games stop complaining and game or do you have a some kind of agenda?

[darthv72]

No console has ever been truly "maxed out". You cant max out potential but you can max out capacity. Meaning if something holds a certain amount of space...that is it.

The performance of the ps3/360 are not maxed out yet. So long as new programming tricks are developed that improve the efficiency of how the hardware is used.

I remember playing games near the end of the genesis time frame that far exceeded my expectations as compared to the games it started with. Same hardware...just better programming over time.

[ZombieAssassin]

I'm sure if they had the time to create a brand new engine they would be able to push a lot more out of it because they know how to program for the ps3 better, I don't doubt they can push their current engine further but imagine if they got to start all over with the know-how they have now.

[NiKK_419]

the ps3 could do 1080p at 60fps, but there will be sacrifices, and i think guerrilla has it right, they didn't go for insane specs, because it would hurt the game

btw gt5 does 1080p at 60fps, so it can be done. now yes it's not "true" 1080p, but it IS 1280x1080, which is waaay better than most

@badz149
exactly

[badz149]

are you guys really THAT stupid? the GPU inside the PS3 and 360 for that matter is those from GeForce 7 series class and is already several years old! even with a powerful CPU or in this case, the CELL BE, old GPU is old! there's no way it can run newer games at 1080p 60fps, period! I have a HD4850 card and even this one is struggling to run BFBC2 at 1080p max setting let alone the ones inside the PS3 and 360!

but let's give credits where it's due. what has been achieved by GG with their KZ series is amazing! there's no denying that KZ3 looks phenomenal and saying that it isn't is pure ignorance! it's competing with the best graphic-wise and it plays brilliant! I also game on PC and I'm confident to say that all the praise towards KZ3 is justified! personally, I think it's AMONG the best looking I've played on any platform.

[sikbeta]

Good to know :P Graphics are Great already, GG did an Amazing Job with KZ2 and KZ3, both are Awesome IMO...

[arjman]

Everybody's got the general idea here, it's all about optimisation. Further optimisation leads to more available resources and better, more efficient resource management.

On a side note, imagine if a dev like Crytek wrote a game engine only for 4 Nvidia GTX 580's in quad sli and 2 ATI 5970's in dual crossfire, with maximum optimisation... Pixar would get owned...

[zero_cool]

Your talking about increasing the optimization efficiency through parallel processing.

[ALFAxD_CENTAURO]

''At the end of every project, we say, ‘we’ve maxed it out.’ I made that mistake at the end of Killzone 2,” Hulst admitted to IndustryGamers. “We felt that we’d pushed it absolutely to the max. We now know from experience there’s always more mileage in the tech. You can always find new techniques.''

[Ares84]

Yeah, that's what they said not long ago. So which is it than? If it isn't maxing out the PS3 than why not try to shoot for that. Like others said, why not 1080p or 60fps?

I think this generation is really about 720p and 1080p is such a useless feature by the way.

[MintBerryCrunch]

you do realize that projects such as videogame development have budgets?

GG or any dev could shoot for those specs, but the amount of resources needed would not be recuperated once the game goes on sale

[Ares84]

You know, I do know that. It seams like no one can say anything negative about KZ3 or GG because they get chrucified here.

I got my copy of killzone 3 as well. Still at work now but can't wait to get home and start it up but if I see a studio BS-ing like this obviously I will say something about it.

[annus]

I don't think you understand the difference between 30 and 60 frames.

Look at it like this, 60 frames would mean it would have to render everything twice as fast. So let's just pretend that it uses twice the amount of 'power'. Killzone wouldn't be using ALL of the 'power', but wouldn't have much left over. They certainly wouldn't be able to double it.

[DFresh]

Developers can always make new engines that can optimize those hardware specs even more.
By the way this applies to every platform.

[Armyless]

"Compared to Killzone 2, Killzone 3’s polygon count is three times as high, so we’ve been able to find new space, probably averaging out to 40 percent."
/jaw drop

[Balt]

It's sad we live in a world where clearly better software, better music, better movies, better everything exist over what sales the best. People are idiots.

[Hellsvacancy]

Speak for yourself buddy

Im not even all that bothered bout KillZone 3, i will pick it up......a month or two after release, id much rather hav Deus Ex 3

I waited for soo many years for Killzone 2 (most mofos didnt even know the game existed when i first started wantin it) and when i finally got to play it i was less then satisfied (my expectations were far to high partly do to all the hype) still a good game i just kept thinkin i was gonna get more

Once bitten twice shy the sayin goes...

[Belasco]

You are people, get off the high horse.

[btk]

Well no actually.
Tetris is a simple game. Even when it was released. Also PacMan. There was better games on a technical level. But both PacMan and Tetris impacted gaming simply because it was so much fun. Just look at those two games. Simple graphics. Yet many people still play it today.

[MGRogue2017]

Of course not.

[DigitalRaptor]

Uncharted 3, The Last Guardian, Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Guerilla's next project will come out and the visuals will astound people, yet again.

[DelbertGrady]

The marketing bullsh*t meter is definitely maxed out though.

[Arksine]

I'm guessing you didn't bother to read the article.

[Belasco]

With that title why is there any need to read further?

[clrlite]

Looks like your bubbles are maxed out too brotha. lol j/k I just had to say it. I'll give you a bubble even though it seems like you're trolling.

"Not even close" to maxed out. Jesus christ, I cant wait to play Reistance 3 then. BTW, I've played Killzone 3 in 720p and it looks AMAZING. So 720 is sufficient for now.

[Kon]

If this didn't max out, what game will?

[gravemaker]

uncharted 3?killzone4?

[Fishy Fingers]

Every big exclusive will, but only up until launch, then back peddle to say there is more to squeeze out.

Usually it's all just PR to big up the games post launch, "we using all that X has to offer...".

[clrlite]

It will be a while. Remember how long it took for them to make GOW2 on PS2 and that system was far less powerful than the PS3. But like everyone says, there are always new tricks.

[Shikoro]

There won't be a game that will max out either system. There is ALWAYS room for improvements in every aspect of a game, and with smart coding you can accomplish exactly that. :)

[Ace_1975]

Remember that thing we told you last week, yeah that was a lie. Oops. Please trust us from now on we won't do it again, well until we have another game coming out.

[SJPFTW]

They said Killzone 2 and 3 both maxed out the PS3 leading up to both games releases.

LOL i guess the hype machine for Killzone 4 has begun.

[Ifone]

Dumb people only remember the things they want, And will continue to ignore the more important things : like some others ps3 exclusives, kz3 offer the best fps experience, best audio, ai, and visuals on your tv... Hype, biased reviews, fanboyz can't change that fact.

[SJPFTW]

if you like going through corridors than yes i guess KZ3 is the best FPS (or should i say corridor) experience on the ps3. gameplay wise it does nothing new except copy what Call of Duty was doing the last decade. truth hurts, thats why it only has an 85 on metacritic. LAWLS

[TheMysterion]

@sjpftw
What!? That weak garbage? Cod? Kz3 is nothing like Cod. Only noobs play that game. The metacritic is only because of the single player but how about the best multiplayer experience on ps3 for fun?

[SuperStrokey1123]

It is, then it isnt, it is again, then it isnt again...

[gravemaker]

i believe them

[diehardgamer1000]

thts sum professional shit ryt there.nothing but respect for these guys

[emekcrash]

Respect for lying. Lovely.
I hope that was sarcasm.

[negroguy]

Next challenger up to the plate, Uncharted 3. I think Infamous 2 will push the PS3 being open world with them trying to pursue UC2 graphics but wont max it out though. Honestly there can never be a game that will literally max out a system, there is always room for improvement.

[karl]

how much more can we get!!!!!!?????

not much i think.. but enough to be notice.. well see

[Solbadguy]

There will always be more programming optimizing to be done. Probably as a 1st party studio they have the time and resources to keep finding new ways to program for the PS3.

[Masterchef2007]

Hmm How about this prove it to us with your next game?

Not bashing them but if they could do better than Killzone 3 that would be awesome.

[BabyTownFrolics]

its a marketing gimmick, saying that X has maxed out the PS3. Its gets the loyalists all excited, the folks who aren't effected by the magic fairy dust see right through it.

[Raider69]

Im glad i can see to the dust!Dusty sequels are a majority this days!

[Ifone]

But at the end, not a single xbox game look like kz2, don't even bring kz3....so let them say all they want, since they are always delivering.

[baodeus]

There are always room for optimization, but there is a saturation point due to the hardware. U can only do so much. Although they did say they used up 100% for KZ3, they can still optimize their engine further.

@ifone
go look up on Resident evil 5 and see if it looks better then UC2/KZ2 (lighting and texture) up close as well. Also ran at 720p, 30fps, etc...how come no one ever compare it to that but keep saying no x360 game look as good? Other honor mentionable game like vanquish as well (man there are so much shitz going on in that game, it is pretty insane).

[slutface]

i wish GG and Naughty Dog would collaborate on a game together *sighs

[house]

i think killzone 3 was the closest g.g and naughty dog to come together since n.d showed them some techniques

[MGRogue2017]

If the PS3 was completely maxed out, It would explode.

.. or just overheat, I guess.

[ALFAxD_CENTAURO]

Raising the bar on each Title.

[The_Ultimate_Guy]

Then why did they go backwards with KZ3?

[Der_Kommandant]

Ok, Time to go back to your cave

[Raider69]

you get that right lol!

[kudakadere]

Some developers say "MAXED OUT" when they mean DISC space for example MGS4 that "maxed out" the PS3's Blu-ray with Cutscenes , this rule also aply's to XBOX 360 games even more as games like Halo Reach were said to have maxed out the 360 but we all know it didn't becuase the game had to be kept under 7GB. So in other words Killzone only tapped the Blu-ray Capacity , who's to say they can have a dual-layer DISC that will allow 50GB's of storage . Now thats a hell of a lot of high quality textures.

[Agent VX]

The 360 isn't maxed out yet...

The Wii isn't maxed out yet...

The PS3 isn't maxed out yet...

Lets get perspective folks. All 3 systems could get more squeezed out of it for many years, as coding becomes more efficient.

But these systems get their biggest increases in the few first years, and after that it starts to level off, and instead of big graphical increases, they are now less obvious.

All 3 systems are getting close to max, while I say the PS3 probably still has a bit more to go than the other 2 systems in terms of performance increases. But the end is near for them, all three systems are showing their age.

[hellzsupernova]

didnt even get close :D that puts a big smile on my face guess sony dont need the ps4 anytime soon :D

[Denethor_II]

Be careful using the words 'not maxed out', you'll upset a lot of people.

[DenyTheFacts]

LOL so they said that it maxed the PS3 because they thought that everyone would be amazed by the graphics.. But since it didnt happen they said that it does not max the PS3..

[gravemaker]

almost everyone amazed by KZ3 graphics, even reviewers said that KZ3 have "one of the best graphics this generation"
and you calld that "not amazed"?

[Ifone]

Look at his nickname....

[Chromer]

2011 will truly show the gap between the PS3 and 360 if any of the other years didn't seal it concretely. I expect Infamous 2 to be Killzone 3, and for Uncharted 3 to beat Infamous 2. Either way, we all win.

[Der_Kommandant]

The PS3 is Helghan technology

[Ingram]

It's getting old, consoles are too complex nowadays to extrapolate a percentile, I mean, what games "maxed out" PS2's power?

GT? God of war 2? SoTC? Odin Sphere?... there's always room for tweaking the code, the art assets and such.

[paintsville]

LOL...oh here we go. PS3 infinate powwa!!! LOL. Killzone3 is already dropping frames.

[Ingram]

Your pants are dropping, clown.
Or perhaps you're just drooling.

[Serinous]

so seriosuly, when is the PS# going to be maxed out? Uncharted 5? lol

[TXIDarkAvenger]

So where is the game that ACTUALLY uses the full PS3's power.

[EXID]

did you not even read the article...? it depends on the developers and the engines they create to make their games with.

[ladybug7]

Well I think it’s safe to say they will never release a game and say this is the best ps3 can do and that it’s impossible to make a game look better. Sony wants ps3 owners to think that better stuff will always be coming out. In fact I wouldn't even be surprised if Sony paid guerilla games to say that. Then again I could be wrong. lol

[palaeomerus]

'Console not maxed out yet' is the new "Blast Processing". It's something companies they say to confuse and impress dolts that has no real meaning.

[QuakeStyle]

256 mb ram 256 mb ram 256 mb ram 256 mb ram 256 mb ram 256 mb ram 256 mb ram 256 mb ram 256 mb ram 256 mb

IT IS MAXED OUT AND IT WAS MAXED OUT 6 YEARS AGO. AN IPOD TOUCH HAS 256 MB OF RAM. THIS IS COMING FROM A COMPUTER TECHNECIAN NOT FROM SOME SONY FANBOY WHO DOESNT KNOW WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT.

[jjank11]

I think Uncharted 2 showed that there are some unique ways to use the cell processors. It is really all about the engine being optimized, plus it depends on the gameplay as well (i.e. Scale). I think the PS3 still has some power left but it is not as if it will be all that noticeable. The art style will be the defining difference in the latter stages of both the 360 and PS3. Anyhow, I have a feeling that Sony will make some upgraded PS3 that will add more efficiencies and power and compatibility with NGP.

[ApexHell]

optimization is the key factor to using the hardware to its potentioal :) this is true for all hardware.

[LoneWanderer09]

Holy Cow

[josephayal]

PC cant match the PS3 Graphics, Deal With It

[Silverwolf]

What people fail to understand is that you can't compare a PC to a console. Consoles are a closed system which means developers can optimized there software without having to keep up with the next tech. PC's are the opposite, greedy graphic card manufacturers are releasing cards every six months. By the time a game is released they have to think about every card that was released before there game was.

Now how in the he'll can they optimized for that! Many great graphics card go untapped because developers can't focus on one card alone. Consoles have come a long way and I'm happy with current generations graphics. Now developers need to focus more on innovation and gameplay.

[Xfanboy]

wow ps3 fanboys really eat this stuff up!! 720p 30fps not a big jump from kz2.. yeah it's getting there!! BF3 already maxes out ps3!!

[Wizziokid]

damn an Crytek said they maxed out all consoles.. GG show them how it's done with your next game please.

[PS3BURN]

They only say that because they want their next game to sell. (meaning Killzone 4)

[gypsygib]

Good, now maybe Guerilla can do something about the excessive bloom in K3. Turn that shit down please, it's excessive sometimes.

[Tzuno]

Sony = liars