DF Direct Weekly 102: Game Delays, PC Port Analysis & Consolidation
Game Delays and Industry Shifts
This episode of DF Direct Weekly explores the impact of significant project delays, specifically focusing on Starfield and Suicide Squad.
• Starfield’s delay to September 6th is viewed positively by the team, who appreciate the focus on polish over releasing a technically problematic title, especially given Bethesda's history.
• The Suicide Squad delay is met with skepticism regarding how much internal retooling can be accomplished in a short window, particularly regarding core gameplay loops and its structure as a Games as a Service title.
PC Port Performance and Expectations
The panel analyzes The Last of Us Part 1 PC specifications, highlighting both transparency and concerning hardware requirements.
• The inclusion of DLSS and FSR 2.2 is crucial for elevating image quality, though the team notes that the high Ultra specifications seem to fluctuate inconsistently across different GPUs.
• There is an ongoing discussion about whether Ultra settings remain a useful benchmark in the modern era of ray tracing and advanced upscaling methods.
Microsoft, Activision, and the Nintendo Switch
A central focus is the ongoing Microsoft-Activision acquisition and the legal maneuvering involving Call of Duty.
"I think it is lawyering gone mad. And the sooner this whole circus is over, the better, really."
• The panel debates the feasibility of porting Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone to the Switch, emphasizing that while technically possible through heavy optimization, a compromised 30 FPS experience would likely be the reality.
Technology, Engines, and Future Prospects
• Halo Infinite’s addition of ray tracing to multiplayer is discussed, with the panel split on its value, noting that ambient occlusion or GI improvements would have been more effective in the game's campaign.
• The team addresses the "end-of-era" for proprietary game engines, suggesting that while consolidation towards packages like Unreal Engine is happening, bespoke tech remains vital for studios focusing on specific performance targets and cultural design identities.