1080p
Latest
Advanced Warfare console comparison drops a few frames on PS4
Sledgehammer Games recently confirmed that the Xbox One version of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare automatically scales its resolution up to 1080p on a frame-by-frame basis. By comparison, the PS4 version consistently maintains a high resolution, but performance analysis tests from Digital Foundry show that it comes at a price. In a video (seen after the break) of Advanced Warfare version 1.04 running on both systems, the testers found that the Xbox One version held up at a mostly steady 60fps. As for the PS4 version, it had more frequent dips in frame rate, dropping as low as the mid-40s during some scenes. The tests were primarily focused on the game's campaign; initial looks at Advanced Warfare's multiplayer performance bore similar results, though the Xbox One version did not scale up from its 1360x1080 resolution during multiplayer sessions. [Image: Activision]
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare scales up to 1080p on Xbox One
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare runs at 60 frames per second on both Xbox One and PlayStation 4, Sledgehammer Games confirmed. The first-person shooter is also locked in at 1080p on PS4, though it "runs at 1080 scalable," according to the developer's co-founder, Michael Condrey. The resolution of the Xbox One version of the game will change "on a frame by frame basis" in real-time, according to the developer. Condrey told Metro that the game "will scale from 1360 all the way up to true 1080," shifting from resolutions of "1360×1080 up to 1920×1080" on the Microsoft console. It's an improvement on the series' efforts last year on the console, as Call of Duty: Ghosts trotted out an upscaled 720p version on Xbox One. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is out now and received positive marks in our review. [Image: Activision]
Report: PS4 Share Play caps at 720p for guests
The PlayStation 4's latest update, codenamed "Masamune," adds a major feature, Share Play, to the console today. PlayStation Plus members can now share their games over PSN with friends that don't own a copy (and aren't necessarily PS Plus subscribers themselves unless both are playing), hosting one-hour play sessions at a time. As a Sony rep confirmed to Video Gamer, Share Play sessions are capped at 720p and will "have a limited frame rate" for friends partaking in the action, while those hosting the game will still see 1080p games on their screens at the full resolution. SCEE product planning manager Kazuhiro Yanase said that while Share Play "doesn't require any super-fast broadband," the company won't disclose recommended upload and download speeds for those looking to share games sessions with friends over PSN. "The internet environment is really different user by user. For example, some users will be using a LAN cable, some users will be using Wi-Fi, sometimes you use the microwave in your house," Yanase told Video Gamer. "It's very difficult for us to guarantee you can use Share Play if you have [a certain] speed." Today's update also adds the ability to play music from a USB device with support for MP3 and AAC file types. The Masamune update introduces YouTube as an option for gameplay clip uploading as well as home screen themes. We've reached out to Sony to confirm the Share Play restrictions and will update as we learn more. [Image: Sony]
Dragon Age: Inquisition 1080p on PS4, 900p on Xbox One
Dragon Age: Inquisition will run at 1080p on PS4 and 900p on Xbox One, BioWare announced in a tweet. The disparity between platforms wasn't a concerted design choice, the message said. "We maximized the current potential of each platform," the tweet said. The capabilities of the PS4 and Xbox One have been under extra scrutiny this week, following comments from Assassin's Creed: Unity developers that "you don't gain much" from maxed-out framerate and resolution. Assassin's Creed: Unity is locked at 900p and 30fps on Xbox One and PS4. Historically, the PS4 has proven to be more consistent than the Xbox One in running games at 1080p and 60fps. PC requirements for Dragon Age: Inquisition are also out today, with a minimum of 4GB RAM and a recommended 8GB RAM, minimum DirectX 10 and recommended DirectX 11, and a necessary 26GB hard drive space. See the full specs below. Dragon Age: Inquisition launches on November 18.
343: Halo 2 Anniversary campaign not at native 1080p
The upgraded port of Halo 2 included in the Xbox One-exclusive series compilation Halo: The Master Chief Collection will not output at a native 1080p resolution, developer 343 Industries confirmed in an interview with IGN this week. The porting process initially placed Halo 2: Anniversary at 720p, due to a hardware-pushing feature that allows players to switch between its original graphics engine and an updated audiovisual presentation instantly. Further tweaking allows Halo 2's campaign to run at 1328x1080 in the retail version of The Master Chief Collection, putting it a step behind the other games in the bundle, which perform at a native 1920x1080 resolution. Microsoft initially pledged that all games in The Master Chief Collection would hit a consistent 60 frames-per-second performance at 1080p. 343 executive producer Dan Ayoub explained that Halo 2: Anniversary's current 1328x1080 resolution required a last-minute push from its development team. "The campaign of Halo 2: Anniversary looked fantastic at 720p with the level of detail and clarity it gave us, but like every other aspect of the game and tech, we wanted to push it further," Ayoub said. "So in the last weeks of development, our teams were able to meet a stretch goal and the campaign of Halo 2: Anniversary now runs 60 fps at a crisp resolution of 1328x1080, which is a significant and meaningful boost in image quality we think fans are really going to appreciate. All of the other games across the entire package of The Master Chief Collection run 60 fps at 1920x1080 native." [Image: Microsoft]
Assassin's Creed: Unity at 900p, 30fps on Xbox One, PS4
Assassin's Creed: Unity will be locked at 900p and 30fps on both Xbox One and PS4 when it launches in November, Senior Producer Vincent Pontbriand tells VideoGamer. "We decided to lock them at the same specs to avoid all the debates and stuff," Pontbriand says. Most games in the new console generation hit 1080p, though the PS4 has more consistently supported higher resolutions and frame rates than the Xbox One, and that has been a point of contention for some players. Others see the entire debate as "a PR differentiation." Pontbriand says that the limiting factor on new consoles is the available CPU and AI computation, not graphics processing. "It's the CPU [that] has to process the AI, the number of NPCs we have on screen, all these systems running in parallel," he says. "We were quickly bottlenecked by that and it was a bit frustrating because we thought that this was going to be a tenfold improvement over everything AI-wise, and we realized it was going to be pretty hard. It's not the number of polygons that affect the framerate. We could be running at 100fps if it was just graphics, but because of AI, we're still limited to 30fps." Ubisoft is beefing up Assassin's Creed: Unity in other ways – the dev team rewrote "6 million lines of code" for the new game, Creative Director Alex Amancio told Joystiq. For historical context, Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag received a post-launch patch on PS4 that bumped the game's resolution from 900p to 1080p. Assassin's Creed: Unity launches on November 11 for PS4, Xbox One and PC. [Image: Ubisoft]
Project Cars targets 1080p on Xbox One, PS4
Visual fidelity has always been important to players, especially when the resolution between two versions of a game doesn't match. A class-action lawsuit was even filed over a multiplayer game that failed to live up to its promised resolution. With that in mind, racing fans will be happy to know that Project Cars is aiming for 1080p and 60 frames per second on PS4 and Xbox One. Slightly Mad Studios' Andy Tudor told Eurogamer that while recent Xbox One demos of the racer were "not quite 1080p at the moment," the developer is "still aiming to get there." "Towards the end of the game you're always optimizing, and during development it's a rollercoaster. Sometimes you look at the game and think oh god, that's not working, that's not working. But other days you hit 60 fps, and it's awesome," Tudor said. He explained that the "physics underneath runs at 600 times a second," and that the developer calculates "the input you're doing on the controller 250 times per second." The racing sim will launch on the next-gen systems as well as PC on November 18, arriving in 2015 on SteamOS and Wii U. [Image: Bandai Namco]
Report: Lords of the Fallen PS4 is 1080p, Xbox One is 900p
The only difference between the Xbox One and PS4 versions of Lords of the Fallen is in the resolution: Xbox One is 900p, while PS4 is 1080p, City Interactive Executive Producer Tomasz Gop tells VideoGamer. "Probably the resolution [on Xbox One] is like 900p instead of 1080p on PlayStation 4," Gop says. "But apart from that there's nothing different, I would say." Lords of the Fallen is a dark fantasy RPG due out on Xbox One, PS4 and PC on October 28 in North America. Gop first compared Lords of the Fallen to Borderlands and Dark Souls, and he later told Joystiq that it was a complicated, strategy-inspired game. "You can imagine Lords of the Fallen as a game that has all the layers, all the complexity, all the mechanics, all the elements of very advanced tactical combat," Gop said. "But it's not being mindlessly punishing at the same time." [Image: City Interactive]
State of Decay Xbox One edition hits in 2015, 1080p
And other numbers. State of Decay: Year-One Survival Edition is heading to Xbox One in spring 2015. The game includes the add-on packs Breakdown and Lifeline, plus new content, and all of it running in 1080p. In January, State of Decay developer Undead Labs announced it had signed a "multi-year, multi-title agreement" with Microsoft Studios. [Image: Microsoft]
Blizzard: Microsoft demanded 1080p for Diablo 3 on Xbox One
Microsoft spurred a last-minute resolution bump for Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition prior to its recent launch for the Xbox One, Blizzard production director John Hight told Eurogamer at Gamescom. "We did find it challenging early on to get it to 1080p," Hight said. "That's why we made the decision to drop to 900. That's what we demoed and were showing around E3 time. And Microsoft was just like, 'This is unacceptable. You need to figure out a way to get a better resolution.' So we worked with them directly, they gave us a code update to let us get to full 1080p." Blizzard announced during E3 that the Xbox One version of Diablo 3 would be presented in 900p, placing it at a disadvantage compared to the 1080p PlayStation 4 edition. A day-one patch pushed the Xbox One version's resolution to 1080p at launch, though Eurogamer notes that the update introduces slight framerate drops in busy gameplay areas that weren't present at 900p. [Image: Blizzard]
Journey, The Unfinished Swan to launch as Cross-Buy games on PS4
We already knew that the PlayStation 4 would be getting updated versions of two of the PS3's most visually striking games when Sony confirmed Journey and The Unfinished Swan were headed for Sony's new console. However, according to comments left by Sony Santa Monica Community Strategist Aaron Kaufman on a PlayStation Blog post announcing the ports, not only are the games making the trip from previous to current-generation consoles, but they will be Cross-Buy compatible. "Once Journey is downloaded you will be able to download it for free on any other platform available through the PlayStation Network, much like how fl0w and Flower were launched for PS4," Kaufman wrote before adding, "And The Unfinished Swan as well!" In other words, if you already own either game on PS3, you'll be able to enjoy them on PS4 at no additional cost. Unfortunately, a PS4 release date was not given for either game. [Image: Thatgamecompany/Giant Sparrow]
Diablo 3 on Xbox One levels up to 1080p with day-one patch
Remember that unfortunate bit of news that the Xbox One version of Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition would be running at 900p instead of 1080p like its PS4 counterpart? Well good news, everyone! Xbox One copies of Diablo 3 will indeed gather their courage and take on those 180 additional Ps thanks to a day-one patch. "The game will be available [in] 1080p on both the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One," a Blizzard rep told GameSpot. "Native 1080p resolution. You will need to download the day-one patch for the Xbox One to get that support, but it will be there. We're very happy about that." We imagine Xbox One-bound demon hunters are happy, too. [Image: Blizzard]
Sony sued over Killzone: Shadow Fall's 1080p promises
A California class-action lawsuit alleges Sony Computer Entertainment America engaged in "deceptive marketing" of Killzone: Shadow Fall for PS4 when it advertised the game running in 1080p. After launch, Digital Foundry found that the multiplayer portion of Shadow Fall runs in upscaled 960 x 1080 resolution, a step below 1080p – and law firm Edelson PC and plaintiff Douglas Ladore see a case there. The suit, on behalf of Ladore and "all others similarly situated," seeks damages of more than $5 million. It also calls for Sony to more accurately advertise Shadow Fall's multiplayer resolution. "Sony admitted that it did not in fact design Killzone to display multiplayer graphics in 1080p, but instead used a technological shortcut that was supposed to provide 'subjectively similar' results," the suit argues. "But Sony never advertised and convinced consumers to buy a technological shortcut."
Destiny makes its 1080p Xbox One premiere
Though Bungie couldn't manage 1080p resolution for Destiny's Xbox One beta, the developer is committed to hitting that mark for the final, retail release. For proof, look no further than the above footage. Courtesy IGN, this clip is the first look at Destiny running at 1080p and 30 frames per second on an Xbox One. According to the commentary, the developers worked closely with Microsoft to optimize this version of Destiny, which allows Bungie to match the graphical fidelity of the PlayStation 4. While this video probably won't end fanboy squabbles over which console is superior, Bungie wants players to know that neither Xbox One nor PlayStation 4 can boast a drastically enhanced version of the open-universe shooter. "It's the same everywhere," states graphics engineer Chris Tchou. [Image: Activision]
Destiny Xbox One beta won't be 1080p, Bungie aiming for it in full game
The PS4 beta of Destiny, which begins today, is expected to run in 1080p resolution - after all, last month's alpha did. However, the Xbox One beta, which begins on July 23, will not, according to comments made during an IGN livestream yesterday. Before anyone sounds the alarms, Bungie Community Manager David Dague maintained the developer's aiming to hit 1080p "across all platforms." Talking to Dague on the stream, IGN's Ryan McCaffrey said, "The way game development works, correct me if I'm wrong, the beta has to be branched off well in advance, aside from the main game. So the final game will run at 1080p on both [PS4 and Xbox One], but we won't see that on the beta of Xbox."
The Last of Us: Remastered includes optional 30fps lockdown [update]
Update: Asked on Twitter if the 30 frames per second (fps) lock indicated any fluctuations from the regular 60fps, Naughty Dog Co-President Evan Wells said, "Not at all. We included it at the request of the purists who wanted the experience as close to the original (PS3) as possible." Original story: Reports this morning confirm new details for PS4 revamp The Last of Us: Remastered, including an option to lock framerate at 30 frames per second. As the PlayStation Blog notes, the polished-up PS4 version of Naughty Dog's 2013 game runs regularly at 60fps and 1080p resolution. Sony's Sid Shuman said he suspects choosing between framerates will "boil down to personal preference," while Eurogamer speculates the option may indicate there's some judder at regular settings. A Game Informer hands-on preview doesn't note whether there are any significant drops. The Game Informer preview provides several other new details. For one, saves won't carry over from the PS3 game to the remastered PS4 version. Similarly, the trophy set is entirely separate, even though the trophies themselves are identical to the original ones on PS3. DLC, however, does carry over to the new version. As revealed previously, the three major released DLC packs - that's Abandoned Territories, Reclaimed Territories and Left Behind - all come as standard with the $50 PS4 game. But Game Informer notes you'll also be able to grab other DLC that you purchased on PS3 and use it in the new PS4 version too.
Relax, Alien: Isolation is 1080p on PS4 and Xbox One
Alien: Isolation runs at 1080p on both Xbox One and PS4, and in terms of framerate it's roughly the same across both platforms, Creative Assembly Lead Game Designer Gary Napper tells OXM. "When I think about working on the game, it's almost platform agnostic because I only think about the differences between platforms and the different mechanics we can use, like the light on the PS4 pad and the stuff with Kinect 2.0," Napper says. "So I think with framerate it's pretty comparable. There's no noticeable drop or change in graphics between them. Obviously there are a lot more options to tweak and scale up on the PC." So, when we're waking up the neighbors with screams of terror in the middle of the night, we'll tell them it's all Napper's fault. And if 1080p weren't horrifying enough, there's a demo of Alien: Isolation on Oculus Rift. We'd note if that were in 1080p, too, but we couldn't keep our eyes open long enough to tell. Alien: Isolation is due out on Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One, PS4 and PC late this year. [Image: Sega]
Forza Horizon 2 hits 1080p, 30fps on Xbox One
Forza Horizon 2 on Xbox One will run at 1080p and locked at 30 frames per second, Creative Director Ralph Fulton told IGN. "I think what we did on Horizon was demonstrate that, and this is really important, a locked frame rate that's absolutely solid and never drops is the most important thing for our game," Fulton said. "30 [fps] actually enables us to realize that experience." He continued, "I think I remember that's always a hot-button topic, until a game comes out and people go, 'Oh, this actually really works.' But 1080p was an absolute must for us; it's the benchmark for next-gen." Forza Horizon 2 takes place in Southern Europe. Fulton is with Playground Games, the studio developing the Xbox One version of Forza Horizon 2. The Xbox 360 edition is in development at Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed studio, Sumo Digital. Forza Horizon 2 is due out in the fall on Xbox 360 and Xbox One. [Image: Playground Games]
Gadget Rewind 2007: Pioneer Kuro PDP-5080HD plasma
The bleeding edge for pixel-pushing displays has shifted, and 4K, aka Ultra HD, is the one to watch. Though the once-great 1080p HD specification has now become commonplace, seven years ago, it was an altogether different story. Pioneer, one of the leading manufacturers of plasma televisions at the time, chose to buck the popular trend toward pricey "full HD" sets, and instead focus on more affordably priced sets under 60 inches. But cost wasn't the only differentiator for Pioneer; it also aimed to deliver the best picture quality possible, regardless of the spec sheet. From this line of Kuro (meaning "black" in Japanese) displays arose an award-winning 50-incher called the PDP-5080HD, which sported a humble 720p resolution.
Watch Dogs won't hit 1080p on either PlayStation 4 or Xbox One
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are both plenty powerful, but so far, many third-party games have ended up running better on Sony's console. That trend apparently continues later this month with Ubisoft's upcoming cyberpunk hackathon, Watch Dogs. The PS4 may have the upper hand in terms of native resolution as Joystiq noticed, but the game will run at 30fps (the gold standard for open-world games) on both platforms and neither will sport 1080p natively according to publisher Ubisoft. This is contrary to what a PlayStation.com listing said before it vanished over the weekend. The adventures of Aiden Pearce will run at 900p for Sony fans, while Xbox One owners will see 792p on their flat-screens. Because both consoles will upscale the game and output it to your display's native resolution, it's a difference you might only notice if both versions are running side-by-side. If you'll remember, Assassin's Creed 4 shipped on the PS4 at 900p as well, and received an update to hit full HD after the game launched -- we'll be watching to see if that happens here, too.
