The technological landscape in the gaming industry is constantly evolving, with new hardware releases from major players like Sony and Microsoft. However, the question remains – is it time to move on from the PS4 and Xbox One for upcoming games like Diablo 4? According to Rod Fergusson, the boss of the Diablo series, the time to drop last-gen consoles may not be imminent.
Fergusson acknowledges that there is a “time and place” to transition away from supporting older platforms, but for Diablo 4, that time has not yet arrived. With a long road ahead for the game’s development, Fergusson emphasizes the importance of considering both current-gen capabilities and the limitations of previous generation hardware. He mentions that the team often discusses ideas for new features that may not be feasible for older consoles, but they continue to push the boundaries to ensure inclusivity.
Technical Features vs. Content Parity
While the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S are now in the middle of their life cycles, games like Diablo 4 still maintain support for last-gen hardware. Although certain technical features may be exclusive to current-gen consoles, the content parity between platforms remains intact. Diablo art director John Mueller describes this as a “creative challenge,” highlighting the team’s ability to find solutions and fallbacks to accommodate different hardware capabilities.
As Fergusson and Mueller hint at the possibility of Diablo 4 outgrowing the PS4 and Xbox One, it raises the question of when it may no longer be viable to support older consoles. Looking at precedents set by other games like Final Fantasy 14, GTA Online, and Destiny, which phased out support for previous generation consoles, there is a trend towards embracing newer technology and leaving behind outdated hardware. While it may not be an immediate concern for Diablo 4, it is undoubtedly part of the ongoing conversation within the development team.
The decision to move on from supporting the PS4 and Xbox One for Diablo 4 is a complex one that requires careful consideration of various factors. While there is still life left in the older hardware, the eventual transition to exclusively supporting current-gen consoles may be inevitable as the game evolves. As technology continues to advance, developers must navigate the fine line between innovation and inclusivity to ensure the best possible gaming experience for all players, regardless of their platform.
Leave a Reply