Video Game Graphics
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Graphics.
Latest coverage
Star Fox designer “choked up” by graphics in new Nintendo Switch 2 remake
Original Star Fox designer Takaya Imamura expressed being moved by the realistic graphics in the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 remake. Developed by Velan Studios, the game features a custom engine that blurs the line between pre-rendered and real-time visuals, impressing Imamura with its technological advancement. The Star Fox remake is set to launch on June 25 for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Gears of War: E-Day gives Marcus Fenix a makeover with "more detail in his eyelashes than his entire character…
Gears of War: E-Day showcases significant graphical improvements, particularly in character detail, with young Marcus Fenix featuring more intricate eyelashes than his entire original character model. This focus on detail highlights the evolution of emotional storytelling in the series and the capabilities of the Xbox Series X compared to the Xbox 360.
Video game graphics are nowhere near their peak—and Fatekeeper proves it
The article argues that video game graphics have not yet reached their full potential, using the game Fatekeeper as a prime example of current visual capabilities. It suggests that there is significant room for advancement in graphical fidelity within the industry.
BioShock creator: Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Machine prove graphics have reached “diminishing returns”
BioShock creator Ken Levine believes that graphics have reached a point of diminishing returns, citing the Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, and Steam Machine as evidence that current hardware is sufficient. He suggests that stylistic visuals age better than hyper-realism and that players increasingly prefer accessible hardware over raw graphical power.
BioShock creator says Nintendo Switch 2 proves gaming graphics are hitting “diminishing returns”
BioShock creator Ken Levine believes the gaming industry is experiencing diminishing returns in graphics, using the Nintendo Switch 2 as an example of hardware that prioritizes artistic style over photorealism. He argues that unique art direction and creative vision are more important for a game's longevity than cutting-edge technology.
Capcom's glad we hated Resident Evil Requiem's terrible DLSS 5 AI demo, because it means fans "really liked the original design of Grace"
Capcom producer Masato Kumzawa stated the company is pleased with the negative fan reaction to Nvidia's DLSS 5 demo for Resident Evil 4, as it indicates players appreciated the original character designs, particularly for Grace. The demo showcased AI-generated character models that were widely criticized for deviating from the game's established art style.
'It Was a Positive': Resident Evil Requiem Dev Is Pleased by Heated Reaction to DLSS 5 Grace
Resident Evil Requiem producer Masato Kumzawa views the strong player reaction to Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology, particularly its impact on character Grace Ashcroft's appearance, as a positive sign of fan engagement with the original design. While Capcom's stance on future DLSS 5 support remains unclear, the discussion highlights player attachment to established character aesthetics.
Assassin's Creed Hexe loses another game director, and it's the second one this year
Assassin's Creed Hexe has lost its second game director this year, Benoit Richer, who has departed Ubisoft to co-found a new indie studio. This follows the earlier departure of creative director Clint Hocking, with Jean Guesdon taking over as creative director. Separately, The Pokémon Company's Masaaki Hoshino addressed criticisms of Pokémon Champions' graphics, citing development limitations compared to previous titles like Pokkén Tournament.
Pokémon Champions Producer Acknowledges Visual 'Limitations' Amid Ongoing Fan Scrutiny of Series' Graphics
The technical director for The Pokémon Company has addressed ongoing fan criticism regarding the visual quality of the Pokémon series, specifically mentioning recent scrutiny of Pokémon Champions. This acknowledgment comes amidst continued fan discussions about the series' graphics.
Why 2002's Resident Evil Zero Still Looks Better Than Today's Games | HappyGamer
A Reddit discussion highlights that Resident Evil Zero's 2002 prerendered backgrounds still hold up against modern games, sparking debate about the artistic merits lost in the transition to real-time 3D graphics. The article argues that modern technology could revive prerendered backgrounds to create visually stunning and atmospheric game worlds, particularly for horror and mystery genres.
Pokemon Champions producer comments on the game’s graphics
Pokemon Champions producer Masaaki Hoshino addressed fan concerns about the game's graphics, stating that the team aimed to balance both visuals and gameplay. He highlighted the focus on a fair and robust battle system while also incorporating specific visual elements like realistic shadows and custom battle effects. Despite past criticisms of the series' graphics, Pokemon Champions has received positive initial impressions.
Acclaimed indie dev is leaning into the "uncomfortable uncanniness" that comes from hyper-realistic graphics…
Developers behind the upcoming horror game Prove You're Human are intentionally leaning into the "uncomfortable uncanniness" of hyper-realistic graphics. Creative director Remy Siu and Black Tabby Publishing co-founder Tony Howard-Arias believe the uncanny valley is a strength of the medium, especially as games pursue photorealism. The game, which features an AI robot desperately trying to convince the player it's human, is available to wishlist on Steam.
We must demand worse graphics to save the video games industry - Reader’s Feature
A reader argues that the video game industry must reduce graphics fidelity to combat unsustainable development costs, which have reached $300 million for some titles. The author highlights indie success stories like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which achieved massive profits on a small budget, suggesting that publishers should prioritize lower budgets, PlayStation 4-level graphics, shorter game lengths, and cheaper prices over chasing hyper-realistic visuals.
Diskutera – Vackraste svenska spelet är...
This article discusses what constitutes the most beautiful Swedish-developed video game, exploring the subjective nature of beauty in games. It contrasts technical graphical prowess with artistic direction, citing Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay as a personal favorite for its lighting and shadow work, despite not being the most technically advanced game of its era.
The DLSS 5 backlash is not going away | Opinion
Nvidia's new DLSS 5 technology has faced significant backlash from both consumers and developers, who criticize its AI-driven visual alterations and negative impact on game lighting. The company's strategic shift towards AI, with gaming becoming a smaller part of its business, is seen as the root cause of this disconnect. CEO Jensen Huang's dismissive comments towards critics further fueled the controversy, suggesting a prioritization of AI hardware sales over genuine gaming advancements.
For Science: It turns out The Youths really aren’t chasing video game graphics
A NewZoo analysis presented at GDC suggests that younger players are increasingly prioritizing game 'vibes,' social interaction, and in-game autonomy over graphical fidelity. Games like Roblox and Minecraft, which are not graphically intensive, remain highly popular among this demographic, while many AAA titles are less appealing.
Nvidia’s DLSS5 gives me existential dread, but the Internet’s response to it fills me with hope
Nvidia's new DLSS 5 AI upscaling technology is drawing criticism for its perceived negative impact on character models, particularly female characters, making them appear less lifelike and more artificial. While Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang claims developers can fine-tune the AI to maintain artistic control, the internet's response has been largely negative, with many users sharing humorous and critical reactions to the technology's output.
AI Is Creeping Into Gaming And Players Are Finally Pushing Back | Invision Game Community
Players are increasingly pushing back against the integration of Artificial Intelligence in video games, particularly concerning its impact on creative aspects like visuals and character detail. While AI can offer production benefits, concerns are rising about a potential homogenization of game aesthetics and the displacement of human developers, especially in light of industry layoffs. The article suggests that player pushback may influence how AI is adopted in the future.
This PS2 Transformers Game Still Looks Xbox-Quality 22 Years Later
A 2004 PlayStation 2 game, Transformers, has gone viral for its impressive graphics, which some users claim rival those of the original Xbox. The discovery highlights the technical capabilities of the PS2 and the ongoing interest in retro gaming, with players rediscovering older titles that pushed hardware boundaries.
Nvidia new AI tech turns video game graphics into slop as fans are outraged
Nvidia's new DLSS 5 technology, which incorporates generative AI, has faced significant backlash from gamers who claim it degrades visual quality, turning game graphics into "AI slop." Despite Nvidia's assurances that developers retain artistic control, early examples like Resident Evil Requiem show altered character appearances, leading to widespread criticism and negative reception online. Publishers like Capcom and Ubisoft have expressed support, with the technology slated for a wider release this autumn.
