Both Xbox One versions to run at 60FPS
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is an immensely popular game on the PC, and so to be available on the Xbox One consoles. However, it would seem that these last couple of days have been an emotional rollercoaster for those eagerly awaiting the game. Earlier, Wccftech had reported that Brendan “Mister Playerknown” Greene talked a bit about the console version in an interview with GamesTM. In that interview, it was stated that the Xbox One X version was aiming for 60FPS, while the Xbox One version would be around 30FPS.
Definitely on Xbox One X, 60FPS. On Xbox One, we’re not sure. We may have to limit it at 30FPS, maybe, but the last time I saw it, it was running at about 30 to 40. We’re still constantly improving it so, you know, the aim is to get to 60. That’s why we’re doing Game Preview, because I think the great thing about console is it’s a locked hardware system, so we can do really specific tweaks that tune it for those systems.
Now, if you know anything about competitive online games, any advantage you can get is a disadvantage to everyone else. In this instance, it would have been Xbox One X vs Xbox One gamers, 60FPS vs 30FPS. And well, some gamers weren’t too happy about that. As someone who plays a lot of PUBG and other online games, I can understand their frustration.
However, it would seem that this frustration was for nothing. As Brendan has recanted his previous statement as of today. Instead of the Xbox One X version hitting 60FPS, it will instead run at 30FPS Meaning both Xbox One consoles framerates will be the same. This was announced via a tweet that was posted this morning.
https://twitter.com/PLAYERUNKNOWN/status/936579121320099844
As you can imagine, Xbox One X owners aren’t too thrilled about this. While some were seen poking fun at their fellow Xbox One/S owners. Now the advantage is gone. Which is prompted some to point their fingers at Microsoft. If this sounds familiar, this is the same thing that happened with the Xbox One (and PlayStation) version of Destiny 2. Despite the Xbox One X having more power to push those pixels, it was restricted to 30FPS as well.
But why are people pointing fingers at Microsoft? Well, that’s an interesting question and one that I don’t have an answer for. Especially since Microsoft via Mike Ybarra, had stated that there would be no parity between their consoles. It would be up to the developers to decide how to use the power of the Xbox One X (or not use it). If this is indeed the case, isn’t Bluehole the one to ask why this sudden 180?
Developers are free to choose how they use the power of Project Scorpio for games. We have no requirements limiting framerate or fidelity.
— Mike Ybarra 🎄 (@Qwik) May 19, 2017
This statement was also echoed by Shannon Loftis, the general manager of Microsoft Studios Publishing.
https://twitter.com/shannonloftis/status/865977081045307392
Needless to say, this decision to make both versions identical was likely a decision on Bluehole’s part. No one wants to have an online match be decided by however has the better hardware. This is also why some developers either won’t support widescreen monitors or have attempted to minimize their effectiveness (Overwatch).
Introduce something that could be an advantage and you could very well alienate your audience. At the worst, people will end up not wanting to play anymore. As an Xbox One X owner, I’m not too thrilled about the framerate not being higher. Yet I understand where this is coming from and agree with it. It’s no different than pitting keyboard/mouse gamers against gamepad/controller gamers. No one wants that, now do we?
As always, we’d love to have your thoughts on the matter in the comments below.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds drops on December 12th, 2017, for the Xbox One and Xbox One X. Mind you this will be released via early access. Later in December, the full release of the PC version will arrive. Complete with vaulting, which is pretty amazing on the test servers.
Finally, get your first look at the new PUBG desert map in action, on December 7th, at The Game Awards 2017 show.
Don't miss the first-ever gameplay of the new desert map from @PUBATTLEGROUNDS live during @thegameawards on Thursday, December 7! #TheGameAwards pic.twitter.com/HKAmltzoCz
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) November 30, 2017
