'Do players care about graphics?' - Bulletstorm dev

Bulletstorm developer, People Can Fly has questioned whether players actually give a monkey's about graphics any more.

Speaking to CVG, founder Adrian Chmielarz said he doesn't really care about video game visuals that much - so it's really lucky that his shooter looks fantastically good.

"The thing is, we really do not care that much," he said of game graphics. "When you take a look at the visual quality of Gears - the density of detail, so to speak - in my opinion, it kills Modern Warfare easily. But, Modern Warfare is 60 frames-per-second, and composition of the scene in Modern Warfare is really, really good. It's excellent.

[GWAVE]

If players (or a game dev, in this case) don't care about graphics...

...then why are there 1,000s of articles stating "[various upcoming game] will have better graphics than Uncharted 2"?

[Nike]

That's like asking how many and why are there so many stupid gaming journalism sites out there (the answers being: a lot, and only as stupid as the amount of hits they get from the same articles).

[brazilianbumpincher]

uncharted2 graphics in an open world game with amazing gameplay to match.......

SONY BUY SUCKERPUNCH NOW before they do an imsomniac

@remember..dude i hope so its only them and insomniac oh and QD who are free to go multi, after seeing infamous2 sony have to acquire them and have the monopoly of best first party devs

[RememberThe357]

I can see that happening. They picked up Media Molecule even though they had an exclusive deal with them. And the only reason Insomniac isn't apart of them is because they have chosen to stay independent.

SuckerPunch apart of the World Wide Studios? If this game get good reviews I can see it sealing the deal.

[Commander_TK]

graphics r an important thing in the 7th gen, yes. Not mention to the greatest looking game of all time, Crysis. Graphics r important, especially if it´s on an operating system

[EvilBlackCat]

"If players (or a game dev, in this case) don't care about graphics...

...then why are there 1,000s of articles stating "[various upcoming game] will have better graphics than Uncharted 2"?"

You are one dumb brainwashed... ugly creature

why are there 1,000s of articles...?

well WHO wrote them? The majority of Gamers? The DEVS? Who?

Real Gamers care about gameplay 1st while fanboys loyalists care about graphics 1st and then try to defend their favorite "BEST graphics games" as the most entertaining and awesome games ever and the interesting part is that... they all are exclusives... they never defend a multiplatform or never hyped by one.

For example RAGE

Its any loyalists here hyping, defending and praising RAGE?

OF COURSE NOT

"The thing is, we really do not care that much," he said of game graphics. "When you take a look at the visual quality of Gears - the density of detail, so to speak - in my opinion, it kills Modern Warfare easily. But, Modern Warfare is 60 frames-per-second, and composition of the scene in Modern Warfare is really, really good. It's excellent."

"I think right now so long as the game has a minimum level of quality, which is for us and everyone who wants to matter in this business is really high, do players really care? Seriously, if it really looks good, do we need to join race?

He added: "If people say our game looks better than another game, we will be happy, but that's not our goal. We just want to invite you on an adventure."

Loyalist should just shut the fnck up.

BY the way I dont like MW2.

1st Gameplay
2nd Story
3rd Graphics

[FFXI101]

I disagree the part you said only Fanboys care about the graphics. I care about the graphics just as much as I care for gameplay and story.
(Lack any of those elements, could make the game different than it should be.)

That's one of the reasons I bought a 1080p HDTV, if I don't care about it I'd be playing N64, PS ONE, or Sega Saturn on a 18" SDTV.

[Dee_91]

we want last gen graphics on our $300+ next gen consoles

[Arnon]

>Implying the PS3 and 360 are "next-gen".

[RememberThe357]

I was over a my friends house and we were talking about Modern Warfare 2. We got to talking about PS3 exclusives and how good they look and got to Killzone 2. The first thing that comes out of my friends mouth is, "That game was fucking gorgeous, but I hate the way it plays." It makes sense because he's a COD head, but it speaks to the fact that gamers do care about graphics when the first thing that he says about a game is the graphics.

BTW; "If people say our game looks better than another game, we will be happy, but that's not our goal. We just want to invite you on an adventure."

This may be the best gaming quote I've read in a very long time. I love graphics as much as the next man, but I want an all around polished and fun experience first.

[FanboysWillHateMe]

Fallout 3 looks pretty bad compared to the best looking games out there, but it ultimately delivered hundreds of hours of fun for me, to the point where the graphics didn't become a factor at all.

[hoops]

Graphics for Fallout 3 were poor FOR THE CONSOLES. Play it on the PC. The difference is STRIKING.

[andfed]

agree.

Graphics only impress for a while. A great game must have a solid gameplay experience

[Caffo01]

but to create the best game you need all: great gameplay, great story, great graphics, sound etc..

[Fanb0y]

As Cliff Blezinsky stated,

Modern games need graphics to catch new gamers' attention. However at the core, gameplay is what matters.

[athlon770]

All we heard about from the media and the 360 boys was "how the graphics were not quite up to snuff to this game or that game".

http://n4g.com/news/551438/...

and

http://n4g.com/news/471200/...

Graphics are a huge driving force for the games we play. There was a kid on the boards here that tried to argue graphics did not matter and that gameplay was where it is at. Which as part of the discussion I said if graphics didn't matter, then we would not have the 360 or the PS3. Think about it, if graphics did not matter, we would not have the vector graphics in the 80's and 90's, and we would not have the 3d modeling in the 90's and 2000's.

Graphics do matter. They may matter more or less depending on who you ask, but anyone who flat out says graphics do not matter to them, then mail me your current gen system, I have a Atari 2600 to send back! :)

[ThanatosDMC]

MAG is awesome. There's no other game like it that can pull off 256 players, lots of bullets, no lag, lots of explosions, lots of smoke, etc.

[athlon770]

While I have not purchased MAG, I downloaded the last demo before release and liked it alot. Then to have them say they upgraded the visuals in the game for the final version, I was very tempted. Just not my kind of game.

[BeaArthur]

I care, but not as much as I do about story and gameplay.

[jay2]

All I can say is I WANT this game ASAP.

[CountDracula]

Apparantly

[snaileri]

..while PC devs keep pushing it, because there is no limit in hardware.

[waterboy]

for pc also

[Wildarmsjecht]

And even then you may never know. Some games can last the test of time and be enjoyed without being the best looking game ever. Some games released in the last couple of years are fun but look like they were made for systems 2 generations ago.
Then there are other games that look FANTASTIC and that adds onto the fun factor because of the sense of realism that the players experience. I personally prefer my games to look amazing given the technology out there now, but that doesnt mean I won't play a game that looks abysmal compared to others if its fun. I like 2d sprite RPGs alot and I'm currently playing Lunar: Silver Star Harmony for the PSP because I remember how fun it was, but its nothing graphically special in any way. However, I'm excited as all hell for Killzone 3 because the level of graphics and animations in Killzone 2 really made me feel like I was in war like setting, and I can't wait to experience Helghan territory behind enemy lines.

It's not about whether or not players care about Graphics IMO. It's just a matter of whether or not the Graphics helps the players truly feel like they are a part of the game, or if the game has enough charm on its own to be fun but look like MEH.

This is all opinion tho, and many others will feel different.

[A LIVING LEGEND]

A game with poor graphics can have stellar gameplay and vice versa.
It goes without saying that while grounbreaking visuals are great and often add to the experience,great gameplay always comes first.The real gems contain both but are a rare breed.

[Darkfiber]

I care about graphics to an extent, I think we all do. Are they the most important thing about the game? Not to me, but to some people are...basically anyone who voted Uncharted 2 as game of the year last year. I've learned that, usually if a game LOOKS like game of the year, people will vote it as such. So just look at the game with the highest production values and it'll most likely win. I personally think a game's art style attracts me more to a game than the graphics themselves. Either way, graphics don't mean anything if the story and gameplay is bad. It's a combination of all things, hence why most reviewers break scores up into different categories outlining all the major features considered in rating a game.

[Wildarmsjecht]

I'm not sure about whether Game of the Year is determined by graphics alone. Production value (in terms of how the story is told and how things are presented) might be a good indication, but then again that also adds to the atmosphere of the game and how immersed the player is, so that doesnt necessarily have to be based on looks. Bioshock was considered the Game of the Year in 2007 by MANY sources and publications, and it didn't look all that pretty graphically speaking, but the way the story unfolded and the game play was amazing and fun. Other games that were either graphically on the same level or better includes Halo 3, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ratchet and Clank:FTOD, etc.

But I agree with your second point about how a games art style gets to you more than the graphics itself. It's both of them mixed into one for me, but there are some games who's art style is phenomenal and that blows away even the best looking game in the world to me.

[jagstatboy]

I used to care a lot more in the past than I do now. I've matured as a gamer.

[claterz]

IMO graphics are important, and I know a lot of people think gameplay is everything, but most of the games that have amazing gameplay usually have amazing graphics too. if the developers are spending lots of time and effort on the graphics for their game, then they are going to have the same approach to every other aspect of the game.

[Chaostar]

I think that some games benefit greatly from eye-catching graphics. Mostly sim games, i.e anything trying to replicate real world visuals; sports, racing etc.

I guess with most games as long as the gameplay is good then it shouldn't really matter. I've never heard anyone say that a game is totally spoiled just because it doesn't have fantastic visuals.

All a matter of opinion, I'm sure there are people out there that dismiss games that aren't good to look at... I've never met one though.

[BYE]

We would still play Super Nintendo if gamers didn't care.

[Xx Ziyad xX]

its not like we dont want good graphics .. but FUN Games > graphic Games .. yah L4D does not have good graphic but its fun as hell !! .. we want games like UN2 and GeOW and GOW how mix both FUN and graphics

[claterz]

I don't think people would care too much if we still had games with bad graphics, I think the main reason a lot of people want games with great graphics now is just because current gen consoles are capable of great graphics. Before this gens consoles were released we were promised that they could run games with amazing visuals, so why shouldn't we expect the games to look good? All consoles are capable of great graphics so if developers don't make good looking games then it's just because they're not bothering to make the most of what's available to them.

[Scotracer]

Do you really think the only thing that has evolved since the SNES is the graphics capabilities? I'd like to see a SNES running the physics of a modern FPS or handle the scope of Fallout 3.

[Xx Ziyad xX]

more than u think ..

[AssassinHD]

Of course players care about graphics. Video games by their very nature are visual experiences. Now of course game play is more important than graphics, but graphics are still important nonetheless. The best developers find a way to have both.

[athlon770]

You have to have great gameplay to keep you at a particular game, but the visuals are what help to draw you in.

[Samus HD]

80% gameplay
20% graphic (why do you think the Wii sold so much)

[AssassinHD]

I would hazard a guess that it sold so much because it is inexpensive, cute, family friendly, and it allows soccer moms to get in shape without leaving the house.

[Samus HD]

i don't fu***ing understand you

[AssassinHD]

"Hazard a guess" is an idiom. The rest of my comment is plain English. What is not to understand?

[Red-Dead-Roar]

why would u care about gfx? it's not like u need a tv to play games or anything!

[gamingisnotacrime]

and Yes

[Fanb0y]

More than simply 'graphics', I think a game's look needs identity.

Killzone 2 has good graphics; but in my opinion, it lacked identity. Can any gamer look at the gray buildings in the background and yell "That's Killzone!"

On the other hand, most people can immediately tell that a Halo environment is from a Halo game. Same for Gears. Same for Uncharted 2.

[RememberThe357]

I don't remember any game that has that art style. I could pick Killzone 2 out of a line up any day.

[adonis183]

Look at M.A.G It has terrible graphics

[ThanatosDMC]

MAG doesnt have terrible graphics.

[amobius]

graphics help games to be more believable, so good graphics are important IMO

[Freak of Nature]

I agree %100...

Immersion is vital.

I would add that gameplay is a top priority,but in this day and age having nice eye candy only adds to the overall package.The mood,ambiance,feel,along with the creative and style aspects all bring fresh experiences.an escape. Art direction,style and creativity go a long way.

But again,while graphics are important,along with music,FX,A.I.,gameplay is the primary factor in the end....

[TheBreezyBB]

If I buy an Full HD LCD would i care if the movies i watch are in SD?!! yes. I wouldn't wanna watch something that is inferior to what i have.

[Roper316]

game play over graphics any day for me. Who cares if a crappy game looks good it is still a crappy game. Only newer gamers tend to care about graphics and trophies/achievements as the be all end all of gaming and games. Sometimes you get the best of both worlds like UC2 but they are very few and far apart maybe once or twice a gen.

[ian72]

Graphics are one of the top things gamers want good. Good graphics, story and gameplay help to immerse people in the game, with one of those 3 missing it can make a good game bad. Good graphics are important.

[zerocool3397]

I would rather have average graphics and awesome gameplay than awesome graphics and rubbish gameplay. Dev's generally have to compromise with one or the other. Too many people focus on graphics.

[divideby0]

Heck yea.... with todays consoles, poor graphics are do to shoddy developers...just look at game3 like UC2, ME.....

[hoops]

Graphics do matter....to the fanboy's who console has the edge in this manner.
Xbox1 fanboys preached how GRAPHICS MATTER...PS2 fanboys preached game play...
PS3 fanboys preach graphics and Xbox360 fanboys preach game play.
How ironic that things change.
Bookmark this page...Because if the Next console from MS or Nintendo is the powerhouse over Sony's, then you will be hearing from Sony fanboys how game play matters and not graphics and Nintendo and MS fanboys saying how graphics matter.
Its called HYPOCRISY from ALL fanboys.

Edit:

That all depends on the games.
The xbox1 had plenty of powerhouse graphic games with both.
Ninja Gaiden. Chronicles of Riddick. Halo 1-2. Splinter Cell Chaos Theory.Panzer Dragoon Orta. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. Fable. Rainbow Six 3. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
All those games were great graphically for the time and had great game play.
My point is you will see the hypocrisy if things change

[Spenok]

But the point you forget to point out is that PS3 has BOTH graphics and gameplay this generation........

Now dont get me wrong, the 360 has some good games too... Just nothing in comparison to games like U2.

[Spenok]

Yes they do, and sometimes it gets down to that being the deciding point if people buy a game or not. I used to work for a gamestore, and i would constantly get asked if games had good graphics or not, or if they were deciding on 2 or more games they would pick the one with the "best graphics." Its sad really.

[Zachmo182]

Well i no PS3 fans do it's more about graphics then gameplay. Always bitching up a storm about graphics on the 360 sucks so that means the game will to.

Also don't mean to sound like a fanboy or anything it's just the truth.

[washingmachine]

wot a stupid title. if we didnt care why would we buy em,duh

[KiLLz]

Could i have graphics and good gameplay.Is it to much 2 ask 4??!!!

[P_Bomb]

Hmm. Sounds like something that a developer a lil' insecure about their game's visuals would say.

Lots of devs create games with good gameplay AND good graphics and don't make excuses. What's wrong with giving the consumer more bang for their buck? Feel free to gimp Bulletstorm's graphics Adrian, just don't expect me to pay $59.99 brand new for yet another entry into the most overcrowded genre in gaming (FPS) if you have low production values.

I didn't buy a 52" HDTV and a $300 console just to play Doom & Wolfenstein on XBLA. People always say gameplay > graphics, but on the 360 & PS3, is it any coincidence that most games with a Metacritic of 85 & up are also pretty to look at and do it with 30fps instead of 60?

[DigitalRaptor]

Graphics are a big part of games and are important whether players like it or not.

If they weren't important, we wouldn't see an progression in fidelity and realism, and new consoles wouldn't need to be made.

[FLAMES_187]

Gameplay always comes first but its the next generation so yes i would like to play a good looking game in 2010...

[PandaJenkins]

I think what should be said is that 'gamers care TOO much about graphics'. The amount of people that completely look over everything else in a game (story, gameplay,etc) and only focus on visuals is ridiculous. Then again it is the only thing fanboys can do to try and boast up exclusive games to their console since they haven't played them yet.

Just annoys me when games used to be about fun, not how visually stunning they were.... and most look great these days anyway.