The Growing Problem of Video Game File Size

Summary

The video script discusses the increasing file sizes of video games due to advancements in technology, resulting in more detailed graphics and complex gameplay. It highlights the shift from physical media to digital downloads, necessitating larger storage space. The script contrasts games like 'Demon's Souls' and 'Modern Warfare', questioning the latter's massive size despite having less content. It praises 'Ghost of Tsushima' for its efficient use of space without compromising quality, and raises concerns about the impact of large game sizes on storage and internet connectivity for rural gamers. The video concludes by acknowledging the trade-offs between faster SSDs and the cost and space requirements of modern games.

Takeaways

• 🌟 As gaming enters the 4K era, games are evolving with more detailed textures, increased polygon counts, and improved visual effects like ray tracing.
• 🚀 The new generation of SSDs significantly reduces loading times, sometimes eliminating them entirely, enhancing the gaming experience.
• 📈 The average file size of games is increasing due to technological advancements, leading to more storage space being required for individual games.
• 🔍 The transition from physical media to digital downloads has made installation and storage space more critical for console gaming, similar to PC gaming.
• 📊 Games like 'Demon's Souls' and 'Red Dead Redemption 2' have large file sizes, with the latter being noted for its 90GB install size on day one.
• 🔧 Game developers use asset duplication to reduce loading times, which increases file sizes, but efficient engines can minimize this without sacrificing performance.
• 🏆 'Ghost of Tsushima' is highlighted for its efficient use of storage and quick load times, achieved through fine-grained mesh and texturing systems.
• 💾 The cost of SSDs compared to HDDs means that while speed improves, the cost and available storage space for gamers might decrease.
• 🌐 Large file sizes can be a barrier for gamers with limited or slow internet connections, affecting their ability to download and enjoy digital games.
• 🔮 The future of gaming may see a need for larger storage capacities and more frequent management of game libraries due to increasing file sizes.

Q & A

What is one of the main reasons for the increase in video game file sizes?

The increase in video game file sizes is primarily due to advancements in technology that allow for more detailed textures, higher polygon counts on 3D models, longer draw distances, and the implementation of visual effects such as ray tracing.

How has the introduction of 4K resolution impacted game file sizes?

The introduction of 4K resolution has contributed to larger game file sizes because it requires higher quality textures and more detailed models to maintain visual fidelity at higher resolutions.

What role do SSDs play in the context of game file sizes?

SSDs have reduced loading times significantly, which has allowed games to become more complex and larger in size without a corresponding increase in load times. However, they are also more expensive per gigabyte compared to traditional HDDs.

Why did physical games on seventh-generation consoles not require installation on the hard drive?

Physical games on seventh-generation consoles like the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii were directly playable from their physical media, and only a few required installation for better loading times, but it was not mandatory for the majority of titles.

What was the initial file size of 'Demon's Souls' on PlayStation 5?

Demon's Souls was confirmed to be 66 gigabytes in size on PlayStation 5, making it one of the largest first-party launch titles.

How does 'Ghost of Tsushima' manage to have a smaller file size compared to 'Modern Warfare' despite its detailed open world?

Ghost of Tsushima's smaller file size is attributed to efficient compression techniques and an engine that keeps specific data ready to be loaded the moment it's needed, minimizing asset duplication.

What is the significance of asset duplication in game file sizes?

Asset duplication is a common practice where copies of assets are placed throughout a game's files to reduce loading times, but this significantly increases the game's file size.

How does the size of 'Modern Warfare' compare to other AAA titles?

Modern Warfare's file size is unusually large, reaching up to 250 gigabytes, which is more than twice the size of some massive open-world titles with detailed maps and lengthy stories.

What is the impact of large game file sizes on consumers with limited internet connections?

Large game file sizes can be problematic for consumers with limited or slow internet connections, as they may have to wait for extended periods to download games or updates, and they might also face data caps.

How do game developers sometimes address the issue of large file sizes?

Some game developers address large file sizes by implementing new compression techniques or by allowing players to uninstall certain parts of the game that they do not use, such as single-player campaigns or multiplayer modes.

What is the future outlook for game file sizes as technology continues to advance?

As technology advances, game file sizes are expected to continue growing due to higher quality assets and more complex game engines. However, the price of SSDs may decrease over time, making additional storage more affordable.