Why Game Optimization Sucks Now.

Summary

The video discusses the growing issue of poorly optimized games, which increasingly require high-end hardware that most players can't afford. The rising cost of PC components, including GPUs, driven by scalpers and inflation, has made it difficult for gamers to keep up. Developers often prioritize profit over performance, relying on upscaling technologies like AMD's FSR and Nvidia's DLSS to boost frame rates, even though they often result in blurry visuals. The video also critiques the use of features like ray tracing, which can hinder performance, and calls for games to be developed with average consumers in mind rather than pushing cutting-edge hardware.

Takeaways

• 😀 New games are becoming increasingly difficult to run due to higher hardware demands and poor optimization.
• 💻 Only around 10% of Steam users have the hardware capable of running games at the recommended settings.
• 💰 The cost of upgrading PC hardware is prohibitively expensive, with new components often costing as much as a used car.
• 🖥️ FPS (Frames per second) is the key metric to measure game performance, with higher FPS providing smoother gameplay.
• 🎮 Competitive online games require higher FPS and refresh rates, with many gamers now considering 144Hz or higher as the minimum standard.
• 🔧 Game optimization requires attention to details like texture quality, anti-aliasing, and post-processing, all of which impact performance.
• 🆙 Upscaling technologies, like AMD's FSR and Nvidia's DLSS, can improve performance but often result in blurry or pixelated visuals.
• 👾 Developers are often blamed for not optimizing games properly, focusing more on speed and profitability than the user experience.
• 🎮 The Silent Hill 2 remake is an example of poor optimization, even on high-end systems like the RTX 4090.
• 💸 Scalpers contribute to the inflated prices of hardware by buying up stock and reselling it at exorbitant rates, making it difficult for average consumers to upgrade.
• 💡 The gaming industry is increasingly building games around high-end hardware, which alienates the majority of players who cannot afford such systems.

Q & A

Why is game optimization important for gamers?

Game optimization is crucial because it ensures smooth gameplay, especially on older or mid-range hardware. Poor optimization can result in frame rate issues, making the game less enjoyable and sometimes unplayable, which alienates a large portion of the gaming community.

What does FPS mean in the context of gaming?

FPS, or Frames Per Second, measures how many frames your graphics card can render in one second. The higher the FPS, the smoother the game will feel. Most gamers prefer at least 60 FPS for a good experience, while competitive players often need much higher FPS for responsive gameplay.

Why is upscaling technology like AMD's FSR and Nvidia's DLSS often criticized?

Upscaling technologies are criticized because, while they aim to improve performance by lowering the game resolution, they often result in blurry or pixelated visuals, which negatively impacts the gaming experience.

What is the impact of scalpers on PC gaming?

Scalpers negatively impact PC gaming by buying up limited stock of graphics cards and other components using bots and reselling them at inflated prices. This makes it difficult for average consumers to afford and build gaming PCs, pushing the prices of components beyond reasonable levels.

What role does ray tracing play in modern gaming, and why is it controversial?

Ray tracing is a technology that enhances graphical realism by simulating light behavior, such as reflections and shadows. However, it's controversial because it requires significant hardware power and forces players with lower-end systems to use upscaling, negatively impacting performance and visual quality.

Why are high refresh rate displays becoming more important for gamers?

High refresh rate displays (e.g., 144 Hz or 500 Hz) are important because they allow for smoother and more responsive gameplay, especially in competitive gaming. To take full advantage of such monitors, gamers need FPS to match or exceed the refresh rate for optimal performance.

What is the problem with developers relying solely on upscaling technologies?

Relying solely on upscaling technologies can lead to poor optimization and a lower-quality gaming experience. Games may run at an acceptable frame rate, but the visual quality often suffers, leaving players with a less enjoyable experience compared to properly optimized games.

How does the cost of modern gaming hardware affect the average gamer?

The rising cost of gaming hardware, including graphics cards and other components, makes it increasingly difficult for the average gamer to afford a gaming PC. Prices have escalated due to factors like supply shortages and scalping, pushing gaming beyond the reach of many potential players.

What are the system requirements for playing the new Silent Hill 2 remake, and what does that tell us about the game's optimization?

The Silent Hill 2 remake's system requirements suggest the use of upscaling technology for smooth gameplay, even on high-end systems. This indicates that the game is poorly optimized, as it struggles to run well even on powerful hardware, relying on upscaling to maintain performance.

How have recent Nvidia graphics cards, like the RTX 5070, addressed the issue of gaming performance?

The Nvidia RTX 5070 claims to match the performance of higher-end cards like the RTX 4090 using technologies like DLSS and AI upscaling. However, the real-world performance may not fully match this claim, and the price of the RTX 5070 is still affected by scalpers, making it expensive for many gamers.