Many PC games are released in a deplorable state. A developer has now explained why PC gamers always receive the worst version.
The current situation is difficult for PC gamers. On one hand, there are a whole bunch of big games worth playing for PC gaming. On the other hand, many new PC releases are struggling with technical problems. A silver lining is Diablo 4, which has been spared from major issues.
The online magazine DigitalTrends has now asked a developer why PC ports are so bad. And he explained that this is mainly due to the computers of the gamers. Because they are all completely different. And that causes problems for developers.
“The problem lies in the variety of different configurations”
Marc Whitten is Senior Vice President and General Manager of Unity Create. In an interview with DigitalTrends, he explains that many problems arise because every gamer uses a different configuration.
He explains that “the sheer variety and variability of the PC configurations on which games are played can… definitely throw up unexpected problems.” Whitten also points to “different operating systems and new driver updates, heat and latency, as well as user adjustments” as factors that can contribute to this problem.
He claims, as DigitalTrends reports, that games “are generally extensively tested during development.” The problem lies in the multitude of different configurations and not with the developers.
Because there are many details to consider that can look different for every PC gamer:
- What operating system is being used?
- Which version of the operating system is installed?
- Which drivers are installed and is everything up to date?
- Which BIOS settings are enabled?
- What additional software for mouse, keyboard, and headset is installed?
Every gamer who has ever assembled a computer knows how many different components can be chosen when building a PC. RAM and motherboards are available from dozens of manufacturers, the same goes for graphics cards. Additionally, there are detail questions.
The PS5 or Xbox is bought as “off-the-shelf” products: The consoles always look the same inside. The exception may be the SSD, which players can later install in their PS4 or PS5.
Xbox and PlayStation are easier to optimize because the hardware remains the same
The problem lies in the multitude of different configurations that developers have to test. Because it feels like every gaming PC looks different and every person installs different software or uses a different operating system. However, for reasons of time or money, not all configurations can be considered.
Because in addition to the PC, at least 2 more platforms need to be supported, Xbox and PlayStation. After all, every player wants to start right at release and not watch Xbox or PlayStation players game.
Editorial note: In the original version of the text, the headline suggested that consumers themselves are to blame for bad PC ports, as it allowed too much room for interpretation. The headline was adjusted to clarify the contents of the interview.
