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[shinobi602]

Thanks Gamingbolt. A lot more at the link: http://gamingbolt.com/watch_dogs-in...es-perks-story-details-vehicles-and-tons-more


On doubting things being scripted

Ravi Sinha: What we’ve seen of Watch_Dogs is incredible however. But we’ve been tempted by stellar game footage before. How much of what was shown reflects in the actual game?


Danny Belanger: There are many questions about the systemic or scripted nature of the game. Many people have doubts that we’ve scripted everything we shown. This is truly a systemic game – A good example is our E3 2012 demo with the car accident done by hacking the traffic lights, it depends on the amount of vehicles present at the intersection when it is triggered.

The gravity of the accident will totally depend on the speed and amount of cars at that instant. Our goal is to give a lot of interesting tools to the player to modify, affect the simulation and let him be creative in using them to achieve his goals!

PS4 vs Xbox One

Ravi Sinha: Given all the hype and hoopla around the PS4, what are your thoughts on the Xbox One? How is the Xbox One version of the game going to be different compared to the PC and the PS4 one?


Dominic Guay: The Xbox One is a powerful platform, as of now we do not foresee a major difference in on screen result between the PS4 and the Xbox One. Obviously since we are still working on pushing the game on these new consoles, we are still doing R&D. This said, the platforms have some specificities that we are leveraging. For example, we are making use of the touchpad on the DualShock4.

PC version

Ravi Sinha: What graphical options can players expect from the PC version?


Francis Boivin (Team Lead Programmer): Disrupt was developed to have state of the art visuals on all its quality levels. We needed to have AO, massive dynamic light support, HDR, GI, depth of field, etc. to fully realize the ambition of art direction. We improved on techniques that we worked on in the past and surveyed what was available for the highest level of quality we wanted to achieve. We didn’t just integrate the technique of the moment, but spent quite some time turning stuff around and mixing algorithms so they fit our requirements.

 

[Spongebob]

Its a launch, cross-gen game, not surprised.

 

[MMaRsu]

So its not optimized for ps4?

 

[HueyFreeman]

This is truly a systemic game

What... does this even mean? That's gotta be the most ill-advised attempt at a buzz phrase I've seen yet.

 

[deafmedal]

But what about the WiiU version... That's the one I want

 

[NYR]

So its not optimized for ps4?

It's a launch title. It will take years (or less?) before devs are able to make the most of the PS4 power and leverage the additional power.

 

[DeviantBoi]

They don't foresee any differences between the PS4 and XBone versions... just like devs didn't foresee differences between the PS3 and 360 versions this generation.

 

[dezzy8]

I wanna see how the current gen version looks.

 

[Dictator93]

What... does this even mean? That's gotta be the most ill-advised attempt at a buzz phrase I've seen yet.

That systems dictate its gameplay outcomes and not purely scripted events.

 

[Sibylus]

What... does this even mean? That's gotta be the most ill-advised attempt at a buzz phrase I've seen yet.

Not a buzz phrase, just a conciser way of saying "system-driven".

 

[ElectricBlue187]

What... does this even mean? That's gotta be the most ill-advised attempt at a buzz phrase I've seen yet.

It's gameplay is based from the interplay between various systems. I hope it really is systemic

 

[sunnz]

Can't wait.

It annoys me when people downplay the hacking aspect of the game when it really will enhance and create such a unique way of interacting with the city and its inhabitants.

No surprise about the PS4/XBONE, it will be pretty silly for developers for say if 1 console is actually superior.

Touchpad integration will be interesting.

This and GTA V, I can see many hours being spent on these two alone.



I hope my 670 can provide me good performance and quality, or it would be the ps4 version.


Has there been any mention on how big the map will be?

 

[Phawx]

They don't foresee any differences between the PS4 and XBone versions... just like devs didn't foresee differences between the PS3 and 360 versions this generation.

The differences between Xbox 360 and PS3 were largely the extra texture compression needed on the PS3.

We may see the inverse happen this gen in regard to texture compression.

 

[Dead Prince]

So its not optimized for ps4?

Not surprising.

 

[HueyFreeman]

That systems dictate its gameplay outcomes and not purely scripted events.

Not a buzz phrase, just a conciser way of saying "system-driven".

It's gameplay is based from the interplay between various systems. I hope it really is systemic

"Systemic" does not mean "governed by systems." Also, what games aren't?

I'm looking forward to it, i just hate their silly little marketing terms to make things seem fancier than they are

 

[Snowden's Secret]

You earned one of my few holiday pre-order slots with this, Ubi, don't mess it up.

Systems driven is what I like to hear.

 

[DrBo42]

He's fucking lying. Watch the E3 2012 footage of that car crash. If you pay close attention, vehicles actually spawn in to make that crash happen.

 

[ElectricBlue187]

"Systemic" does not mean "governed by systems." Also, what games aren't?

That's reductionist. There are lots of games that are obviously scripted and there are a few games that are nothing but systems based. They are not the same thing.

 

[demolitio]

I don't expect to see many differences early on for third-party games and then only differences if the publishers/developers are willing to take that chance. It's a question of WHICH developers will utilize the hardware and which will play it safe and of course, the big differences will be the exclusives anyway.

 

[SniperHunter]

sounds like the PC version will blow the console versions away. The lack of background DoF was really glaring in the PS4 version

 

[Chrisness]

This doesn't mean anything and is just PR speak in regards to PS4 vs X1. No way will a developer come out and say "The PS4 version will look noticeably better." We will just have to wait and see.

 

[Sibylus]

"Systemic" does not mean "governed by systems." Also, what games aren't?

I'm looking forward to it, i just hate their silly little marketing terms to make things seem fancier than they are

Yes, it does. It also can mean "system-wide", but being that the system referenced in this case are the procedures in code, it's the former definition that is relevant here.

 

[R3TRODYCE]

One of my launch pick ups.

 

[Chamber]

This doesn't mean anything and is just PR speak in regards to PS4 vs X1. No way will a developer come out and say "The PS4 version will look noticeably better." We will just have to wait and see.

This. Not sure what people are looking for with these quotes.

 

[Randdalf]

It is totally scripted: press the hack button to run the script which does fancy stuff.

 

[Can Crusher]

That he said he does not foresee a major difference says enough. Current gen they would've said they would look the same.

 

[Refreshment.01]

What... does this even mean? That's gotta be the most ill-advised attempt at a buzz phrase I've seen yet.

"Emergent Gameplay", that's what he's trying to say.

 

[Sho_Nuff82]

This doesn't mean anything and is just PR speak in regards to PS4 vs X1. No way will a developer come out and say "The PS4 version will look noticeably better." We will just have to wait and see.

Or it could be they are dumping the same assets in both consoles and locking it at 720p/30fps.

 

[HueyFreeman]

That's reductionist. There are lots of games that are obviously scripted and there are a few games that are nothing but systems based. They are not the same thing.

I understand what you're saying - dynamic systems, correct? Nowhere in the phrase "systems based" is dynamic implied. Systems can be static, unresponsive, and reproducible.

Also, it doesn't change my original point - this is not what "systemic" means. It's a misuse of the word, and it makes this guy sound like a goof. I hope it's not something Ubi's pushing as official PR speak (although I'm almost certain that's the case.)

"Emergent Gameplay", that's what he's trying to say.

At least this buzz phrase makes English sense.

 

[lemonade]

I swear watch dogs was released for pc already. am I crazy?

 

[Chamber]

Or it could be they are dumping the same assets in both consoles and locking it at 720p/30fps.

It runs at 1080p/30fps.

I swear watch dogs was released for pc already. am I crazy?

Yes.

 

[VanWinkle]

Well of course there won't be a major difference. We want to know what differences there will be.

 

[Struct09]

I swear watch dogs was released for pc already. am I crazy?

Are you thinking of Sleeping Dogs?

 

[sunnz]

I swear watch dogs was released for pc already. am I crazy?

You thinking of Sleeping dogs?

 

[freefornow]

So its not optimized for ps4?

Did you not read the post!

"we are making use of the touchpad on the DualShock4."

PS4 wins the generation!!!

 

[Chrisness]

Or it could be they are dumping the same assets in both consoles and locking it at 720p/30fps.

They might be, they might not be. This article gives us no real info and that's why we have to wait and see,

 

[SuperSonic1305]

Do you honestly think a 3rd party dev will ever admit if one version is better?

 

[Madness]

I think the game will play much different than how the devs envision... People want to take the path of least resistance.

It's why no one really played Gears the way epic wanted. With slow, cover based fighting etc.

I think Watch Dogs is too ambitious for a first attempt. But I am super excited. Can't wait to see how the hacking plays out.

And what I mean is, when they showed us games like Assassins Creed 2, they showed new stuff like hiding in hay, hiding bodies in hay, disappearing into crowds. But it largely played different. You could just hop a roof or climb up and disappear. No need for the stealth mechanics etc. Forget not being spotted, the majority of times, I just ran in, used my hidden blade and ended the mission etc.

I can't wait though. Next gen, open world games will be amazing. Don't know whether to get this on XbOne or ps4.

 

[morikaze]

I just realized that this could end up being one those really hyped games that ends up getting 7s and 8s everywhere.

 

[chicko1983]

I was burned on Assassins Creed hype.

Not going to be on Watch Dogs thanks.

 

[ElectricBlue187]

I understand what you're saying - dynamic systems, correct? Nowhere in the phrase "systems based" is dynamic implied. Systems can be static, unresponsive, and reproducible.

Also, it doesn't change my original point - this is not what "systemic" means. It's a misuse of the word, and it makes this guy sound like a goof. I hope it's not something Ubi's pushing as official PR speak (although I'm almost certain that's the case.)



At least this buzz phrase makes English sense.

It comes down to "can unintended things happen in this game?" for me. Can the different systems interact to create gameplay that the developer never specifically intended to happen. Follow guy and shoot things while shit blows up does not fall into that category even if you want to say its "systems based"

 

[RayMaker]

The PS4 version should be the superior one there is no excuses

and people saying ''its not optimised for the PS4''

What is this, some pre emptive damage control?

If the PS4 is easier to develop for and more powerful, then shouldn't it be the other way round and the X1 is un optimised?

There is nothing to indicate the PS4 version is unoptimised.

 

[statham]

as expected 3rd party games will look close, 1st party will be the factor.

 

[DietRob]

It's a launch title. It will take years (or less?) before devs are able to make the most of the PS4 power and leverage the additional power.

It isn't the cell and it isn't new tech for devs to master don't expect this to be the truth.



I'm not sure that I'm too excited for watch dogs. I haven't been overly impressed with anything I've seen or read about it. If I pick it up it'll be down the road at a price drop.

 

[Sibylus]

I understand what you're saying - dynamic systems, correct? Nowhere in the phrase "systems based" is dynamic implied. Systems can be static, unresponsive, and reproducible.

Also, it doesn't change my original point - this is not what "systemic" means. It's a misuse of the word, and it makes this guy sound like a goof. I hope it's not something Ubi's pushing as official PR speak (although I'm almost certain that's the case.)

Of course dynamism is implied, because the "system" in video games is chiefly the game's codebase, where the countless rules and restrictions interact to create an emergent experience. Scripts are more often than not an ad hoc, static set of rules that guarantee the same outcome during play and run above code-level.

And Ubisoft is far from the first source of the word systemic in this sense, I've heard it for years from all manners of people in the industry (the guys on Idle Thumbs come to mind). Stop being a pedant and consider for a moment that English is not an extinct language.

 

[Y2Kev]

These answers sound really familiar. The "we are still doing R&D" bit has come up 90 times.

 

[L Thammy]

Is there precedence for Ubisoft lying about things like this (about the game not being scripted)? This game makes me feel kind of paranoid. I preordered it without knowing too much about it or caring for Ubisoft's output.

 

[HueyFreeman]

It comes down to "can unintended things happen in this game?" for me. Can the different systems interact to create gameplay that the developer never specifically intended to happen. Follow guy and shoot things while shit blows up does not fall into that category even if you want to say its "systems based"

I understand what you're saying, and I know I'm being a dick about the semantics, but this industry is just full of silly words and phrases like this that are used to describe, usually poorly, pretty straightforward things as a selling feature. It's an annoying marketing tactic. Hopefully it can just stop one day.

You're talking about emergent gameplay - Ubi just knows we're tired of that particular buzz word so they've moved on to a different one.

And Ubisoft is far from the first source of the word systemic in this sense, I've heard it for years from all manners of people in the industry (the guys on Idle Thumbs come to mind). Stop being a pedant and consider for a moment that English is not an extinct language.

It's not pedantic to not want to swallow meaningless buzzwords - it's a tired industry cliche, the dude should just say what he means. And as for "consider for a moment that English is not an extinct language" - I literally have no idea what you mean by that. But we can just leave it at that.

Anyways, enough thread derailing. Hopefully it proves to be relatively unscripted, though from what they've shown, I highly doubt it. We'll see.

 

[epmode]

Anyone not quite grasping the comment about game systems needs to read up on immersive sims like Deus Ex and Thief. Best genre.

It really isn't a buzzphrase.

 

[shinobi602]

I just realized that this could end up being one those really hyped games that ends up getting 7s and 8s everywhere.

I'm not sure why you came to that realization.