Achieving a smooth frame rate in a game is more critical to gameplay than a 1080p native resolution, argues Xbox boss Phil Spencer.

This was the Microsoft exec's response on Wednesday when questioned by CVG on the firm's efforts to close the often discussed performance gap between PS4 and Xbox One.

"We have done a lot of work with our partners and we constantly evolve our development tools," Spencer said in an interview with CVG.

"We announced that Destiny will have the same resolution and frame rate on Xbox One as PS4. There are a long list of games. Reaching parity with our partners has been important."

He went on: "But in the end I don't want it to be about a number, because 1080p isn't some mythical, perfect resolution. Frame rate to me is significantly more important to gameplay than resolution and the mix of those two which brings the right art style and freedom, whether it's on PlayStation or our platform."

Spencer highlighted Sony's unique decision to render PS4 exclusive The Order 1886 at the cinematic 1920x800 resolution (the same pixel density as 1080p but with black movie-style bars at the top and bottom).


"I look at games like The Order on Sony's platform and they picked a different resolution - I like the resolution that they picked, I think it's interesting," said Spencer.

"I want to put the tools in the hands of the artists and not try to math it that there's some sort of [mathematical] answer for what the right resolution and frame rate is for a game - because there isn't.

"Clearly some genres like with racing sims like Forza, hitting 1080p/60fps is important. So there are certain genres where there's an expectation, but there are also other genres where I'd rather use the cycles to put more effects on screen or better lighting. I've got to put the tools in the hands of developers," he added.

Spencer also debated how interested gamers are in the performance gap between the two consoles is at this point.

"That's the first time I've been asked that question in months, and I always take how many times I get asked something as to how interesting it is to your readers," he commented.

Posted: Aug 14, 2014 5:46 pm
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/474283/framerate-is-significantly-more-important-than-resolution-says-xbox-boss/