Exciting Launch of Warhammer 40K Darktide on PlayStation 5
Fatshark is eagerly preparing for the highly anticipated release of Warhammer 40K Darktide on PlayStation 5, two years after its initial launch on PC and one year after its debut on Xbox. Set to launch this Thursday, the studio will also roll out the Grim Protocols free update, which introduces a plethora of new features: a fresh endgame mode, a brand-new mission, three new weapon families, a special event celebrating the game’s second anniversary, and numerous quality-of-life improvements.
Insights from Chief Technology Officer Mikael Hansson
In the midst of this whirlwind of activity, we had the opportunity to converse with Mikael Hansson, Fatshark’s Chief Technology Officer. Our discussion covered a range of topics, including the PS5’s launch, the studio’s experiences with the PS5 Pro hardware, ray tracing capabilities, and the potential for cross-progression across platforms.
The Wait for PS5: Exclusivity Explained
When asked about the delay in the PS5 release for Darktide, Mikael confirmed the existence of a timed exclusivity deal with Microsoft. This agreement lapsed prior to the PS5 release date, which is set for December 3rd. The launch timing reflects the development team’s careful planning to ensure a high-quality PS5 experience.
Cross-Play and Cross-Progression Features
Regarding the integration of cross-play for PS5, Mikael noted that much of the groundwork was completed during the early development stages of Darktide. By opting for universal networking solutions rather than platform-specific approaches, they successfully implemented cross-play across Xbox, Steam, and now, PlayStation 5.
As for cross-progression, Mikael indicated that there are no current plans to incorporate this feature into Darktide.
Enhanced Gameplay with Haptic Feedback
Mikael shared insights on haptic feedback for the PS5 version, highlighting its incorporation in various weapon and character actions, as well as environmental effects. Players can expect a rich sensory experience when using features such as the full-auto Recon Lasgun or a Chainsword. Additionally, support for adaptive triggers will enhance gameplay further, arriving with the December 3rd launch.
Diving into DualSense Support for PC
When questioned about DualSense controller support for the PC version of Darktide, Mikael stated that currently, there are no plans for haptic feedback integration.
Optimizing Darktide for PS5 Pro
The enhancement process for Darktide on the PS5 Pro was streamlined once the main PS5 version was nearing completion. Fatshark already utilized features such as DLSS and FSR on PC, making the transition to PSSR relatively smooth. This upgrade aims to allow players to enjoy Darktide with improved frame rates.
A Glimpse at PS5 Pro Hardware
Expressing their admiration for the PS5 Pro, Mikael cited the addition of PSSR as a significant enhancement, enabling higher frame rates without sacrificing image quality. He emphasized the GPU’s capabilities as a standout feature, which provides a noticeable boost compared to its predecessor.
Comparing Console Generations
When comparing the advancements from PS4 to PS4 Pro and PS5 to PS5 Pro, Mikael observed that although the earlier jump was more pronounced in terms of hardware improvements, the current generation still offers substantial benefits. The PS5 Pro, with its enhanced GPU, is better equipped to deliver consistent gameplay without the extensive challenges faced by developers in utilizing different hardware generations.
Performance Metrics: PS5 Pro vs. PS5
Addressing performance benchmarks, Mikael explained that quantifying the PS5 Pro’s speed advantage over the PS5 is challenging, though it enables a comfortable 60 FPS in PSSR-enhanced 4K settings.
PSSR Technology Dives into Upscaling
Mikael confirmed that while Fatshark is using PSSR, they also incorporate NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS on PC. He noted the complexity in making direct comparisons but indicated that PSSR has shown competitive results in enhancing gameplay.
Darktide’s Visual Fidelity on PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro version of Darktide is designed to run at PSSR-assisted 4K 60fps, with graphical settings comparable to a high-quality PC configuration. Fatshark targets a balanced mode for PSSR, achieving an internal resolution of 2258×1270. This ensures an impressive visual experience without compromising performance.
Ray Tracing and Visual Enhancements
Despite the new PS5 Pro’s advanced ray tracing capabilities, Mikael clarified that the focus on performance over visuals led to the decision not to integrate ray tracing features from the PC version. Darktide is already visually compelling without such enhancements, and providing players with smoother gameplay experience is prioritized over slight graphical improvements.
In Conclusion
Fatshark’s dedicated efforts to launching Warhammer 40K Darktide on PlayStation 5 mark a significant milestone for both the studio and its players. With exciting new updates and performance enhancements, fans can look forward to a robust gaming experience.
For further insights, you can view the complete interview
.
Thank you for joining us, Mikael. We look forward to the PS5 launch!
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