Although it’s still more common to see cross-platform releases look better on PC than on consoles, a quick look at PC-only titles like the upcoming Star Citizen shows that without that console anchor, developers can do some amazing things. However when it comes to The Division, Ubisoft is adamant that making it compatible with consoles did not crimp the PC version one iota.
The reason it felt the need to respond at all is because an unnamed developer on the game purportedly said in an interview that they had to “keep things in check with the consoles,” when it came to making the game. The implication was that this was done so that the game did not look drastically better on PC and make console gamers feel like they were missing out.
This is all bunkum according to Ubisoft. “It is simply not true” that the visuals of The Division were held back by current-gen consoles, a spokesperson said (via PCGamer).
“From the beginning, the PC version of The Division was developed from the ground up and we’re confident players will enjoy the game and the features this version has to offer. And the feedback from PC players who participated in the recent closed beta supports this.”
Taking these assertions at face value, it would seem that the PC version was built from the ground up to be roughly in line with the specifications of the new-gen consoles, to ensure that everyone was happy. That is certainly preferable to a PC version being deliberately hamstrung during development.
It’s also par for the course with developments these days. If a game is being made for all platforms, it will probably look worse than if it was just made for the PC.
As it happens, Ubisoft is facing a more pressing and immediate problem with The Division right now, caused by cheating that is occurring in The Division’s beta. Here’s hoping Ubisoft can fix that before it launches in one month’s time.
