A major responsibility when running a live service free-to-play game is keeping it feeling fresh and fun for players. To that end, updates throughout a game’s lifecycle are common, completing important tasks like adding new content, tweaking existing modes, settings, and, in the case of a recent announcement from EA, improving the appearance of the game for players.
While graphics may not be the end-all be-all for gamers, they remain an important consideration, particularly with modern consoles and PCs capable of rendering such advanced graphics packages. The latest news from EA shows that they’ve been paying attention to the need to keep skate. looking and feeling as realistic as possible.
Update Adds Increased Detail, Lighting Effects
As is so often the case with modern graphic reveals and updates, the operative word with the first look at the new look is “more.” There is more detail to be found in the environment, with fallen leaves on the ground, visible cracks and imperfections on the pavement, and subtle lighting shifts that make each surface feel lived-in as your virtual skaters ride around.
The comparison images also appear to show the game looking crisper, with the lighting seeming to do more; however, it is worth noting that the weather in the comparisons — particularly in the case of the parking lot shot — is also not entirely identical. This change in the amount of lighting on the scenes may also be contributing to the different looks between the current patch and the forthcoming update, creating a subtle but noticeable shift in mood and overall visual atmosphere.
While flashier graphics can’t make a game on their own, they can lead to an overall more enjoyable experience, particularly for players more naturally inclined to care about the look of their games. What do you think of this latest skate. news? Are you already playing and excited to get out there on a better-looking game, considering playing now that the game looks set to look better, or does it have no impact on your desire to skate the streets at all?
