Avowed: A Closer Look
Obsidian Entertainment has officially announced that they are targeting a frame rate of 30fps for Avowed on both the Xbox Series X and S. Currently, there are no plans to introduce a 60fps mode for console players. Consequently, those seeking to immerse themselves in this new RPG at higher frame rates will need to turn to PC gaming.
Monster Hunter Wilds: Console Limitations
In a similar vein, Monster Hunter Wilds appears to be capped at 30fps on consoles. The recent Gamescom 2024 demo did not showcase a Performance Mode, leading to the assumption that the game will run at 30fps on both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X at launch. While there may be a potential “performance” mode akin to what was seen in Dragon’s Dogma 2, it is likely to feature an uncapped frame rate that fluctuates between 30fps and 60fps. However, this variability does not equate to a consistent 60fps experience, as real gameplay scenarios often hover around 40-45fps.
Understanding the Technical Challenges
The limitations observed in both titles are not particularly surprising, given the demanding nature of Unreal Engine 5. It is speculated that Obsidian is utilizing Lumen to enhance the game’s graphics, which may come at the cost of frame rate performance. Interestingly, the developers have suggested that a 30fps target is acceptable for a first-person single-player game, a statement that many may find questionable.
On the other hand, Monster Hunter Wilds utilizes the RE Engine, which has proven effective for smaller, more controlled environments, such as those found in Resident Evil. However, when applied to open-world settings, this engine struggles to maintain high frame rates, a challenge previously encountered with Dragon’s Dogma 2.
For those interested in a deeper look at Avowed, a new gameplay video showcasing 30 minutes of footage from its Gamescom 2024 demo has been released. This video offers a glimpse into the gameplay mechanics and visual style that players can expect.
Stay tuned for further updates as the gaming landscape continues to evolve.