Witcher 3 on Xbox One uses dynamic scaling to boost resolution
Five minute gameplay video shows 900p to 1080p range.
The people behind upcoming open-world role-playing game The Witcher 3 have a trick up their sleeve when it comes to the resolution of the Xbox One version.
Developer CD Projekt said it had added dynamic scaling to the Xbox One version, which boosts the resolution from 900p to 1080p depending on what's happening in-game.
Here's how it works, as explained by Digital Foundry's Richard Leadbetter:
"Dynamic resolution scaling is a really interesting feature - pixel count adjusts according to GPU load, the idea being to ensure the highest possible resolution while maintaining a consistent frame-rate. The idea isn't new at all, and we've seen a whole host of different implementations over the years.
"Most recently, we've seen Wolfenstein: The New Order adjust resolution on the horizontal axis progressively, reducing as GPU load increases - the difference in image quality mostly disappearing in between the fast action and post-process effects.
"Meanwhile, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare on Xbox One simply shifts between 1360x1080 and full 1080p according to the scene. Done well, it's a good effect, but there are occasions when it fails to convince - for example, Rage on PS3 could strobe between very different resolutions - even when standing still - producing a distracting effect."
CD Projekt released the video, below, showing five minutes of uninterrupted gamplay captured directly from the Xbox One version of Witcher 3.
Here's a statement from the developer:
"The video you're now watching is grabbed directly from an Xbox One console. We've been working to give gamers an even better experience on Xbox One and, on day 1, we'll bring you dynamic scaling from 900p to 1080p. We're not much more than a week before launch, but we're still fighting for every line of code - we want gamers to get the best possible experience we can deliver."
As announced, the PlayStation 4 version of Witcher 3 features a locked 1080p resolution, according to CD Projekt. Of course, on PC performance is tied to the power of your rig.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what CD Projekt Red has come up with, and how well the dynamic solution compares to the locked 1080p we get on the PS4 version of the game," Leadbetter added.
Not long now: Witcher 3 comes out 19th May.
