As technology advances and new gaming consoles hit the market, the question of when to move on from supporting last-gen hardware becomes inevitable. Rod Fergusson, the boss of the Diablo series, recognizes that this moment will come eventually, but he believes that it is not quite the time yet. In a recent interview with IGN, Fergusson highlighted the importance of finding the right “time and place” to transition away from platforms like the PS4 and Xbox One, both of which are over a decade old at this point.
Despite the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S being well into their respective life cycles, Fergusson remains committed to providing support for older hardware, at least for the time being. When discussing Diablo 4, he mentioned the ongoing efforts to explore new features while ensuring that they remain accessible to players on all platforms. This approach, according to Fergusson, allows the development team to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the constraints of last-gen technology.
In the context of Diablo 4, there are notable technical features that are exclusive to current-gen consoles, such as ray tracing. However, when it comes to content, there is complete parity between last-gen and current-gen versions of the game. Diablo art director John Mueller described this as a “creative challenge,” emphasizing the team’s ability to find innovative solutions to deliver a consistent experience across all platforms.
While Fergusson and Mueller maintain a stance of continuing support for last-gen hardware, there is an underlying implication that Diablo 4 may eventually outgrow the capabilities of the PS4 and Xbox One. Looking at past examples from the gaming industry, such as Square Enix ending support for Final Fantasy 14 on the PS3 or the discontinuation of GTA Online on last-gen consoles, it is evident that this transition is not unprecedented.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, so too must the approach to platform support. Fergusson emphasized that the decision to move on from last-gen consoles is an ongoing conversation within the development team. The goal is to assess whether new features or advancements in technology can be effectively implemented across all supported platforms, balancing innovation with accessibility.
While the future of Diablo 4 on last-gen consoles may be uncertain, the commitment to providing an engaging and inclusive experience for all players remains steadfast. As the game progresses through its development cycle, the team will continue to navigate the challenges of evolving technology and player expectations, ensuring that Diablo 4 delivers on its promise of engaging gameplay and immersive storytelling across all platforms.
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