Citing research recently performed by the company, Insomniac Games engine director Mike Acton said that Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time will likely be the company’s last game that runs at 60 frames per second. The research concluded that hitting 60fps isn’t worth the effort because it “does not significantly affect sales” and “does not significantly affect the reviews”. Acton concluded:
It means that framerate is still important to us here at Insomniac, but it’s not on the same pedestal it was before. And that Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time will probably be Insomniac’s last 60fps game.
With development costs continuing to skyrocket, I understand the need for some tough decisions. While I agree that many critics and gamers are satisfied with 30fps, there are some that demand 60fps. People that fall into the latter category tend to be extremely vocal. They’ll complain long, loud, and hard about lower frame rates. They’ll convince other people to complain about the lower frame rates. It’ll be anarchy!!! (Breakfast Club reference)
Seriously though, I think Insomniac is underestimating the value and impact of achieving 60fps. The research says one thing, but when the complainers get on their bullhorns and attract followers, the reality might be different from what the research projected it to be.
What do you think of the Acton’s words? Are you disappointed that Insomniac is lowering its frame rate standards? Can you tell the difference between 30fps and 60fps? I think it’s a huge differentiator and an important factor for a platform game like Ratchet, don’t you agree?
No one would know what the frame rate is in any game if they didn't tell you. I think frame rates are overrated. The 30fps games play just as good as the 60fps games.
I'll take fun over framerate any day. Keep up the good work Insomniac! (You too Ray!)
I have to agree with RROD. There has never been a time I was playing a game a said to myself "gee I wonder how many fps this is getting". I am generally pretty confident that the designers will make it the best experience possible (unfortunately now mostly through patches).
Also I love me some Breakfast Club references.
i heard a ruckus
I recall reading years ago that the human eye is only capable of interpreting 30 frames per second.Dont know if that is true or not.As long as its a decent framerate and no stuttering i could care less anyways.
without the debug mode on games I probably didn't know the difference. I remember a huge outcry at the Madden 07 game for having a lower framerate but all I want is good games. I'm sure at some point 60 will become a standard but I'm not complaining about games these days
A ruckus sir? could you describe it?
for the price i pay for these games and machines, i expect 60fps.
I demand consistancy in framerate, not a specific bar. So as long as there are no drops in framerate during gameplay, than I probably won't care. But if my game starts slowing down on me, I get real cranky.
Frame rates fall all the time. The world is an imperfect place.
I don't care what the max or average frame rates in a game are. Only the minimum frame rate maters and it better not fall below 30fps. The only Issue I see hear is that if they lower the max and average frame rates, that generally means the minimum will drop too.
I dyslexic(ed?) that pretty bad. Sorry guys, I can't catch them every time.