Cities Skylines 2 Developers Prioritize Performance Over Graphics: An Exploration of the Benefits of 30FPS

The Debate Over FPS in City Builders: Quality vs Performance

Technical Decisions and Players’ Expectations

The announcement by Colossal Order, the developer of Cities Skylines 2, that the game will target 30 frames per second (FPS), even on high-end PCs, has sparked a debate on the importance of FPS in city-building games. In a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, Colossal Order’s chief technical officer, “damsku,” argued that there is “arguably no real benefit” in aiming for higher FPS in a city builder. According to damsku, what matters more in this genre is avoiding stutters and having a responsive user interface.

Cities Skylines 2 is a highly anticipated next-generation city-building game, and its performance on powerful PCs is a genuine concern for players. Colossal Order has acknowledged that the game’s performance fell short of expectations but decided to proceed with the planned release on October 24th. The developer has emphasized that while they are aware of the high hardware requirements, they will continue to work on performance based on feedback from players.

The Argument for 30 FPS

Damsku’s perspective on targeting 30 FPS in Cities Skylines 2 stems from the nature of the game itself. Unlike multiplayer shooters, where higher FPS can provide a competitive advantage, a city builder like Cities Skylines 2 shifts the focus to the intricacies of designing a functioning urban environment. Damsku argues that as cities grow and become more complex, the CPU becomes the bottleneck, rendering higher FPS unnecessary.

Damsku adds that the optimization work will not stop at reaching the target FPS on recommended hardware. While they recognize the potential visual benefits of achieving 60 FPS, especially in relation to temporal effects, they do not see a long-term benefit in setting the target at 60 FPS. According to damsku, the game faces rendering challenges at both close-up and far distances, making 60 FPS less crucial.

Player Expectations and Performance Issues

The decision to target 30 FPS has garnered mixed reactions from players and critics alike. IGN’s review of Cities Skylines 2 rated it 6/10, citing performance issues and the need for extensive terraforming to prevent cities from looking nightmarish. This indicates that players may indeed have higher expectations when it comes to visuals and performance.

It is worth noting that the developer is aware of the hardware requirements and encourages players to keep them in mind. However, with the game set to launch imminently, it remains to be seen how performance issues will affect the overall player experience, especially on high-end PCs.

Editorial: Balancing Performance and Innovation

The Importance of Optimization

The debate surrounding FPS in city builders raises questions about the balance between performance and innovation in the gaming industry. While it is true that pushing for higher FPS may not necessarily enhance the core gameplay experience in this genre, it is crucial for developers to ensure smooth performance and responsiveness. Stutters and a sluggish user interface can greatly detract from the immersive nature of building and managing a city.

Optimization, therefore, becomes paramount. Developers should strive to maximize the game’s potential within the target FPS, taking into consideration the hardware requirements and the demands of a growing city. This includes addressing performance issues, minimizing stutters, and fine-tuning the user interface, all while maintaining a visually appealing experience.

Adapting to Evolving Hardware

As technology advances and hardware capabilities improve, the expectations of players naturally increase. It becomes crucial for game developers to adapt and optimize their games accordingly. While targeting a specific FPS may be a technical decision influenced by the specific demands of a game, it is essential for developers to be receptive to player feedback and continue to improve performance through updates and patches.

In the case of Cities Skylines 2, Colossal Order’s commitment to ongoing optimization based on player feedback is commendable. This demonstrates a willingness to address performance concerns and deliver a better experience over time. However, it also raises questions about the decision to proceed with the launch despite acknowledged performance issues, especially on high-end hardware.

Advice: Understanding Expectations and Hardware Requirements

Setting Realistic Expectations

As players, it is important to have realistic expectations when it comes to the performance of a game. While advancements in technology have provided us with increasingly powerful hardware, game development is a complex process with various technical limitations and trade-offs. A city builder like Cities Skylines 2 may prioritize other aspects, such as complex simulation systems and vast cityscapes, over pushing for higher FPS.

Understanding the genre and the developer’s rationale behind technical decisions will help manage expectations and create a more enjoyable gaming experience. It is essential to assess the game based on its unique strengths and objectives rather than comparing it to other genres that prioritize FPS.

Considering Hardware Requirements

Before purchasing or pre-ordering a game, it is crucial to review the recommended hardware specifications. Games like Cities Skylines 2, which demand high-end performance, require compatible hardware to run smoothly. Being aware of these requirements will prevent disappointment and ensure a more satisfactory gaming experience.

Moreover, it is recommended to keep an eye on post-launch updates and player feedback. Developers who actively listen to feedback and work on improving performance demonstrate a commitment to the player community and offer a better overall experience in the long run.

In conclusion, the debate over FPS in city builders highlights the balance between performance and innovation in the gaming industry. While targeting 30 FPS may be a technical decision driven by the demands of a specific genre, it is crucial for developers to optimize their games for smooth performance and responsiveness. Players, on the other hand, should manage their expectations and understand the hardware requirements to ensure an enjoyable gaming experience.