Ever since Microsoft’s Windows 10 event last month, there has been a lot of controversy and confusion regarding what DirectX 12 can do. The benefits are clearly there for PC gamers but as I have mentioned previously, there are mixed reports on how it can possibly impact Xbox One’s performance. However unlike Sony, Microsoft have been rather public about their API so as expected there is a lot of hype surrounding DirectX 12. Sony on the other hand have been pretty silent about their improvements on the PS4’s graphics API.
One thing’s for sure that the PlayStation team is not simply sitting idle and as Brad Wardell, CEO of Stardock Studios recently pointed out, PS4 fans can expect some announcements soon. But the big question is whether PlayStation 4’s own API will be up to par when DX12 launches this year on the PC and Xbox One. We raised this question to Ariel Arias from Thotwise Games who although was initially unsure what to say about it, essentially summed up the debate in the best possible way. “I’m sure that both companies will do whatever they need to be at the top.” Now we are not sure how Sony will be improving their API as most of that information is expected to be private but it does goes to show that just like the last console cycle, both PS4 and Xbox One will eventually get better with time.
Thotwise Games are working on The Hum: Abductions which will be a PS4 console exclusive for now. Ariel spoke to both Microsoft and Sony about bringing his game to PS4/Xbox One but Sony proved to be much easier to work with. “I spoked with both companies and at that the moment, the most easiest path for us, given that we a really small team of 2-3 people, was PS4. But, first it will be released for Steam/DRM Free and then we will work to wrap up the PS4 port. Supporting multiplatform development is not magic and with our low budget, we cannot promise to be on multiple platforms. Other platforms ports are not discarded and it would be great to reach more platforms, but right now I cannot officially announce them yet.”
The Hum: Abductions is due for release on the PC and PS4 sometime this year.
