Ubisoft has a message for PC Gamers

[AlTech]

Ubisoft, the french game development and publishing company based outside of Quebec, has a message for PC Gamers. They care about them.

 

 

 

 

PC is incredibly important to us. There are plenty of incentives to do a good PC version. Personally it’s important – a I play on PC whenever I can and I want the thing they play at home to be the best possible version. That is not to be underestimated as a driving force. Secondly, both of the studios, Massive and Red Storm started out on PC so it’s a matter of pride, or heritage and pedigree if you will. We feel kind of ashamed if we don’t do the PC version really well. It really is something that we care about.

We’re a very technical studio as well. Sweden is a very technical country – we’re good at infrastructure and design, and a lot of our staff come from the old demoscene as well. There’s a lot of that heritage in the Swedish dev community and that is true here at Massive as well. It comes very natural to us. The engine, Snowdrop, enables the artists to do all of that great UI work and makes it relatively easy to expose all of those options on PC.

 

 

THese are some stuff they did specifically for PC:

• Flexible user interface: move, scale and adjust the opacity of the HUD.
• Intuitive controls: navigate easily through the interface, inventory panels and map designed specifically to be used with a mouse or a controller.
• Full mouse & keyboard support: opt for the high precision mouse and keyboard experience and switch to a controller in the middle of any encounter without interruption.
• Text chat: team up with more agents of The Division by using the in-game text chat.
• Optimized graphic settings & customised GPU effects: adjust a vast variety of technology treats, from realistic lighting, shading, snow particles, local reflection, fog volumetric scattering, depth of field and much more…
• Multi-GPU support: unleash the graphic power of the best computer set ups for jaw-dropping graphics powered by Massive Entertainment’s game engine Snowdrop.
• Multi-screen support: play with up to three screens for the most immersive and stunning experience of The Division.
• Multi-resolutions: opt for 1080p or 4k and automatically adapt the resolution to fit multi-screen configurations with FOV correction.
• Unlocked framerate: let the most powerful computer reach the highest framerate.
• HBA0+: enjoy the most realistic shadowing, lighting algorithm and ambient occlusion.

There’s more, though. NVIDIA confirmed that The Division will also feature NVIDIA PCSS (Percentage Closer Soft Shadows); those are contact-hardening, realistic soft shadows that progressively soften as the distance from the casting object increases, further increasing realism.

There’s even support for certain LED keyboards. For example, the button mapped to your medkit will begin to flash when you’re low on health. You can also map a key for teammates, and that will flash too when they are in need of support.

For the first time, there will be a degree of integration between your UPlay and Steam friends lists. Overall, it seems like Ubisoft Massive worked hard on this version indeed.

 

And to all of you complaining "It doesn't look like was was shown at E3", they have some news for you:

 

 

 

No it does not look as good as E3, No game ever does.

But when you’re playing it it does look pretty good and the gameplay flows really well, people in the room with me pre ordered the game straight away after playing for only a few minutes.

 

 

Thank you Ubisoft, I look forward to buying The Division.

 

Leave a comment below!

http://wccftech.com/ubisoft-massive-pc-incredibly-important-care/

And here is Ubisoft's blog post on the matter (Just to prove it's official and not a rumor):

http://blog.ubi.com/8-facts-about-the-pc-version-of-the-division/

[AlTech]

@WoodenMarker COuld you help me fix the formatting please?

EDIT: Nevermind fixed it. Sorry for bothering you.

[HKZeroFive]

Huh, I'll believe when I see it.

 

Also, NVIDIA PCSS sounds like fun...

[PerfectTemplar]

Yeah, read this earlier today. It's great to see Ubisoft actually doing more for PC. If they continue their improvements to Uplay, people might just tolerate it. Supposedly Rainbow Six Siege was  a huge part of Ubisoft's new commitment to better online functionality. People in the closed beta for PC The Division are reporting that the game so far runs reasonably well and looks worlds better than the console versions. No complaints about connectivity either.

 

I certainly plan to play The Division beta on the 29th and since I thought AC:Syndicate was a great port I have high hopes for this supposed 'not a port'.

 

 

Huh, I'll believe when I see it.

 

Also, NVIDIA PCSS sounds like fun...

 

Nvidia PCSS does sound like fun, it's significantly better shadows and only has a minor drop in FPS over the very high shadows settings in most games.

 

EDIT:

 

@AluminiumTech I know you included this in a quote from WCCFTech. But the original source for lots of this information was the Ubisoft blog, I suggest you clarify that so people know it's official.

 

http://blog.ubi.com/8-facts-about-the-pc-version-of-the-division/

[AlTech]

MGSV did.

Look at what it took to get there.

Kojima being hired not being allowed to discuss games he's worked on or interact with fans.

[zacRupnow]

If they gave even the slightest shit, Uplay would be dead.

[AlTech]

Yeah, read this earlier today. It's great to see Ubisoft actually doing more for PC. If they continue their improvements to Uplay, people might just tolerate it. Supposedly Rainbow Six Siege was  a huge part of Ubisoft's new commitment to better online functionality. People in the closed beta for PC The Division are reporting that the game so far runs reasonably well and looks worlds better than the console versions. No complaints about connectivity either.

 

I certainly plan to play The Division beta on the 29th and since I thought AC:Syndicate was a great port I have high hopes for this supposed 'not a port'.

 

I tried Nvidia PCSS. it has something to do with Softness of shadows. Doesn't have much of a famerate penalty.

 

Nvidia PCSS does sound like fun, it's significantly better shadows and only has a minor drop in FPS over the very high shadows settings in most games.

[Nena Trinity]

They called PC gamers theifs earlier...

[AlTech]

Yeah, read this earlier today. It's great to see Ubisoft actually doing more for PC. If they continue their improvements to Uplay, people might just tolerate it. Supposedly Rainbow Six Siege was  a huge part of Ubisoft's new commitment to better online functionality. People in the closed beta for PC The Division are reporting that the game so far runs reasonably well and looks worlds better than the console versions. No complaints about connectivity either.

 

I certainly plan to play The Division beta on the 29th and since I thought AC:Syndicate was a great port I have high hopes for this supposed 'not a port'.

 

Nvidia PCSS does sound like fun, it's significantly better shadows and only has a minor drop in FPS over the very high shadows settings in most games.

 

EDIT:

 

@AluminiumTech I know you included this in a quote from WCCFTech. But the original source for lots of this information was the Ubisoft blog, I suggest you clarify that so people know it's official.

 

http://blog.ubi.com/8-facts-about-the-pc-version-of-the-division/

Done

[PerfectTemplar]

If they gave even the slightest shit, Uplay would be dead.

Uplay itself isn't a terrible idea. Attempting to escape from the clutches of Valve's monopoly just like EA did is not a bad thing. It's good for competition and it leads to improvements to all platforms. Including Steam.

 

Ubisoft just let Uplay suck for too long, they seem to have recently made significant improvements to it as well as their servers. (Mostly due to the release of Rainbow Six:Siege and The Crew.)

 

Look at what EA has done with Origin, it's a great platform and I look forward to seeing Uplay evolving into something better than it currently is. Provided Ubisoft is sincere and actually wants to expand and improve on PC as one of their main platforms that is.

[Texhnlyze]

Yep, PC gamers should complain more and make boycott threats to developers that tries to downgrade the game just for the consoles.

[Beskamir]

I'd consider half of those to be the bare minimum that a game should have to even be considered a pc game and not a shitty console port.

[Sharkyx1]

Look at what it took to get there.

Kojima being hired part time (instead of full time) and not being allowed to discuss games he's worked on or interact with fans.

Kojima and Konami are in the wrong together, Konami is a business, they have a right to choose who represents them to the media and a right to change their business plans as they see fit. I don't agree with their new angle, but i can understand how some could grow tired of Kojipro spending more and more money on games.

 

And i think you are creating some revisionist history here, Kojima wasn't working part time, he was put on contract for the last months of work, and he was constantly talking about the game with the media, the only time they told him he would be able to was at a particular game show, while he was in talks with other game studios at the time.

[Sharkyx1]

 console port.

Console Port is an obnoxious buzzword

[PerfectTemplar]

Console Port is an obnoxious buzzword

It can be, but I don't really think it has to be. A console port doesn't have to mean it's shit and only runs like console. It can mean it is the console version with added support for hardware, software and peripherals after the fact.

[Guest HyppoCube]

"No it does not look as good as E3, No game ever does."

 

Then fix that. Make it as good, or better and people will buy your game just for graphics. Some people buy dual GPU, and future GPUs will have power to render almost two times better graphics on 1080p monitor.

 

 Pulling a watchdogs on people is really bad. They know exactly they are fooling the enthusiast gamer not casuals (mass). Fix it Ubi. Now you know. You known at watchdogs. No excuses anymore.

[Humbug]

Just a question of wait and see. I am more than willing to give them a chance. Need it to be a polished and well optimized experience and to scale well across different hardware.

 

No it does not look as good as E3, No game ever does.

WTF?

95% of games do.

[Rune]

The flashing keys and unlocked framerate are actually nice.

[Guest]

Is it just me or did that message sound a bit like a late night drunk message

[eLucid]

less talk - more action.

[zacRupnow]

Uplay itself isn't a terrible idea. Attempting to escape from the clutches of Valve's monopoly just like EA did is not a bad thing. It's good for competition and it leads to improvements to all platforms. Including Steam.

 

Ubisoft just let Uplay suck for too long, they seem to have recently made significant improvements to it as well as their servers. (Mostly due to the release of Rainbow Six:Siege and The Crew.)

 

Look at what EA has done with Origin, it's a great platform and I look forward to seeing Uplay evolving into something better than it currently is. Provided Ubisoft is sincere and actually wants to expand and improve on PC as one of their main platforms that is.

Uplay isn't competition when it doesn't let paying customers play their games. At least Origin is really good and has great customer service despite EA's questionable decisions on pricing. Origin and Steam (though Steam's customer support doesn't exist) both work great and let me play my games unless they are from Ubisoft. GOG is great too, no DRM.

[Guest HyppoCube]

Uplay isn't competition when it doesn't let paying customers play their games. At least Origin is really good and has great customer service despite EA's questionable decisions on pricing. Origin and Steam (though Steam's customer support doesn't exist) both work great and let me play my games unless they are from Ubisoft. GOG is great too, no DRM.

GOG is the best when you look at it this way lmao

 @Humbug its horrible apologetics either way. 

[Albatross]

Words, words, words. But I suppose everyone is capable of change...

 

They called PC gamers theifs earlier...

 

Nah....nah they didn't.

 

Did they?

[niofalpha]

If they gave even the slightest shit, Uplay would be dead.

Because they want to use their own service that Valve doesn't take a huge ass cut from?

If Gamers gave even the slightest shit Steam wouldn't be as large as it is today.

[jaggysnake57]

sorry but am i  the only one who  is callin bullshit?

 

 

 

• Flexible user interface: move, scale and adjust the opacity of the HUD. ok thats nice
• Intuitive controls: navigate easily through the interface, inventory panels and map designed specifically to be used with a mouse or a controller. should be standard
• Full mouse & keyboard support: opt for the high precision mouse and keyboard experience and switch to a controller in the middle of any encounter without interruption.should be standard
• Text chat: team up with more agents of The Division by using the in-game text chat.should be standard
• Optimized graphic settings & customised GPU effects: adjust a vast variety of technology treats, from realistic lighting, shading, snow particles, local reflection, fog volumetric scattering, depth of field and much more…should be standard
• Multi-GPU support: unleash the graphic power of the best computer set ups for jaw-dropping graphics powered by Massive Entertainment’s game engine Snowdrop.should be standard
• Multi-screen support: play with up to three screens for the most immersive and stunning experience of The Division.should be standard
• Multi-resolutions: opt for 1080p or 4k and automatically adapt the resolution to fit multi-screen configurations with FOV correction.should be standard
• Unlocked framerate: let the most powerful computer reach the highest framerate.should be standard
• HBA0+: enjoy the most realistic shadowing, lighting algorithm and ambient occlusion.should be standard

There’s more, though. NVIDIA confirmed that The Division will also feature NVIDIA PCSS (Percentage Closer Soft Shadows); those are contact-hardening, realistic soft shadows that progressively soften as the distance from the casting object increases, further increasing realism.
There’s even support for certain LED keyboards. For example, the button mapped to your medkit will begin to flash when you’re low on health. You can also map a key for teammates, and that will flash too when they are in need of support.

 

other than the keyboard lights and the flixable HUD these should be standard in all AAA games, hell all PC games in general, its not press release material

 

though i do have a beta key and will play this next week