GE: Having just played the PS4 version of the game, we noticed that the graphics quality looked much better than the previous PS3 version– the number of NPCs and players that could be displayed at one time was much higher, the field of view was much better – with the graphics being much better with this iteration of the game, we were wondering about the DirectX 11 version of the game? Perhaps if you can give us a time frame or maybe an idea of what we can expect from the DirectX 11 version of the game?
Yoshida: With respect to the Windows DirectX version of the game, of course we have made some preparations for a DirectX version. We’ve been developing the PlayStation 4 version which runs on 64 bit hardware and because of that work, the Windows 64 bit version is done. However, this coming summer we plan to release the game in China and after that we have plans for an expansion pack so when we finish those, we will be looking to complete the DirectX milestone. With that in mind, after we successfully launch A Realm Reborn in China and begin work on the expansion pack – I believe that around that time that we may be able to speak more about the DirectX 11 client for Windows. But don’t worry! We are definitely making progress on that project. (laughs)
As far as what to expect from the DirectX 11 client, it is my policy that we don’t do anything to change the gameplay experience from one platform to another. While DirectX 11 will provide a graphical advantage for some players on newer hardware, there really are no changes in gameplay for someone with older hardware vs newer hardware. However, in terms of graphics there may be a large jump in graphics quality – the whole engine and the rendering pipeline is completely different. The way shaders work, the way polygons are rendered, water effects, mirroring affects, or objects getting wet – they all work a bit differently on the new version for DirectX and will be updated for the DirectX 11 client. So for players who are more discerning of graphic quality – they will most likely notice. But it will not change the gameplay at all, and I’d like to make it so that it is simply another option you can select.