Im wondering what this statement implies from Yoshi-P

[CStrife912]

So as we all know, we just had PAX East where questions were asked on the panel. Well selected for better or worse. The question in regards to a project he is most excited for in the next 10 years and his statement was fair but one part caught my eye.

'I think I would like to mention our artists and engineers are really working hard to get this to happen with our first graphics update. That’s something we’re really looking forward to and excited about.
And of course we are working hard on it, so before I left for PAX, we were doing this midway review right before Fan Fest. With the graphics update, we want to deliver better looking graphics of course. But there are elements we’re working on that is part of the update that’s not just the immediate aesthetical aspects of it. We’re really excited about what we can deliver for this.'

Obviously its great to see how excited him and the team are for the visual upgrade that's great but apparently there is something else part of the 'graphics update' that isn't immediately aesthetic based. Im trying to think what can be implied with 'graphics' etc then I thought could a UI rework be considered something that is visual but then I don't know. I am curious what you all think

[MintnHoney]

I would hope that he's implying an update to the game's infrastructure, in order to facilitate future updates. But his vagueness suggests that he's not really even sure what it is, or else he would have just said "an improvement to the game's systems" or something. So, for all I could know, it's just the integration of the cash shop into the game itself, so that players can just directly purchase new mogshop items without having to use a separate browser, or even something as little as being able to turn lights on and off by pressing an in-game switch via an action.

[CStrife912]

I would hope that he's implying an update to the game's infrastructure, in order to facilitate future updates. But his vagueness suggests that he's not really even sure what it is, or else he would have just said "an improvement to the game's systems" or something. So, for all I could know, it's just the integration of the cash shop into the game itself, so that players can just directly purchase new mogshop items without having to use a separate browser, or even something as little as being able to turn lights on and off by pressing an in-game switch via an action.

Problem is, if its extensive and could be considered a new feature then he wouldn't comment on it because it would be part of the fanfest/marketing for 7.0 so I have a feeling that is why he is being vague.

[TheMightyMollusk]

Female Hrothgar, maybe. Or just some infrastructure work they're not quite ready to announce yet. The game could certainly use more work than just the graphics.

[Sotaris]

Graphical updates are nice and all but I would want for a better backend, fixing the legacy code base that holds the game back.

[MintnHoney]

Problem is, if its extensive and could be considered a new feature then he wouldn't comment on it because it would be part of the fanfest/marketing for 7.0 so I have a feeling that is why he is being vague.

To be honest, I think the correct phrase is that he shouldn't comment on it. His biggest job is to generate hype, using whatever tactics he deems fit, so making a vague mention of a new feature isn't outside the realm of possibility even if it can result in something of a repeat of the Island Sanctuary scenario.
But it really depends on how big this new feature is.

[R041]

Mostly sounds like pipeline/technical updates that change how they'll do things in the future and can even help overall performance or speed up content creation. For graphics updates this can be them just preparing certain rendering, shader, post-processing systems. Kinda like how we got Dynamic Resolution.

For 'content creation' these can be systems that they may use in the future that can help them design, decorate environments, generate textures/materials better or quicker. Developer tools are created constantly, and pipeline updates change their overall workflow. These are constant efforts in game dev.

Just off of pure speculation, if these tools were developed and shared by CBU:III between both games, then it's a net positive overall.

[GTK0HLK]

As said by others..,
many have speculated alot of what the potentials are.
and reached the conclusion if not thinking too much of it, unless they set themselves on unfounded disappointment.

if they are happy, then I feel safe enough that it isn't something as egregious as the burns they received in one LL from the reactions.

But still early to tell.
I hope it is some important backends, as it'll make it easier for other asks/wants/needs/qol to be implemented.
but as said, tempering expectations.[as we really gpt no idea how their work was ever split for CBUIII these last few years. Not only Coding, but engineering, New DCs/Upgrades. and they might as well noted the lackluster/if not outright unhappy reactions to content quantity and/or quality that came from it. [How justified, we might never know, til we see what all these changes in this transitionary Era between Arcs/Story Arcs becomes complete.]

[Larirawiel]

Maybe they migrate the game engine to DirectX 12 or Vulkan.


Cheers

[RitsukoSonoda]

If graphical update includes things like rebuilt character creator allowing far more options and customization along with a thorough engine retuning or overhaul they're not likely to give a lot of info at this point.