Was This Graphical Update Necessary?

[Adeacia]

I enjoyed laughing at how bad things looked if you zoomed in. Worked best in cutscenes.

Most of the time in games, stuff isn't meant to be looked at so zoomed in, but when the game itself does it, it's just funny.

I thought my character looked fine in the benchmark. I didn't super zoom in and look at every possible detail like a lot of others are doing though because I don't care about such detail.

Been really looking forward to the graphics update. I plan to start making videos about the game after Dawntrails launch.

[hunter2]

It's not just an update for the current community but a really important step for future-proofing the game and making it appeal to new players. As the graphics become increasingly dated it's harder to attract new people to come try the game. And such a big investment in the future game projects confidence that it will continue to thrive and be supported in the future which is very important for the image of a live-service product.

[Naple]

The graphics update wasn't for us currently subscribing players. It's for the newcomers that are turned off by 2 generation old graphics.

[Kaurhz]

It was yes. It was absolutely necessary.

Is it in the state where it needs to be? Nope, I would hope it's not their intended final with how extensive some of the issues have been, and that they only wanted to give people a means of testing their character.

Personally, I think it is long overdue, and that there just needs to be an adjustment period for all of the changes. Even with already existing stuff. Swapping from Hyur to Miqo'te many years ago, had to get used to their extremely long necks. Just as I had to get used to the incredibly pointy chin with my Raen. -- With the changes and how extensive they are, it simply won't please everyone, for various reasons. I had problems initially, but I've started to get more accustomed and actually preferring my newer Au Ras post-DT changes when going through the benchmark on loop.

If they want this game to follow through for another 10 years, then yes, they absolutely did need this update.

[Aelin_Ashryver]

I'm not opposed to the update.

And, considering the fact I'm playing as a FemHroth, I'm generally apathetic toward how characters will change from Endwalker to DawnTrail.

But I'm wondering if it was needed and is it a solid selling point for the game? The game already looks quite lovely from my perspective considering its age. And I wanted to politely inquire as to why the time and effort taken to tune up the graphics wasn't instead invested toward expanding upon character customization, making mount movement more dynamic - which they showcased, yes - improving upon character movement, puzzling out how to improve housing and apartments and so on.

Yes, the grass is prettier. The water does the thing.

Maybe I'm entirely ignorant and I've been living in a cave - but was the update a big ask in the community?

When I was brand new trying the game for the first time the dated look of the game was part of why I uninstalled it within the day. I didn't come back till a year later to give the game a proper go. And if BDO hadn't killed their pvp I wouldn't have bothered at all. Glad I did since this is far and away my fave game today but the graphics is definitely off putting for many prospective players.

[Hanayumi]

Character graphics update wasnt really needed (if anything players seem to want more options/sliders) but environment, texture, lighting updates definitely is, especially on very dated/pixelated textures...

[dogwearingsunglasses]

Character graphics update wasnt really needed (if anything players seem to want more options/sliders) but environment, texture, lighting updates definitely is, especially on very dated/pixelated textures...

I'm of the same opinion, I don't mind the graphics of the chararcter models one bit -- i certainly wouldnt have joined XI as far into its service as i did if i thought XIV's model's looked bad -- but a lot of the pixellated plant life kind of sucks to look at

[Ath192]

Character graphics update wasnt really needed (if anything players seem to want more options/sliders) but environment, texture, lighting updates definitely is, especially on very dated/pixelated textures...

They were absolutely needed xD just look at your feet next time you wear sandals before the update lol

[SannaR]

Yes as even newer things were starting to really look pixelated. Or noticeable like the seam down some faces. Even Viera look pasty skin wise. So even if I also thought the game looked pretty while playing on the PS4 it started to show how much this is needed when I switched to the PS5.

[Arzalis]

Yes, but I think they did it the wrong way. Legitimately just updating the lighting and upscaling the textures would've been the way to go.

They tried to be extra about it and fully redo those things which is what has resulted in a lot of the issues.