Why Do Arkane Games Have an FPS Limit?
Arkane Studios, renowned for immersive and freedom-filled games like Dishonored, Prey, and Deathloop, is known for implementing a framerate limiter in their titles. This has caused much discussion and debate among players, especially those who prefer uncapped FPS for a smoother and more responsive experience.
But why do Arkane games have an FPS limit? Is it an intentional design choice, or is there a technical reason behind it? Let's dive into the possible explanations.
The Arguments for an FPS Limit
- Gameplay Consistency: Arkane focuses on player agency and freedom of choice in its games. Implementing an FPS limit ensures a consistent gameplay experience across different hardware and setups. This means that everyone experiences the game at the same speed, regardless of their PC's processing power.
- Engine Stability: Older game engines, like the one used for Dishonored, might not handle very high frame rates efficiently. This can lead to issues like glitches, stuttering, and even crashes. Limiting the FPS helps stabilize the game and prevent these problems.
- Visual Fidelity: Arkane games often feature intricate environments and detailed animations. Limiting the framerate ensures that these visual elements are displayed smoothly and without any performance hiccups.
- Game Design: In some cases, the FPS limit is implemented to specifically enhance the gameplay experience. For example, in Deathloop, the FPS limit might contribute to the feeling of smooth and controlled time manipulation.
The Arguments Against an FPS Limit
- Player Preference: Many players prefer an uncapped FPS for a more responsive and immersive experience. They argue that the smoother gameplay and quicker reactions are more enjoyable, even if it comes at the cost of potential technical issues.
- Competitive Edge: In games like Deathloop with a competitive element, an uncapped FPS could offer a slight advantage, allowing for quicker reflexes and actions.
- Technological Advancements: Newer game engines are more capable of handling high frame rates without encountering issues. Limiting the FPS might be unnecessary in modern games.
Solutions for Uncapped FPS
While Arkane hasn't officially announced plans to remove the FPS limit in their future titles, there are a few solutions players can try:
- Modding: For games like Dishonored, dedicated communities have developed mods that remove the FPS limit. These mods are often available on sites like Nexus Mods.
- Third-Party Software: Some software like Rivatuner Statistics Server (RTSS) allows users to manually cap or uncap the framerate of specific games.
- Game Engine Updates: Arkane might release updates to their game engines that allow for uncapped FPS in future titles, as technology advances and game development practices evolve.
Conclusion
The decision to implement an FPS limit in Arkane games is a complex one, driven by a combination of factors like design choices, engine limitations, and visual fidelity. While the choice has drawn criticism from some players who prefer uncapped FPS, Arkane might have valid reasons for choosing this approach. As technology advances and game engines become more sophisticated, it will be interesting to see if Arkane changes their stance on FPS limits in future titles.