What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Arrowhead Game Studios, the developers of Helldivers 2, have explained the reasons behind the game's large 141.51GB install size on PC. The substantial size is attributed to the need to improve performance on older hardware using hard-disk drives (HDDs). By duplicating data, the game reduces 'seek time' for HDDs, allowing for faster loading times. This approach ensures that players using older storage technology can still enjoy a smooth gaming experience, despite the trend towards solid-state drives (SSDs) in modern gaming setups.
Why It's Important?
The decision to accommodate older hardware highlights the developers' commitment to inclusivity in gaming, ensuring that a broader audience can access and enjoy Helldivers 2. This move is particularly relevant as it addresses the needs of approximately 12% of PC gamers who still use HDDs, according to Steam user surveys. By optimizing the game for these users, Arrowhead Game Studios is fostering a more inclusive gaming environment, which could influence other developers to consider similar strategies for their games.
What's Next?
As technology continues to evolve, the gaming industry may see a shift towards optimizing games for newer hardware, potentially phasing out support for older technologies. However, the current approach by Arrowhead Game Studios may encourage other developers to maintain support for a diverse range of hardware, ensuring that gaming remains accessible to all players.
Beyond the Headlines
This development raises questions about the balance between technological advancement and accessibility in gaming. As developers strive to create more immersive and complex games, they must also consider the diverse capabilities of players' hardware, which could lead to broader discussions about inclusivity and accessibility in the gaming industry.
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