The Vita’s less than stellar sales are beginning to show in third-party support, as Resident Evil Revelations, though announced for every platform under the sun, will be missing Sony’s handheld. Capcom product manager Mike Lunn explained the situation with nary a mention of the Vita’s infinitesimal install base.
“When we were developing Revelations for new platforms,” he said, “we really wanted to hone in on the experience you get with a large format screen, surround sound, etc. This type of setup really helps players get sucked into the horror vibe and enjoy the game to its fullest extent.”
A strange stance concerning a game which originated on a handheld, as Eurogamer points out. “3DS and PS-Vita infrastructure let alone developing games for them are extremely different beasts. Even just the screens as you mention are completely different resolutions/functions,” he added.
The Challenges of Developing for the PS Vita
The PlayStation Vita, despite its impressive hardware and potential, has faced numerous challenges since its launch. One of the primary issues has been its relatively small install base compared to other gaming platforms. This has made it less attractive for developers who are looking to maximize their reach and profitability. The Vita’s unique hardware features, such as its touch screen and rear touchpad, also require additional development resources to fully utilize, which can be a deterrent for some developers.
Moreover, the Vita’s screen resolution and aspect ratio differ significantly from other platforms. This means that developers need to create or adapt assets specifically for the Vita, which can be time-consuming and costly. In the case of Resident Evil Revelations, Capcom likely weighed these factors and decided that the investment required to bring the game to the Vita was not justified by the potential returns.
The Importance of Platform-Specific Optimization
When developing a game for multiple platforms, it’s crucial to optimize the experience for each specific platform. This ensures that players get the best possible experience, regardless of the device they are using. For Resident Evil Revelations, Capcom emphasized the importance of a large format screen and surround sound to fully immerse players in the horror atmosphere. These elements are more challenging to achieve on a handheld device like the Vita.
For example, the Vita’s smaller screen size and different resolution could impact the game’s visual fidelity and overall experience. Additionally, the Vita’s speakers, while adequate for most games, may not provide the same level of audio immersion as a home theater setup. These factors likely influenced Capcom’s decision to focus on platforms that could deliver the optimal experience for Resident Evil Revelations.
Furthermore, the development resources required to optimize a game for the Vita could be better spent on enhancing the game for platforms with larger audiences. This is a common consideration for developers, as they need to balance the desire to reach as many players as possible with the practicalities of development time and budget.
In conclusion, while it’s disappointing for Vita owners that Resident Evil Revelations won’t be coming to their handheld, the decision highlights the complexities and challenges of multi-platform game development. Developers must carefully consider the unique aspects of each platform and make strategic decisions to ensure the best possible experience for players.
Via Eurogamer
Source PlayStation Blog
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