Some developers are having problems with new Xbox GDK - Digital Foundry

After watching the DF video, ease of development in this context appears directly related to how much it mirrors current gen. Xbox’s is different. Anytime a developer is using something new, there’s a learning curve. Wouldn’t characterize it as a major concern based on how it was framed.

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Let’s put things into context!

The issues are there but they are more about change of environment and new GDK.

Looks like it’s only about lack of familiarity with the new stuff.

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Also by the logic of concern trolls - PS5 must be having a hardware issue because we haven’t seen inside of it yet.

Lol

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i don’t think we’ve seen any game developed using the new SDK yet

Time to triangle has been a massive push for Sony. Ever since the PS3 disaster, Cernry has been all about ease of development. That has carried over even strongly with the PS5. MS on the other hand has introduced a heap of new DX extensions, such as SFS, Mesh Shaders, ML, VRS etc. Sony hasn’t been as proactive on that front, and solely went for having the same tools, same compute unit count, no VRS, no ML, no Mesh Shaders etc Sony went for raw hardware for IO speed, MS went with software extensions like XVA. Hardware is always quicker to use. But, when the gen moves forward, XSX is going to leave PS5 in the dust.

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Excellent post! Really put things in context. Sshould be pinned. I have no worries as I know it’s just about learning new things. As always, it takes time to learn that’s all. Once all the features will be implemented, it will be easier for them.

VRS is standard in RDNA2…

Like someone said above, GDK is a new Development Kit, so I can believe there are issues with as people have to get used to it. Also it is potentionally not as mature as the XDK.

It comes down to a question of what you as a programmer are used to. I experience this myself, if you are used to to a specific development environment you don’t want to change it because you have to re-learn things because in details things can be slightly different.

I assume the complaints are really more a convenience factor than a real issue with the GDK but I also think the GDK is not as mature as the XDK yet.

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The last things MS needs is mutliplatform games not looking and running better on the XSX from day one. If this actually comes to fruition, after having a non-existent exclusive launch line up, then we will be approaching 2013 territory of fuck up. On paper, in my eyes, the difference between the XSX and ps5 is huge, not the 15-20% bullshit that Sony fanboys have been preaching. The difference is the sum of the parts and if you add substantially better (AND LOCKED) cpu&gpu, way more bandwidth e.t.c versus just a faster SSD then the XSX should be running circles around the ps5 in mutliplatform games. If not then MS blew it completely with everything regarding this launch.

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The thing is that the differences at least initially will be framerate and resolution and people are at the point of not caring about them anyway. So I’m not sure it’s as big a thing (beyond embarrassing fanboys on social media) as anyone makes out. I want the best performing console and that will be the Series X. But I have no doubt that the launch differences will be minor and possibly not even always in Xbox’s absolute favour as devs get used to the new environment. But even if every game was vastly better on the SX who will care really? You are at a point where the audience will go with what they want regardless.

Oh everyone will care if every game is vastly better on the XSX, this isn’t 2001, forums and social media would be flooded with posts and create a very strong narrative.

Well, you know how Sony blatantly lied gaving everyone the impression that 1st party games were just for PS5 only Next Gen with clever wording and smoke and mirrors. Wait till you see about full RDNA 2 features…

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I’m a (non games) developer and I’d hate to use different SDKs for Xbox One and Xbox Series S|X and PC and xCloud. Of course Sony’s PS5 SDK is going to be simpler, its only targeting one device.

Much better to have just one SDK, especially when Series S|X features like DX ray-tracing and SFS are standard in DX12 Ultimate, which will be on PC too with related hardware to match in time. It will take time for Developers to get used to the new SDK, but in time, they will, the benefits are clear - the ability to target millions of consoles, phones, tablets and PCs.

Its disappointing, but not surprising, that this news is being used by some people for ‘concern’ and click-bait elsewhere.

Not only good for devs but it’s going to be amazing for business too because Microsoft can now say you can develop your game for our platform that includes console, pc, mobile/cloud. I don’t think people realise this and it’s going to give Xbox a big advantage in getting more games that don’t sell well on the platform.

You make your game once and you have 3 platforms to launch your game on that can hit xxxM devices. Publishers are going to be looking at MS like :money_mouth_face:

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As a developer you like to program for where you have knowledge and experience. Not only that, just think about the existing code base that exists based on the XDK. Also APIs may behace slightly different, means existing code doesn’t have the same outcome anymore. Never underestimate the work that has to be done because something in any SDK changed.

Of course, I’m not saying its easy, but its not as if the new SDK and DX 12 APIs aren’t worth the effort learning. There’s long term benefits for the developers and the related studios, and the people who play their games on multiple platforms.

I just try to explain why devs complain. I did not say it is a bad thing to switch to newer APIs.

Some devs. Some aren’t having any issues. At the end of the day, great games are coming and that’s the important thing.

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Like in real life. Some complain about something others don’t. Doesn’t change the fact that it is always good trying to understand why that is. In result you may can heal the situation and convince them to change instead of call them names (not you, general observation).

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Yes, the ‘lazy devs’ meme needs to be killed, with fire. In the long run, investment into learning the new tech will pay off but it will take time, especially with real life events right now.

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