Episode 227

With the proliferation of modern graphics technologies like ray tracing, we increasingly see AAA games struggle to maintain respectable resolutions and frame rates. Silent Hill F and Borderlands 4 are the latest examples of new games using modern technologies that have image/performance issues. At what point do consumers decide they've had enough and demand better optimized products? Today, we dive deep into the image quality and performance issues that plague modern games, and discuss potential ways to course-correct. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (EAT ROLL REPEAT, Fortnite, Dragon Age: Origins). This episode was recorded in September 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.

Check out Connor's game jam game, EAT ROLL REPEAT! https://proudmomgames.itch.io/eat-roll-repeat

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Timestamps:

0:00 - Opening Banter

17:51 - Trading Performance/Resolution for Ray Tracing

25:20 - Consoles Becoming Too Expensive

29:55 - Image Reconstruction Techniques Have Become A Crutch

35:09 - Companies Lack Monetary Incentive To Optimize

45:22 - Optimization Woes and Future Technologies

59:26 - EAT ROLL REPEAT

1:03:39 - Fortnite

1:05:49 - Dragon Age: Origins

1:16:31 - Things We're Looking Forward To