One of the greatest advantages of all of the hardware’s power is that developers can create games that are optimized for the Xbox Series X | S. This means that they have made full use of the unique capabilities of the Xbox Series X | S, both for new titles natively created using the Xbox Series X | S development environment and for previously released titles that are specifically new for the console were created. In our Inside Xbox Series X Optimized series, these developers will share behind the scenes how they are optimizing their titles for the Xbox Series X | S and what this means for the future of gaming. Today we’re talking to Assistant Producer at Rebellion Thomas Waterhouse-Biggins about optimization Sniper Elite 4 for Xbox series X | S.
Q: What excites you most about developing and bringing? Sniper Elite 4 Bring to life on next generation hardware?
ON: Sniper Elite 4 is a game that we as a studio are immensely proud of and it’s exciting to be able to come back to to further improve the experience. Thanks to next-generation hardware, we can now run the game in 4K at 60 frames per second, which gives players a smoother and sharper experience. The title was activated thanks to Microsoft FPS Boost, which provided us with a good starting point for a next-gen version of Sniper Elite 4. After working on Zombie Army 4 for Xbox Series X | S, we knew we could go further to give players additional benefits.
Q: In addition to the power and performance of the Xbox Series X | S for faster loading times, etc., you were most pleased to see which features of the Xbox Series X | S were used in the development of in Sniper Elite 4?
ON: The first time we got the game up and running at a better frame rate and resolution, it was a very cool moment, but we wanted to see what else we could do to improve the game. This led us to implement a technique called Contrast Sharpening. In addition to increasing the resolution, this new function creates an even clearer picture and shows a high level of detail. In addition, the added power enabled us to maintain the details of the surroundings and objects even from a distance. This is a huge bonus for the open levels and variety of views that can be found in the game.
Q: How will these improvements affect a player’s gaming experience? Sniper Elite 4?
ON: Since the game was set in Italy, we were able to really take advantage of the amazing looking locations when creating the levels. The Xbox Series X | S performance allows us to show these places at their best, from the sunny fishing village of Bitanti Village to the dense forest of the Regilino Viaduct. We took a more open approach to level design world Sniper Elite 4 and it’s exciting to see these landscapes run in 4K while staying at a solid 60fps.
Q: Why did your development team choose to focus on higher resolution and higher frame rates as areas of improvement for? Sniper Elite 4?
ON: Sniping is a central part of the gaming experience, and thanks to the increased frame rate and resolution, it has never felt better. The improvements in frame rate increase responsiveness, which in turn enables even more precise recordings. The increased resolution makes it easier to survey open areas and pinpoint enemies as well as see all the bloody details in the bullet cams. The bottom line is that getting the perfect shot is now even more satisfying.
Q: How do you expect fans of Sniper Elite 4 will it respond to gaming on Xbox Series X | S with these enhancements?
ON: Our fans come to the series for authentic World War II sniper action, and the improvements only add to that experience. Whether you’re playing through the campaign, jumping online with a friend for co-op action, or taking on the world in a variety of competitive multiplayer modes; all gamers will benefit from playing on the Xbox Series X | S.
Q: What’s it like developing on Xbox Series X | S?
ON: The initial process of getting the game working on the new hardware was quick and easy. Thanks to our experience with Zombie Army 4 At the beginning of the year, we knew we could easily add these improvements. It wasn’t long before we saw the benefits of faster load times with increased frame rate and resolution, and what it would mean for gamers. The easy development of Zombie Army 4 meant we couldn’t resist going back and revisiting it Sniper Elite 4.
Q: What improvement have you been looking forward to the most? Sniper Elite 4 on Xbox Series X | S?
ON: Hard to say, thanks to the improved loading process you can jump into the big levels much faster and during the game the levels look amazing and the controls are much smoother. Personally, it was great to see the improvements come together to make the Bullet Cams better. We always enjoy all of the fantastic sniper shots that players get and people’s reactions to the bullet cam. So it’s great to be able to offer players an even better version.
Q: What enables Xbox Series X | S development in current or future projects that you could not have achieved with the previous generation of consoles?
ON: With every new game in the Sniper Elite franchise, we have made our own efforts to improve and develop the gameplay to ensure we deliver the ultimate sniper experience. Xbox Series X | S is giving us a chance to take further steps for the series, and we can’t wait to take full advantage of the consoles in our future titles.
Sniper Elite 4
Rebellion Developments Ltd
$ 59.99
$ 11.99
Discover unmatched sniper freedom in the largest and most advanced WWII shooter ever built. Experience tactical third-person battles, gameplay selection and epic long-range shots on gigantic levels as you free Italy from the war era from the grip of fascism. After its award-winning predecessor, Sniper Elite transports 4 players across the beautiful Italian peninsula, from sun-drenched coastal cities on the Mediterranean, to ancient forests, mountain valleys and colossal Nazi mega-structures. Undercover agent and elite shooter Karl Fairburne must fight alongside the brave men and women of the Italian Resistance and defeat a terrifying new threat that has the potential to halt the Allied struggle in Europe before it even begins. EXPANSIVE CAMPAIGN Experience hours of immersive gameplay in huge campaign levels with hundreds of enemies, vehicles and high-ranking Nazi officers to be hunted down. Make your own way to your goals, discover new sniper nests, find secret side missions, collectibles and more! AWARD-WINNING SNIPING Experience genre-defining rifle ballistics where snipers must consider wind, gravity, and heart rate to land satisfying shots hundreds of meters. EXTENSIVE ARSENAL Seamlessly adapt to any combat situation with an impressive selection of iconic sniper rifles, pistols, submachine guns, heavy weapons, traps, grenades and explosives from WWII. DEEP CUSTOMIZATION Improve your combat effectiveness by improving your skills and tweaking key weapon properties such as scope magnification, muzzle velocity, and stability. Create and edit custom loadouts for each encounter. SLICK TRAVERSALS AND TAKEDOWNS Climb, hang, shimmy and jump across the game’s vast environments to meet enemies and deliver deadly blows from cover, hang over ledges, and more! FAMOUS X-RAY KILL CAMS Sniper Elite’s acclaimed X-ray kill camera returns with brand new graphics and features, now framing your most formidable melee attacks and explosive trap kills in bone-breaking detail. TACTICAL COOPERATION Play the entire campaign online with another player or jump into special cooperative game modes for up to 4 players. EXCITING MULTIPLAYER Bring Sniper Elite’s trademark sniper shooting into a unique competitive game for up to 12 players in 7 modes on 6 individually designed maps. Even more modes and maps will be released for FREE after launch!
