Hellblade 2 developer explains why Xbox version runs at 30fps
Hellblade 2 developer Ninja Theory has explained why the Xbox Series X and S versions of the game only run at 30 frames per second, rather than 60.
Officially titled Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, the highly-anticipated sequel follows a warrior in olden times as she battles not only Viking slave traders, but her own psychosis as well.
Releasing in May on PC and modern Xbox systems, the game will be able to be played at 60fps on PC, but locked to 30fps on console – with no option to choose. For those not aware, a higher frame rate means smoother visuals, as shown here.
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Speaking to GamePro, the game's Environmental Art Director, Dan Attwell, and VFX Director, Mark Slater-Tunstill, explained that they believe 30fps is the best way to play the game as, alongside the letterboxed aspect ratio, it creates a "cinematic" feel.
"We don't want to offer a framerate mode or anything like that. Because having 30[fps] was a conscious decision from an aesthetic point of view. Going to 60[fps] gives us nothing," they said.
"In fact, it probably would have only hurt us in that what we want to achieve is how we want to keep the film aesthetic and the film look.
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"So when you're presented with something at a higher frame rate, it feels really weird. And that's our goal [with Hellblade 2]: to make it feel cinematic. We knew we never wanted to be 60[fps]. You can set it up on the PC if you really want. But that's your decision."
PC games have historically offered flexibility in terms of frame rate, resolution, and other graphics options, while console games have only started to offer 'graphics' or 'performance' modes, favouring resolution or frame rate, respectively, within the last few years.
This may further explain Ninja Theory's decision, but fans are likely to still be divided over it.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II releases on May 21 on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
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