As we eagerly anticipate the launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro, gaming fans are in for a treat with the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
This latest installment promises a host of impressive enhancements dedicated to elevating the gaming experience beyond what the standard PS5 offers.
I recently visited Infinity Ward’s office in Poland, where I had enlightening discussions with Principal Rendering Engineer Michal Drobot and his talented team.
Their insights shed light on the cutting-edge technologies driving this collaboration, primarily between Treyarch and Raven Software, with support from Infinity Ward.
Visual Enhancements and Performance Improvements
With the PS5 Pro update already rolling out, it’s clear that the improvements for Black Ops 6 are far from mere cosmetic changes.
Some adjustments are subtle, yet others bring substantial boosts to frame-rate performance.
Players on the PS5 Pro can look forward to remarkable visual fidelity at a stable 60Hz, thanks to the new PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology, which aims for an output resolution of 4K.
The exclusive anti-lag Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) feature for the PS5 Pro allows players to enjoy frame rates above 60fps in the default graphics mode.
Moreover, engaging the 120Hz mode means the PS5 Pro can revert to the base PS5 visuals while delivering even higher frame rates.
In the 60Hz setting, Black Ops 6 introduces four major visual enhancements.
Notably, the resolution of shadows has significantly increased, potentially doubling or quadrupling depending on their type and distance.
This leap forward notably enhances the clarity of environmental shadows, allowing for well-defined near and far shadows across various surfaces.
Enhancements in the global illumination system are also noteworthy; the PS5 Pro now employs a screen-space GI method that adeptly simulates light bouncing off multiple surfaces.
Advanced Technologies for Realism
The refinement of screen-space reflections (SSR) on the Pro version is another exciting feature.
The improvements aim to align closely with the team’s internal path tracing references.
This means that reflections occluded by surrounding objects are more accurately represented, reducing the issue of unwanted light filtering around geometric shapes due to the upgraded Screen-Space Global Illumination (SSGI).
Furthermore, the PS5 Pro utilizes its proprietary upscaling technology, PSSR, which operates at a native resolution of 2560×1440 before outputting to 4K in the 60fps mode.
This ensures real-time adjustments are made to stabilize frame rates.
While PSSR does enhance image clarity, it can sometimes produce artifacts, particularly in darker scenes.
Thankfully, a remedy is already in the works to mitigate these concerns and refine performance.
When it comes to frame-rate performance, Black Ops 6 shines on the Pro hardware, consistently hitting 60fps even while displaying visual improvements.
In contrast, players using the base PS5 often find the split-screen mode dipping to around 50fps, while the Pro maintains near 60fps stability.
New Features and Gameplay Enhancements
Additionally, the integration of anti-lag VRR technology improves the game’s ability to forecast frame times, which results in lower latency between player commands and the visuals on-screen—a significant advantage for gamers seeking responsive gameplay.
Beyond the PS5 Pro enhancements, Black Ops 6 also unveils several new engine features.
Among these are weather grade volumes and advanced glass shattering technology, which provide a realistic depiction of glass breaking under pressure.
These advancements not only emphasize the technological strides made within the Call of Duty franchise but also amplify the immersive experience for players.
In conclusion, Black Ops 6 is set to not only build on the success of its predecessors but also offer substantial visual and performance upgrades on the PS5 Pro.
This creates an exciting pathway towards a more immersive and captivating gaming journey.
Source: Eurogamer