PS4 developers can adjust what parts of their games are downloaded by consumers first, meaning that more in-demand content can be prioritised.

The new option for consumers is the result of better analytical feedback given to developers, along with the PS4's capability to break vast game downloads into smaller playable chunks. Studios can discover what parts of a game are the most popular and adjust game downloads so that the most highly sought content comes first.

Scott Kirkland, the group technical director at Drive Club outfit Evolution Studios, explained the new feature in an interview with The Guardian. He said:

"If we recognise that a majority of people take a particular path through the game that we didn't anticipate, we could dynamically modify the default order that the digital version of the game gets pulled down in - and actually, that same technique could apply to how the data is pulled off the Blu-ray as well. We can continue to make the experience better for the player."
In the past six months, both Sony and Microsoft have communicated the new ways in which they will address the lack of immediacy that comes with downloading games as big as 50GB.

Both the PS4 and Xbox one can, for instance, allow users to download a smaller packet of playable game code which can be accessed while the rest of the data downloads in the background.

PS4 will also do away with its predecessor's lengthy pre-installation processes by allowing updates to auto-download and be installed overnight in the background.

Sony's game development fleet has also been given enhanced control over patching content.

According to the Drive Club producer Paul Rustchynsky, Evolution plans to micro-patch the game on the fly: "We can even update the handling if there are any balancing issues - if anyone says 'this car is 0.1 second slower than it should be at 0-60mph' - we can make adjustments like that."

Drive Club director Col Rodgers added: "Once a game is out, we will be streaming a lot of content at gamers. There will be developer-driven event lists which are likely to be sponsored, but there will be lots more content like new game modes. What you buy on day one is a ticket to a community that grows around you."

Posted: Aug 05, 2013 1:00 pm
Related Forum: PlayStation Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/422611/ps4-game-downloads-can-rearrange-by-popularity/