Are graphics important in video games? Well, yes and no, and more or less, depending on who you ask. According to video game designer David Jaffe, “I don't give a fuck about amazing production value and visuals. A great game is a great game.”
But even for him, notably poor graphics can disrupt immersion, and downgrade an otherwise fantastic gaming experience. This is how he feels about the Nintendo Switch’s latest release, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
I don't give a fuck about amazing production value+visuals. A great game is a great game. Just starting and so far, so good.
— David Jaffe (@davidscottjaffe) May 12, 2023
But given how much everyone goes ape shit over visuals, it's staggering how this game can look like this and not get at least a little dinged by reviews. pic.twitter.com/Fffb5grdI1
So, David decided to take matters into his own hands. Using AI, he created an image similar to his screen capture, but in an art style much more to his liking. “Don't worry, fellas!” he said. “I had AI fix it! Now we're talkin'!”
Don't worry, fellas! I had AI fix it! Now we're talkin'!
— David Jaffe (@davidscottjaffe) May 18, 2023
Someone should send this to the folks at Nintendo and show them how to do the art next time. https://t.co/94J8CWDD2h pic.twitter.com/TV3aAmCPJD
Unfortunately, fans of the game were less than pleased to see its aesthetic tampered with.
“It looks fine, David,” @CaseyExplosion said. “Good art direction beats graphical fidelity every time.”
Other people pointed out that Tears of the Kingdom is made for Nintendo Switch, which has significantly less processing power than the modern consoles on the market. Stretching the fidelity of David’s AI image across an entire game would likely require more than the Switch is capable of working with.
“Why is it that every time you cross my feed it's because you're throwing a tantrum about something that doesn't matter?” @tegiminis asked.
Despite the criticism, Dave seems happy with his artistic creation. Do any Tears of the Kingdom deserve to be spilled over its graphics? No. But does Dave need to see those flaming dicks in ultra-high definition? Probably.
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