Rolling Demo

[mati140]

Hello,

I found myself in an edge case with the X4 system requirements and I wondered, if we will get a benchmarking demo, like in the case of X3 TC. If so, when? I would like to check if I can even run the game before purchasing the collector's edition.

[nemesis1982]

That would be a good idea. Question is if they have the resources to do that.

[CBJ]

The problem with a rolling demo is that it only really gives you an idea of graphics performance. That's really useful in some games, but in X-series games it's only a small part of the picture, as they are usually more CPU-bound than GPU-bound. A rolling demo really doesn't help with that, as the game universe isn't being simulated in the background. A full demo is a more realistic test, but also a lot more work at a time when we're already incredibly busy. So the simple answer is no, it's unlikely that we will be able to create a demo before the game is released; it's possible that we might create one later, as we did for XR, though.

[Scoob]

I think rolling demos are cool, if not technically quite as useful as a performance measure in a deep game like the X series. However, as a marketing tool they can be invaluable. I recall seeing magazines and websites that had never mentioned an X game before talking enthusiastically about Terran Conflict when the rolling demo came out. As certain parts of the demo were rather taxing GPU-wise it got adopted as as GPU stress test for quite a few sites I recall.

So, yes, a rolling demo doesn't help massively with gauging actual in-game performance - certainly later in the game when the CPU is potentially working harder - but it does get the name "X4: Foundations" out there and spoken about by those who might otherwise not cover it. Additionally, as GPU's do get upgraded more frequently than CPU's, as is the nature of things, then it can give an indication of GPU demands at least. If a CPU is struggling just attempting to feed the GPU for what's largely a graphical rolling demo, then that answers a question for someone who's wondering. I can see why you might want to avoid the whole "but it ran the demo fine" argument when people are in that position though...

Of course, I appreciate that a rolling demo would take a chunk of time to implement and by that time the game would likely be launched. I wonder though if it might aid further long-term discussion and further sales. We know X games are traditionally long-term sellers with XBtF still doubtless selling copies today.

It was the original XbtF rolling demo - long before release - that put Egosoft on my radar all that time ago. It came on a magazine cover disc IIRC, remember those? lol. The X2: The Threat rolling demo was dead cool too, I remember being very impressed by the shadows s the Teladi freighter flew over the Condor wasn't it? Years since I watched that...also, we could MOD it...fun times

Scoob.

[gbjbaanb]

The problem with a rolling demo is that it only really gives you an idea of graphics performance. That's really useful in some games, but in X-series games it's only a small part of the picture, as they are usually more CPU-bound than GPU-bound. A rolling demo really doesn't help with that, as the game universe isn't being simulated in the background. A full demo is a more realistic test, but also a lot more work at a time when we're already incredibly busy. So the simple answer is no, it's unlikely that we will be able to create a demo before the game is released; it's possible that we might create one later, as we did for XR, though.

Could you not do a time-limited release on Steam, full functionality (so we can see the bugs) for a weekend and then it closes down and cannot be played. I think I've seen similar on steam before. That woulnd't involve much effort on your part?

[CBJ]

Maybe after release at some point, but that doesn't help those, like the OP, wanting something before release. The idea of doing it before release is basically a free open beta, and apart from any other issues that would bring, the idea that it wouldn't create much work is ... well, it's about as far from the truth as it's possible to get!

[WildAce]

The problem with a rolling demo is that it only really gives you an idea of graphics performance. That's really useful in some games, but in X-series games it's only a small part of the picture, as they are usually more CPU-bound than GPU-bound. A rolling demo really doesn't help with that, as the game universe isn't being simulated in the background. A full demo is a more realistic test, but also a lot more work at a time when we're already incredibly busy. So the simple answer is no, it's unlikely that we will be able to create a demo before the game is released; it's possible that we might create one later, as we did for XR, though.

Could you not do a time-limited release on Steam, full functionality (so we can see the bugs) for a weekend and then it closes down and cannot be played. I think I've seen similar on steam before. That woulnd't involve much effort on your part?

You can demo the game on steam for 2 hours, plenty of time to check early stage performance and if you like how the game "feels"

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Last updated December 6, 2016

[gbjbaanb]

The problem with a rolling demo is that it only really gives you an idea of graphics performance. That's really useful in some games, but in X-series games it's only a small part of the picture, as they are usually more CPU-bound than GPU-bound. A rolling demo really doesn't help with that, as the game universe isn't being simulated in the background. A full demo is a more realistic test, but also a lot more work at a time when we're already incredibly busy. So the simple answer is no, it's unlikely that we will be able to create a demo before the game is released; it's possible that we might create one later, as we did for XR, though.

Could you not do a time-limited release on Steam, full functionality (so we can see the bugs) for a weekend and then it closes down and cannot be played. I think I've seen similar on steam before. That woulnd't involve much effort on your part?

You can demo the game on steam for 2 hours, plenty of time to check early stage performance and if you like how the game "feels"

I have a feeling I'd want to play X4 a little longer than 2 hours to get a feel for it....

Sure, I never thought it'd be a pre-release thing, just an option on release day or near after for those concerned about specs, gameplay or whatever.

[hakenden]

I missed in XR very much the Option Start as rolling Demo.


It was every time a good Tool to show Friends how impressive X 3 is.

So first:
-to swagger for Geforc 1080 Ti user .

So second:
-as a start point, what is in my System wrong what i can switch .

So third:
-Is my System ready for the next update, Dlc.

So last:
As a good Commercial.


Vote for X 4 with rolling Demo feature.

If XR would have a Benchmark Option we can talk much easyer About X4 System Needs.

And i know XR have a Menu screen with Scenes from XR, but that is not a Benchmark!

[WildAce]

There wont be a demo or benchmark option before release.

[DaMuncha]

Will X4 use DX12?

[fcth]

Will X4 use DX12?

It will use Vulkan.

[hakenden]

Tanks a lot for your time and Posts.
Of course i understand time is a short resource and specially in the moment before release.


I know you are a good, hard working Team.

But pleas think about us users.

At the moment is in my Family the bigest talking Point X4.

I see so manny X Gamers in the Forum, the spot for shades in the Videos and Streams to see new things.
I see so manny X Gamers in the Forum to make speculations about X4.
I see so manny X Gamers are happy, the Story goes on.


A rolling demo suport this Feeling.

And of course there is no one forced to do stuff like a rolling demo, but pleas keep in mind
we talk about Dreams.

And Egosoft is summoner of Dreams.

Maybe it is no time now, but pleas think about to bring it a little later.


Do not forget, Stars and Mankind divide the same fate.