Riot Games’ Next Fortnite Inspired Change To VALORANT Could Prove Doom For The Game
Riot Games’ tactical shooter Valorant has seen unprecedented success since its launch in 2020. Riot is gearing up for a big change in the game’s development as the devs prepare to move the game to Unreal Engine 5. This change will be a big deal for the game, especially for its large player base with lower-end PCs.
Given the game’s competitive nature and wide player base, even slight optimization issues could alienate many users. While Riot assures that performance won’t drastically change at first, players worry that switching engines could result in noticeable frame drops and other performance issues.
Valorant Is Getting a Whole New Makeover!
⛶
⛶
Valorant recently entered the console market and is doing pretty well in that space. Image credit: Riot Games
⛶
⛶
⛶
The decision to transition to UE5 was announced at the Unreal Fest 2024 by Riot’s studio head, Anna Donlon. UE 5 has been celebrated for its potential to bring stunning visuals and innovative features to games, and Riot sees this upgrade as crucial for Valorant’s future.
Anna Donlon has confirmed VALORANT will be moving to Unreal Engine 5
“This upgrade is not going to significantly change how VAL looks or performs, at least not right away” pic.twitter.com/1wXeIqJxEh
— Valorant News (@ValorINTEL) October 1, 2024
One of the key reasons for Riot’s move to UE5 is the limitations they face with UE4. Donlon noted that while the current engine has served them well, especially with the game’s recent console launch, it has reached its full potential. UE 5 offers more flexibility and advanced features that can open up new possibilities for the game.
“Optimization has always been a top priority for us,” Donlon said, reassuring the audience that Riot wouldn’t move to UE 5 unless they were confident in its ability to maintain performance levels. But even with these assurances, many players are skeptical, especially after the same change in other games.
Riot Games is committed to making VALORANT an incredible experience with:
• 128-tick servers
• 30+ FPS on old computers
• 60-144 FPS on modern gaming rigs
• Data centers in major cities aimed at <35ms ping
• Extensive Anti-Cheat Systems pic.twitter.com/KsLCdi3EuK— Valorant News (@ValorINTEL) March 2, 2020
Riot has hinted at significant long-term benefits from the switch. UE 5 opens the door for expanding the game’s universe with new playable experiences, potentially branching into different genres or game modes.
Riot Isn’t The First To Do This But Might Be The Best To
Historically, transitions to new engines can be rocky. Overwatch 2‘s move to a new engine was full of issues, particularly in its failed attempt to launch a PvE mode. Riot seems aware of these pitfalls, and while this shift won’t change the game’s look or feel in the short term, the long-term effects are yet to be seen.
With features like improved lighting, physics, and particle systems available in UE 5, the temptation to enhance graphics could come at the cost of playability for some. The question remains, will Riot be able to make this change successfully without alienating its players?
As Donlon mentioned, the move to UE 5 will not dramatically change the game’s performance or appearance right away, but the potential is there for gradual improvements. That said, the community is wary of any changes that could jeopardize their experience.
Only time will tell if Riot can integrate this transition smoothly or if the game’s shift to UE 5 could spell trouble for the tactical shooter. For now, we have to wait since there are no revealed dates.
What do you think this will result in? Let us know in the comments!
#Riot #Games #Fortnite #Inspired #Change #VALORANT #Prove #Doom #Game