'The Division' News & Updates: Dynamic Resolution Scaling On Xbox One

The Xbox One version of "The Division" provides full 1080p resolution, on par with PS4. However, even when both versions of the game are set to the same image sharpness, many players have noted that on Xbox One the image quality is softer in motion. This improved performance is due to a dynamic resolution scaling feature present on the Microsoft platform.

According to Eurogamer, in order to maintain 30fps, the developer Ubisoft implemented dynamic resolution scaling on Xbox One platform to lower resolution in complex areas. This can be noticed especially on New York's ruined streets.

For players, this feature manifests as sub-pixel break-up on fine detail and text appearing blurrier on distant signs. In matching shots on PC and PlayStation 4, this doesn't appear to be an issue.

In order to sustain its target frame-rate like "Wolfenstein: The New Order" and "Halo 5," "The Division" on Xbox One utilizes dynamic resolution scaling. Dependent on GPU load, the game adjusts its resolution on each scene. Wherever appears lots of geometry and heavy effects on-screen, on Xbox One the frame buffer is switching to a lower pixel count.

Particularly, across long distances this feature on Xbox One starts to blur spots in the image, in comparison to PC and PS4. However, this is a clever trick and the switch is hard to catch by eye.

The resolution varies depending on the rendering scenario. For example, as we look at the recovery camp ahead in the opening shot, Xbox One drops to 1792x1008. At 87 percent of a full HD image overall, this is still a resolution much higher than the 900p we could see in other titles.

The Snowdrop engine switches itself to a full 1080p when looking up to the sky in the same initial area. By lowering the camera again, the resolution drops back to 1792x1008. This tends to occur around outdoor scenes and results in an occasional softening of the image.

Dynamic resolution scaling is not the best news for Xbox One owners, but isn't detrimental to the overall experience. This feature can be beneficial to the overall feel of the game play since the slight drop in visual quality helps to sustain the target 30fps frame-rate. And graphics tinkerers are always finding ways to make the game look better, according to Games Radar.