PC delay: genuine optimization work or Rockstar wanting two purchases?

[GregH]

People keep arguing that the PC version must already exist because developers build games on PCs. That seems to confuse having a working build with having a polished consumer release.

At the same time, staggered releases clearly have commercial upside. Can both explanations be true?

 

[pixeljunkie]

Absolutely. A development build doesn't mean shader compilation, hardware compatibility, mouse input, settings menus and driver behavior are ready for millions of machines.

 

[justanotherguy]

They also know some people will buy it twice. pretending that doesn't factor in is silly.

 

[cloudy_skies]

This is the first sane take I've seen. Corporate decisions can have more than one reason.

 

[mikesgarage]

I just want the PC version to work on launch, whatever the reason. My last big day-one purchase was a stutter festival.

 

[GregH]

Same. I'd accept a shorter delay for proper testing. I wouldn't accept 'we need an extra year' with zero transparency.