Examples: diablo 4 on blizzard client will let you play it before the full game is installed. The ps5 also let’s you do this when installing a new game. But I’ve never seen this option on steam games.

  • Zarxrax@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    19
    ·
    1 year ago

    Because when you are in level 1, you don't need all the assets from level 10, and it can just download what you need first.

      • eric@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        7
        ·
        1 year ago

        Then you’d most likely be told that part isn’t downloaded yet, but thats quite an edge case since there will be very few people downloading the game that have a previous save point from any point in the game, let alone the later part.

        But if the game devs wanted to plan for that edge case, they might check your account for save points and prioritize content after your save point first.

    • RvTV95XBeo@sh.itjust.works
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      2
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      I don't think this is true, because you can max out your character, uninstall the game, reinstall it, and still start early. Plus, the MMO-esq nature of D4, you could easily join a party with someone who is L10, doing L10+ content. It's more about preloading things at low resolution, then improving as new resources download

      • Zarxrax@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        5
        ·
        1 year ago

        I'm not referring to Diablo in particular. I am just using "level" as the standard video game nomenclature to mean separate areas or content.

      • PapstJL4U@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        What he described was done multiple times. In MMOs and single player games. The low res loading is in addition.

        Jumping ahead of the designed game experience can indead force additional loading screens.