Starbreeze Develops Chapter 2 of Payday 3 in UE4 Before Switching to Unreal Engine 5
The studio Starbreeze continues producing new content for Payday 3 using Unreal Engine 4. Although there is a plan to switch to the newer engine, all the material planned for next year will still be released with version 4. This strategy allows the team to maintain a solid technical base while taking advantage of the latest updates that Epic Games continues to release for UE4. 🎮
Improving Graphics While Planning the Future
The current technical focus is on renewing how scenarios look. Developers are mainly working on two areas: the lighting system and the quality of materials. They add more surfaces with reflections and adjust how shadows are projected to make them more defined. These changes aim to intensify the atmosphere during stealth missions, where perceiving every detail of the environment is vital for the player.
Main areas of visual improvement:- Refine global lighting and reflections on surfaces.
- Optimize the quality and performance of dynamic shadows.
- Update textures and shaders for a more realistic look.
Sometimes, the known and stable is a safer option than the new and shiny, especially for a live service game.
The Artistic Workflow Behind the Heists
To build levels and objects, the art team uses standard professional tools. They use 3ds Max and Maya to model complex scenarios and the wide arsenal of weapons. Subsequently, the texturing process is done with Substance Painter, giving masks, gear, and environments a believable and detailed finish. This pipeline is efficient and common in the industry.
Key tools in the pipeline:- 3ds Max / Maya: For 3D modeling of assets and scenarios.
- Substance Painter: For painting and creating high-quality materials.
- Unreal Engine 4: For integrating all elements and building the final experience.
Prioritizing Stability Over Novelty
Although the migration to Unreal Engine 5 is an inevitable and planned step, Starbreeze's team prefers not to compromise the solidity of the released game. They decide to continue maximizing the capabilities of UE4, which continues to receive support and improvements. This decision reflects a pragmatic approach, where ensuring a smooth experience for players takes priority over implementing the latest technology immediately. The future in UE5 will come, but with a carefully prepared base. 🔧