Optimizing Hogwarts Legacy for Old Consoles: A Detailed Comparison of Image and Model Processing

Shortly before the release of Hogwarts Legacy on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, we wondered why the developers at Avlanche Software didn’t show anyone how the game actually runs on those consoles. For a while, it seemed that another calamity was falling on the players due to bad optimization, which the authors of the game carefully concealed until the last moment, but the result was exactly the opposite. Basically, players immediately recognized that the people at Avalanche Software managed to adapt the game for older consoles very well, although they do not claim it yet and do not go into explaining what technical obstacles they had to overcome during the preparation of these ports. But it is precisely the fans who put together images and videos comparing versions for old and current consoles and reveal that only by limiting details or reducing resolution did not optimize.

Two days ago, the changes between the individual versions were dealt with by a Reddit user with the nickname Euden, who put together several similar images from specific parts of the castle. So you may notice that while in Gryffindor Tower on PS5 you can see from the music lounge to other rooms, on PS4 your view is blocked by a door. Of course, everyone will immediately understand that the purpose is to limit the amount of loaded data, but the most important thing is that everything feels natural. So good, in fact, that if you weren’t playing the game on PC, PS5 or Xbox Series, you probably wouldn’t even notice the changes. But in some places, the developers went a little further and modified the entire models, especially on the plots and in general in the exteriors, to limit the player’s view and therefore the need to process more and more models along with the associated effects.

This can be seen most in the processing of the bridges, from which there is a nice view of the surroundings and other parts of the castle on the stronger platforms. However, on PS4 and Xbox One, views have mostly been replaced by stained-glass windows, which look really nice as a result, but block the ability to see through the fillings to the outside. What goes on behind the stained glass remains hidden from the players and, we’re guessing, the developers eyed details to a minimum so that players can move without major problems and jerks. The nature of some of the doors leading to the square and the small square, which you can’t just walk through on PS4 and Xbox One, has also changed. Players have to endure loading, which is of course a harder hit to the pace, but understandable given the size of the castle and hardware limitations.