Next generation consoles are just over a year away, and with next gen games in development, I'd like for us to discuss one of the major features I think will have the biggest impact on gameplay. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) will allow for no screen tearing and less judder during gameplay, making dips and less consistent frame rates much more bearable. Since it is likely that both next gen consoles will feature HDMI 2.1, and thus allowing for VRR at the system level, I think it's important that developers consider having and uncapped frame rate option for their games. With HDMI 2.1, the new consoles would also be capable of 4K at 120Hz. It's hard to imagine every game hitting frame rates that high, but once again, with the addition of VRR, I say why not have the option even if the frame rate isn't consistent? It would be a game changer, and I'm sure it could give developers new ways to think about how they design their games with these new features in mind. Let's say there's a major open world title hitting, and said game target 30 fps on consoles. If the game uncapped stays somewhere in the mid 40's, that's still a smoother experience with VRR. The same could be said about multiplayer titles that target 60 fps, but could maybe go higher with an unlocked frame rate.
I do wonder if there are developers who indeed have this in consideration already, but these features are too good not to be in basically every game next gen.
