Crytek recently unveiled an updated version of the Hunt: Showdown roadmap, bringing some significant changes to the game’s future development. One of the major announcements is the developer’s decision to discontinue PlayStation 4 and Xbox One support in April 2024, while introducing Hunt: Showdown for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X. Importantly, a free upgrade path will be provided, ensuring that players who own the game on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One can seamlessly transition to the new consoles without additional purchase requirements.
These changes are part of the broader update to CRYENGINE 5.11. Additionally, the minimum and recommended system specifications for the PC version of Hunt: Showdown will be raised.
David Fifield, General Manager of the franchise, explained the decision, stating that these upgrades will impact less than 10% of the community while significantly enhancing the experience for the majority.
The first phase of the CRYENGINE upgrade includes several previously announced additions, such as DirectX 12, AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.1.2, Microsoft DirectStorage, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) display support. Crytek plans to introduce even more advanced technical features in the latter half of 2024, taking advantage of the new CRYENGINE version and increased minimum system requirements.
The CRYENGINE update will also bring a complete overhaul of the user interface. Improvements to gamepad support are on the horizon, including dead zone adjustments and aim assist/acceleration options in the Winter update of this year, followed by custom button mapping and a rework of the weapon wheel in early 2024.
Crytek has announced its transition to a decentralized backend in the coming year, aiming to deliver updates with minimal downtime and faster response times when interacting with the inventory and Bloodline. The network infrastructure itself will undergo improvements to enhance timing accuracy and consistency in projectile trajectory. Matchmaking will also see an overhaul to allow two-player teams to join forces with a random third player.
On the content front, a fourth map is in development for Hunt: Showdown as part of the CRYENGINE update, showcasing the game’s new graphical features. Additionally, the second and third chapters of the latest event trilogy, following Tide of Shadows, are scheduled for release in Fall and Winter 2023.
Crytek has also promised 25 additional Hunter slots, increasing the cap to 75. The Prestige system will undergo a rework this year, particularly concerning weapon unlocks, and new reward schemes are slated for next year.
