GTA 6 launch trailer analysis praises performance boost, denying PS5 resolution downgrade

While fans welcomed the GTA 6 launch trailer, some viewers complained about degraded image quality. However, Digital Foundry’s performance breakdown of the PS5-captured footage dismisses most concerns. As the November 19th release date approaches, the site also believes Rockstar maintained a 1440p resolution.

Smoother motion

One of Digital Foundry’s disappointments with earlier GTA 6 trailers and the Netflix Extended Look was uneven animations. Frame rates held, but swift camera pans exposed choppy character movement. Those problems vanish in the latest video, though the sample size is too small to draw a firm conclusion.

The analysis notes impressive detail in objects and lighting effects. In the much-discussed shower scene, the site praises the way sunlight interacts with water droplets on Jason’s chest. The pristinely drawn iguana seen crossing a road could also indicate realistic depictions of Leonida wildlife.

The most common criticism of the GTA 6 launch trailer is its hazy appearance. The blurriness softens the visuals, while excessive bloom fades the vibrant colors. Digital Foundry agrees the graphics have changed, but it may be specific to this particular PS5 footage.

Still 1440p and 30 fps

Some feared that as developers optimized performance ahead of the release date, they settled on a lower resolution. Despite the haziness, the Rockstar game still seems to render at 1440p before being upscaled to 4K.

Another debate was whether the GTA 6 PS5 version would employ QSSR. Designed for the base PlayStation console, the AI-powered technology is an alternative to the PS5 Pro’s PSSR. QSSR could further improve image quality through more effective upscaling. Even so, Digital Foundry detects no evidence of the feature and questions if the higher latency would be worth it.

The performance showcased in the new cinematic impresses Digital Foundry. That said, they echoed worries about the HDR presentation. Expert Filippo Tarpini, formerly of Remedy Entertainment, observed distorted hues during color shifts. He thinks AgX tone mapping may be causing the less-than-desirable results.