Why Every PC Game Needs a Built-In Benchmark Tool
So, I’m a computer hardware journalist, and I do a lot of benchmarking with PC games, of course. That doesn’t mean that everything I’m going to say is entirely self-interested.
That being said, I’ve been looking forward to it Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II for a couple of reasons. First, it looks like an incredible game, but second, it looks like a visual cornucopia that can push computer hardware to its limits.
Then why doesn’t it have a built-in benchmark?
PC gamers are constantly looking for the perfect balance between the best possible graphics and smooth performance. Most gamers don’t have the best graphics card available, and with an endless array of hardware configurations, optimizing game settings can become a frustrating process of trial and error for programmers and gamers alike.
For some reason, despite all the technological leaps in game development, many titles (not just Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II) still lack a simple but essential built-in benchmarking tool. These tools, found in titles like Cyberpunk2077, Total War: Warhammer IIIAnd Formula 1 2024and others, are not only useful for hardware journalists aiming for accurate reviews, but they are also crucial for gamers looking to get the best experience out of their hardware.
We all want 60+ fps gameplay. There’s an easy way to figure out what we need to do to get it. Yet, this isn’t even the standard for graphically intensive games, let alone more graphically compliant titles like Cult of the Lamband that makes no sense.
Empowering gamers through optimization
If you’re a gamer, you’re familiar with the age-old ritual of fiddling with settings after launching a new game: adjusting resolution, texture quality, shadows, and (god forbid) ray tracing, all to find that sweet spot at which the game looks great and runs smoothly.
Unfortunately, without a built-in benchmark, this process is little more than guesswork, forcing players to make changes, reload the game, and hope they got it right. This usually results in an inferior experience or unnecessary strain on a system.
Built-in benchmark tools provide immediate, quantifiable feedback on how different settings affect performance because they simulate real in-game scenarios. Often these show framerate, CPU and GPU usage, and other key metrics that can give gamers a better idea of what’s going on in their game.
In addition, developers can tailor their benchmarks to the most demanding gaming scenarios, so gamers can rest assured that their hardware is up to any challenge.
This gives players the information they need to make informed decisions and adjust a game’s settings to a specific hardware setup. As such, it’s truly an essential tool for gamers that has been missing from most major releases.
Why aren’t they universal? I have no idea.
Benefits for journalists, developers and gamers
For gaming and hardware journalists, built-in benchmarks for PC games are invaluable.
Reviews often require assessing how a game performs on different hardware configurations, and without standardized benchmarking tools, journalists must rely on subjective observations or third-party software that introduces an unacceptable level of subjectivity. This can lead to inconsistent reviews and leave readers without the reliable information they need to make purchasing decisions.
Furthermore, having pre-built benchmarks is clearly earned media for the games in question. How much ink has been spilled over Cyberpunk 2077’s graphical chops? The fact that it has a built-in benchmark that journalists can use is no small feat.
Developers can also benefit from incorporating benchmarking tools. This shows transparency and trust in their product, which builds trust in the gaming community.
At the very least, benchmarking tools can reduce performance issues reported as bugs by users, or lower review scores on Steam and other stores, as players are better equipped to troubleshoot and optimize their experience with the hardware they use.
Additionally, developers can collect anonymous performance data from benchmarks (based on consensus) to identify common issues and areas for improvement. This data-driven approach allows for more effective updates and patches, ultimately leading to a better gaming experience and greater player satisfaction.
In an industry where user experience can make or break a game’s success, it should be standard to integrate built-in benchmark tools.
They improve the gaming experience for players, provide journalists with the opportunity to write accurate reviews, and provide developers with valuable insights into their game’s performance.
As games continue to push the boundaries of technology, it’s imperative that both players and professionals have the tools they need to effectively navigate this complex landscape.
By making benchmarking the norm, we can ensure that every new title scores not only on creativity and content, but also on performance and player satisfaction.