One reason for them to not show the highest PC graphics settings before the release is that these settings cannot be achieved on consoles (not even close), and showing them would somewhat deceive console customers, who would expect a similar level of graphics quality on their systems, which CDPR wouldn't be able to deliver. So this actually makes sense, in my opinion, and (if this explanation is right) it demonstrates a sort of integrity on CDPR's part.
Of course, almost every other company shows the best possible quality in the promotional videos, and doesn't care about this sort of thing; so one can say that people are used to this, but CDPR doesn't seem to want to deceive their customers even in this widely used way (again, if this explanation is correct).
Yeah, it could be that. It could be that it's not optimized yet and it's not something they feel comfortable saying at this point. Could be that they just genuinely want to surprise the gamers. I don't know, it's just speculation - which doesn't prevent people from claiming with utmost certainty that it's, definitely, this or that explanation alone.
It's not a regular practice, which is why there's some suspicion or unease towards that statement, I suppose. I'll have to wait and see (and hopefully receive specific information about ultra settings performance and what rig is required).
But i think they did not want to show ultra setting because it is still in development . They are trying to optimize it. So may be there will be some difference between now and retail version. And they dont want us to say that CDProject downgareded graphics. It happened 1 time. And with GDC footage they proved that they did not downgraded anything. So they dont want to face with this downgrade problem any more. When we see any difference we think that there is downgrade. But actually its not. Its only different type of something.
So i think CDProject know what they are doing.
Some statements here demand addressing.
@jerf , not sure I follow your logic. So showing Ultra would mislead console gamers?
Here's the obvious solution: show Ultra with a big bold «PC footage on Ultra» caption. There. Solved. And if you really are committed to avoiding any possible misdirection, put out Xbox One, PS4, PC on high and PC on Ultra footage, captioning each as such, and present requirements for Ultra, all of this ahead of release. This is what will allow consumers to make an informed decision. Anything short of this risks being perceived as disingenuous and I can't fathom what CDProjekt would have to legitimately gain by not living up to this ideal standard.
Mind you, I am not asking them to do it today. Nor next week. I fully understand they're probably on crunch time with optimization of all three versions and that Ultra will probably be relegated for last. That's perfectly fine and understandable. But I am not about to forego of basic consumer rights and just make a blind purchase of 40 plus 1000 pounds, give or take, just because I've been told two months from now I'll be pleasantly smacked in the face. No siree.
@amfibiya89 , the latest footage has done nothing in way of addressing claims of a hypothetical downgrade. Let's get this straight: the game can look beautiful to the nth degree and it still could've been downgraded. The claim is as follows: TW3 does not look as good as what VGX and SoD trailers indicated. To me, that claim is as viable today as it was last week. But no categorical pronouncement from me, I'm still somewhat on the fence. We have Marcin's reassurance and the chance RED Engine is inconsistent is still very much on the table.
Wow, we agree on something! But no seriously, I think all aspects are equally important but considering TW3 is not just a game, but a game promising quite a few things (specially for modern RPG standards) they should emphasize on these unique aspects that really set it apart. Many other games will feature fantastic graphics as well. (...)
I suspect our areas of agreement are far more extensive than what's apparent.
Anyway, sure, they should emphasize other TW3 selling points. Tomorrow they just might start doing that. Here's hoping.