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Would you deliberately run games on your expensive console/PC with reduced performance? That’s the question Microsoft wants to answer as it discusses adding new power-saving features to Xbox and Windows games.
Windows Central (opens in a new tab) reported that the plans for reduced graphical fidelity and performance were revealed in a recent survey in the Xbox Insider program on Windows. The survey reflects Microsoft’s desire to offer gamers a less energy-taxing option compared to running games at full capacity, as well as a nod to its stated net zero carbon goal by 2030.
Some of the individual questions seem like common sense traits, such as “In general how would you feel about individual games dropping frame rate or resolution when left idle or inactive?” While another will need more consideration from players, requiring the option “to have in-game features that can optimize settings to save energy if you have them turned on.”
Gamers are probably reluctant to interfere with the performance of a game while they are playing, especially with the best Xbox games and the best PC games constantly competing with each other in terms of graphics. But in trying times where energy costs are rising, then needs must.
Microsoft’s investigation specifies that energy-saving measures could include changing the resolution, frame rate, visual effects and the performance of the graphics card. The exact energy and carbon saving extent of these potential initiatives is unknown. Nor could reducing a game’s performance really cut a significant amount off your energy bill.
But as long as such an option remains to ‘opt in’ they will be appreciated. As winter continues to set in, such energy-saving measures could not be more timely with heating bills reaching all-time highs.
It’s a strange time when one of the biggest companies in the world is looking for our wallets, but it’s a welcome recognition of Microsoft’s problem. Although the survey has no guarantees, if these features were to be implemented, they would help players continue to play without putting too much strain on their energy consumption and bills.
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