Many games developed by Arkane Studios, including titles like Dishonored and Deathloop, incorporate a maximum frame rate setting. This design choice restricts the number of frames the game engine renders per second, preventing it from exceeding a predetermined value. The setting influences the visual smoothness of the game and can impact the responsiveness of player input. An example is setting the game to cap at 60 frames per second, even if the hardware is capable of rendering more.
Limiting the frame rate can provide several benefits. It can stabilize the gaming experience by reducing fluctuations in frame times, which contribute to smoother gameplay. It can also conserve system resources, reducing the load on the CPU and GPU, leading to lower temperatures and quieter operation. Historically, frame rate caps were implemented to mitigate issues related to physics and animation systems tied directly to the frame rate, preventing unintended game behavior at higher speeds. Frame rate limitations, additionally, provide a more consistent experience across a variety of hardware configurations.
