Larger platforms.
WHAT DESKTOP REQUIRES
Support for a wide hardware range Graphics settings the player controls Several input methods Many resolutions and aspect ratios
WHAT SETTINGS TO PROVIDE
Resolution and display mode Quality presets, plus individual controls Frame rate limit Field of view
WHY PRESETS MATTER
Most players will not tune individual settings.
WHAT CONSOLE DEVELOPMENT REQUIRES
Approval as a registered developer Development hardware Compliance with platform requirements Certification before release
WHAT CERTIFICATION CHECKS
Technical requirements: suspend and resume, controller handling, storage
Presentation standards Stability
WHY IT MATTERS FOR PLANNING
Certification takes time, and failure requires resubmission.
WHAT CONSOLE PROVIDES IN RETURN
Fixed hardware, so performance is predictable A curated market Physical and digital distribution
WHAT TO PLAN
Longer timelines and additional cost.
WHAT TO TEST ON DESKTOP
The lowest specification you claim to support Unusual aspect ratios Controller and keyboard simultaneously
WHAT TO NEVER ASSUME
That your development machine is representative.
