A recent discussion on the official Reddit page for Helldivers 2 has shed light on the significant storage requirements for the PC version of the game, which stands at approximately 150GB—three times more than its console counterparts on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Brendan Armstrong, the deputy technical director at Arrowhead Game Studios, elaborated on the reasons behind this disparity in a detailed tech blog aimed at addressing player concerns.
Understanding Storage Discrepancies
Armstrong pointed out that the primary factor contributing to the larger install size on PC is the necessity to accommodate players still utilizing mechanical hard disk drives (HDDs). He explained that HDDs operate by spinning platters and using a physical arm to read data, which introduces a performance bottleneck due to the time it takes for the arm to locate the required information. To mitigate this issue, the development team has opted to duplicate certain data files, such as textures and sound effects, placing them in close proximity to where they will be needed in the game. This strategic duplication allows for quicker access during loading times, as the read head can sweep through the necessary data without needing to seek additional locations on the disk.
In contrast, most modern consoles and high-end PCs are equipped with solid-state drives (SSDs), which eliminate the need for physical movement and thus provide virtually instantaneous access to data. Armstrong noted that this is a key reason why many new games specify an SSD as part of their minimum system requirements.
The Challenge of Balancing Performance and Accessibility
As the conversation progressed, Armstrong acknowledged the dilemma of whether to continue optimizing the PC version for HDD users. With estimates suggesting that around 12% of PC players still rely on HDDs, the challenge lies in balancing the needs of all players. He emphasized that simply removing duplicated assets to reduce installation size would lead to significantly longer loading times for those on HDDs, which the studio deems unacceptable. Furthermore, any changes made would impact all players, as mission loading requires synchronization among squad members.
Another potential solution discussed was the option to make high-resolution 4K textures optional for SSD users. However, Armstrong clarified that this approach is not currently feasible due to limitations within the game’s engine, deeming it a substantial project that would require significant resources.
A Strategic Approach to Improvement
In light of these challenges, Arrowhead Game Studios is implementing a three-stage plan to address the storage issue. The first step involves an upcoming update that will remove some unused assets, although Armstrong cautioned that players might not notice a significant change due to the addition of new content. The team is also exploring the possibility of bundling frequently used assets to reduce duplication while acknowledging that this may result in slightly longer loading times for HDD users, albeit within a manageable range.
Looking ahead, Arrowhead plans to enhance the game engine to optimize RAM usage, but Armstrong warned that further improvements would require more extensive and riskier projects, including potential data compression and additional de-duplication strategies similar to those used on consoles.
Throughout his explanation, Armstrong reassured players that their concerns are being taken seriously. He emphasized that while there are no straightforward solutions, the team is committed to finding a balance between installation size and loading times, ensuring that all players can enjoy a seamless gaming experience.
