With PS4 System update 4.0, the powerful console gained the ability to output HDR content which offers brighter brights and darker darks at the same time. If you’ve experienced HDR content, you’ll know how subtle but breathtaking its results can be and come November, PS4 Pro will launch with native 4K and HDR support which has Naughty Dog Lead Programmer Christian Gyrling excited.

 Oh, we’re changing already [because of the PS4 Pro]. It’s kind of like… you’re adding a few more components to the artist’s palette in terms of what they can do. We’ve never been able to intentionally show the range of colors we have here. I mean, they wanted to but they couldn’t really do it. Now, we’re really allowing especially our lighters but also all of the artists to create content that is pushing the boundaries over the restriction that was there before.

They’re also knowing they can do that without having to restrict things down. We have color grading, we have all these various things like tone mapping to make sure we’re still getting all the colors we want but within the existing HDTV color spec. Knowing we can do more, like why should we only use the dull color of green when we can use the really, really bright one? We’re not really doing that, but now we can realize the full potential of the image. 

As for HDR:

 We’re really excited to start with that process from the ground up; the artistic choice can be in the hands of the artist even more. HDR games from now on, moving forward – I think almost every single game will start supporting HDR. This is the future. We see little to no reason to not support this. It’s almost no cost, close to zero cost, to expose the HDR… but it’s an enormous benefit. 

While the improved power of PS4 Pro can certainly help fill in more visual details, it also allows developers to tell their stories in different ways, thanks to the extra visual fidelity. As an example, with each Uncharted game, Naughty Dog has been able to improve their now staple chase sequence which is not only visually spectacular, but has also played into the games’ narratives as well. More power means sequences not possible before which means new ways to tell a story.

 When it comes to taking the PS4 Pro, really what we’re doing here is nothing more than just removing the smudge from your glasses, we’re changing your prescription so you get to see everything more clearly. That’s the direction we’re going. We’re not comparing with a PC version or something else. I mean, yes, we’re keeping an eye on what other people in the industry are doing, but we feel that we’re always pushing the envelope, we’re always trying to improve. 

Naughty Dog hasn’t been shy about their two man studio system which recently saw one division finish Uncharted 4, a game that has been in development far longer than the inception of PS4 Pro. However, the second team, which has yet to unveil their project, has certainly been creating their next title alongside PS4 Pro’s internal reveal which could lead to some interesting results that amount to more than simply a better looking game.

Discuss:

Which studios are you excited to see release games for PS4 Pro?

[Via PSLS]