Latest Grand Theft Auto V Update Dumbs Down Graphics (PS4 / Xbox One)
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One version of Grand Theft Auto V just got an update that finally introduced Heists. Upgrading from version 1.0 to 1.08 created some unintentional consequences. Several players noticed a pretty strong drop in the graphics in the new update, prompting a YouTuber to do a side-by-side comparison video demonstrating the visual downgrade.
Collision physics have been noticeably reduced in complexity, such that car crashes that once showed bent frames now only show damaged textures. Parallax occlusion — the technique that procedurally generates 3D effects on textured surfaces — is currently not working as it once did. As noted in the video’s annotations, Rockstar has acknowledged the graphical downgrade and are investigating a fix for the issue.
We are aware of some graphical issues on the Xbox One and PS4 versions of GTAV after the most recent Title Update, and we are investigating a fix now. If you would like to receive an automatic email notification as soon as there is more information, please log into the Support Site and click Subscribe at the top of this page. — Rockstar Support
The 1.09 patch that was released has corrected the collision effects and some of the minor glitches, however the main visual downgrades are still present. With the recent push-back in the release date for the PC, it seems they still have more work to be done on both versions to get everything back up to par.
Sources:
http://www.technobuffalo.com/2015/03/26/gtav-for-ps4-and-xbox-ones-latest-patch-downgrades-graphics/
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1017733
https://support.rockstargames.com/hc/en-us/articles/205228687
