why can’t video game developers “copy and paste” maps from previous games into the next version? Like for example battlefield 3 maps being ported into battlefield 4
They usually run on different graphics engines. In your example, bf3 runs on frostbite 2, while bf4 runs on frostbite 3. "basically the same engine" doesn't mean much.
The Short Answer
They usually run on different graphics engines. In your example, bf3 runs on frostbite 2, while bf4 runs on frostbite 3. "basically the same engine" doesn't mean much. They're probably similar enough sure but the instruction set varies just enough that it would probably lead to a lot of bugs without them doing a lot of work. In the same example, they actually just released the "second assault" dlc which features bf3 maps updated to run on and with features of frostbite 3. The source engine is a good example of why keeping consistent code is important. I can easily play tf2 maps on counterstrike and vice versa. Short answer: the engines are more different than you think.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Example, frostbite, different
This explanation focuses on example, frostbite, different and spans 115 words across 8 sentences. At 60% above the average History explanation (72 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “They usually run on different graphics engines.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 8 connected points.
How This Compares in History
Ranked #92 of 500 History questions by answer depth (top 19%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why video game developers "copy and paste" maps from previous games into the next version? like for example battlefield 3 maps being ported into battlefield 4?
They usually run on different graphics engines. In your example, bf3 runs on frostbite 2, while bf4 runs on frostbite 3. "basically the same engine" doesn't mean much. They're probably similar enough sure but the instruction set varies just enough…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar History questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 115 words, ranked #92 of 500 History questions by depth. The key concepts covered are example, frostbite, different.
What approach does this answer take to explain video game developers "copy and paste" maps from previous ga?
The explanation uses concrete examples and contrasting perspectives across 115 words. It is categorized under History and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.