PlayStation.Blog: The Dark World Launches on PS5 March 27

Hello everyone, I’m Yonghe Wang, the creative director at Pollard Studios. Today, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news on behalf of my team and our publisher, Wired Productions: “Karma: The Dark World” is set to launch on PlayStation 5 on March 27. We’re also enhancing the game for PS5 Pro for a more immersive experience.

To celebrate this launch, we’ve put together a detailed look at how we’re leveraging the capabilities of the PS5 Pro to enhance the game’s visuals and performance. Additionally, we’re releasing the second trailer in our trilogy, which highlights some of the surreal environments and characters you’ll encounter. These elements hint at their connections to you, the player. Enjoy this sneak peek!

### What is Karma: The Dark World?

“Karma: The Dark World” is an immersive first-person cinematic psychological thriller set in an alternate timeline after World War II, known as the cassette future. In the game, a corporation called Leviathan has harnessed unimaginable technology, allowing them to take control of Eastern Germany. This regime enforces strict productivity and obedience through various means, including mass surveillance, mind-altering chemicals, and an elite group known as the Nightcrawlers. These special ROAM Agents have the power to investigate crime scenes, detain citizens for questioning, and conduct Mind Dives—an incredible technology that lets them delve into people’s memories. Here, they explore and interact with these recollections to uncover truths while confronting the haunting past and distorted emotions of individuals.

You step into the shoes of Daniel McGovern, a ROAM agent. Your mission begins with what seems like a straightforward theft investigation at a Leviathan scientific institute, but it quickly unfolds into an exploration of love, humanity, empathy, and the moral complexities of our actions.

### Creating the Dark World

I view the creative process as an intimate dialogue with the human soul, one that goes beyond what books or films can achieve. At Pollard Studios, we integrate deep philosophical reflection into our game design, a core theme throughout this project. “Karma” seeks to break free from traditional storytelling constraints, offering an experience that not only entertains but also challenges players to reflect on their own lives. It’s not just a virtual adventure; it’s a mirror to reality.

Our development approach involves using stark lighting contrasts and vivid color schemes to create a blend of realism and surrealism. We drew inspiration from iconic works by Remedy (like “Alan Wake” and “Control”) and the abstract storytelling of the late David Lynch (“Twin Peaks,” “Fire Walk With Me,” “Eraserhead”). His artistic influence resonates throughout our game, pushing us to create an experience that’s haunting and beautiful, blurring the lines between reality and illusion.

Within “Karma,” we pay tribute to Lynch’s legacy and hope that players will find value in this unique journey.

### The Power of PS5 Pro

During development, we had the privilege of working with the PS5 Pro kit, which allowed us to elevate the game’s visuals and performance even further. Let me give you a glimpse of what PS5 Pro players can look forward to, including some exclusive footage captured directly on a PS5 Pro.

### PSSR Integration

Our game maximizes the capabilities of PlayStation’s Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology, offering:

– Superior image quality through advanced reconstruction techniques.
– Enhanced edge definition and clarity of textures.
– Minimal performance overhead while maintaining stunning visuals.
– Improved detail preservation during motion.

### Performance Metrics

Through meticulous optimization, we’ve achieved:

– Native 4K resolution (3840×2160).
– Smooth 60 FPS performance.
– Consistent frame pacing for seamless gameplay.
– Enhanced texture streaming, thanks to the PS5 Pro’s improved memory bandwidth.

### Visual Enhancements

The PS5 Pro version provides:

– Higher quality texture filtering.
– Enhanced volumetric effects.
– Better rendering over long distances.
– Superior temporal stability.

### Technical Infrastructure

Our development fully taps into the advanced hardware of the PS5 Pro with:

– Optimized memory utilization.
– Enhanced shader processing.
– Streamlined asset streaming.
– Sophisticated post-processing effects.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this insider view into the visual design of “Karma.” Whether you choose to play on PlayStation 5 or the PS5 Pro, we promise this story will linger with you long after the credits roll.

“Karma: The Dark World” launches on PlayStation 5 on March 27. Get ready to step into the world of a ROAM agent—but remember, the mind is a dangerous place.