eli5: For games that are in development for long stretches of time (like cyberpunk – 8yrs), how do developers deal with advancing technology?

Question

Or are games like Cyberpunk or Red Dead just made with early-mid 2010’s tech?

Edit: to clarify, development didn’t actually start 8 years ago, but rather the game was announced 8 years ago. Thanks to the commenters for letting me know!

In: Technology

Answer 1

From experience of working in it, they will either tackle it by building on an engine that is extensible and can grow, worry about that problem when it happens, build on an engine where assets are easily portable to newer versions or in extreme cases entirely start over. I’ve personally seen the last one happen.