How can a videogame be in development for 5+ years, but have up to date graphics when it releases?

Question

How can a videogame be in development for 5+ years, but have up to date graphics when it releases?

In: 149

Answer 1

You don’t need to make the graphics first. In fact, they tend to be made or improved near the end of development. If your code says “load file xyz containing the player model”, you can change that file as much as you want until the very end