DiabloFans

I just got a driver update to my GTX 295 video card, and was browsing what the update actually did, and I found this:

GeForce graphics card can now be leveraged to add the same immersive Ambient Occlusion shadowing to Blizzard’s role-playing action game, as shown in the comparison image below.

I never knew how much better shadowing can make a game look!
Take a look at the side by side comparison: http://international.download.nvidia.com/geforce-com/international/comparisons/Diablo3/Diablo3-AO-Comparison-1.html
I have to say, I think it makes it look MUCH better. Without it, everything blends together. The shadows really add depth and makes it much more pleasing on the eyes.
I suggest you all update your NVidia drivers (if you have an NVidia card), they just came out today, to see the upgrade in person!

I did actually get a notice about my video card drivers as I got on the Beta today and I thought that was really strange. I actually ignored it since I updated my driver just last week, but I guess I will do the update. LOL

Thanks for the heads up!

I honestly don't like the added shadows...guess you have to play the game to be certain.

Thanks for the tip, downloading the driver now

As others have said I'd want to try it myself and see the difference in multiple different areas/scenes.

Did anyone else notice just how different it made the health and magic globe look? It almost inverts where the light and dark areas are.

I have had mixed results with AO in other games and it can, depending on the quality have a major impact on performance.

For me at least it'll be a wait and see. Thanks for letting us know though.