REDengine
REDengine is a game engine developed independently by CD Projekt RED.[1] It was designed exclusively for nonlinear role playing video games.[1]
Platforms
REDengine is portable across 32- and 64-bit software platforms and currently runs under Microsoft Windows, although the most recent update — referred to as "REDengine 3" — was designed exclusively for a 64-bit software platform.[1]
REDengine 2, an updated version of REDengine used in The Witcher 2, also runs under Xbox 360[2] and OS X.[3]
REDengine 3, the 64-bit updated version (see REDengine 3 update discussed below), will also run under PlayStation 4.[4]
Advantages
REDengine improves significantly upon prior RPG game engines.[1] REDengine allows video game developers to create a complex nonlinear story line that previous game engines could not create except by sacrificing visual detail.[1] Prior to the creation of REDengine, RPG developers relied upon game engines which force trade-offs during development.[1] On one hand, with older game engines developers could have created a vast, graphically detailed visual environment at the expense of telling a simplified linear story or, on the other hand, developers could have created a complex nonlinear story at the expense of creating a limited visual environment.[1]
REDengine was first used in The Witcher 2.
REDengine 3 update
Recently CD Projekt RED improved upon the original version of REDengine, appropriately named "REDengine 3." Designed to run exclusively on a 64-bit software platform, CD Projekt RED created REDengine 3 for the purpose of developing open world[1] video game environments, which it has planed for The Witcher 3[1] (2014 release) and Cyberpunk 2077[1] (2015 release). REDengine 3 is a new technology, utilizing the 64-bit precision of modern personal computing.[1]
Impact on computer animation
REDengine 3 produces better quality computer graphics via high dynamic range rendering with the 64-bit precision.[1] REDengine 3 creates more life-like visuals — better graphics, better lighting effects, better in-depth views.[1] REDengine 3 introduces new improvements to facial as well as other computer animation.[1] Lighting effects no longer suffer from reduced contrast ratio.[1]
REDengine 3 has a flexible renderer prepared for deferred or forward+ rendering pipelines.[1] The result is a wide array of cinematic effects, including bokeh depth-of-view, color grading and flares associated with multiple lighting.[1]
The terrain system in REDengine 3 uses tessellation and layers varying material which can then be easily blended.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "CDPRED: "RED Engine 3 is a revolution in RPGs"". IGN Entertainment, Inc. 1 February 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
- ^ Peckham, Matt (2010-03-25). "The Witcher 2 Announced, 'Non-Linear' with 'Smoother' Combat". PCWorld. Retrieved 2011-06-04.
- ^ "The Witcher 2 Is Coming To Mac". Forbes. 2012-05-30. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
- ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (February 21, 2013). "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt confirmed for PlayStation 4 in 2014". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved February 22, 2013.