Per-pixel Shading

The BigWorld client uses per-pixel shading to create realistic water, dynamic metal, specular reflections and many other effects. The level of control inherent in per-pixel shading gives the developer considerable creative freedom in creating and implementing special graphic effects.

Normal & Displacement Mapping

The BigWorld client is able use normal mapping to increase the visual complexity of model surfaces without increasing the model polygon count. Games such as Doom 3 and Half Life 2 make extensive use of normal mapping to heighten the illusion of reality in their character and scenery models.

Heat Shimmer

Distort, refract and reflect light using the per-pixel distortion shader, with artists having full control over the effect. An object heating the air above it and creating localized changes in the density of the air causes scintillation, or heat shimmer, due to the lens effect of the air. A simulation of this impressive effect is available in the BigWorld client.

Blooming

Blooming is an effect where light appears to blur in around the edges when you have a dark object in front of a light background. Many photographers try to avoid such juxtapositions, however, others use it intentionally for a stylized look. When used carefully, it can add a feeling of depth and realism to a 3D scene in the BigWorld client.