You know what blew my mind in gaming? The first time I saw a lens flare in a video game. It was in Pilot Wings for the N64, and it seemed so peculiar and awesome that a game would artificially add a lighting effect that is entirely the product of a camera lens and doesn't exist in nature. Lens flare and other effects are added for "realism" in games, but "realism," in this case, is actually fake-ism, and only refers to a mistake when using a camera.
Now check out the screenshot above from Epic's Unreal Engine 3 presentation at GDC. Note the bottom left quarter of the image. It's raining in the game, and the "lens" of the "camera" that took this image has a bit of condensation on it, resulting in a smudged, cloudy image. Of course, there is no camera and there was no "real" image to capture, so a fake layer of graphics was added to the image to suggest something real. If the smudge wasn't there, it would look more fake to you, in spite of the fact that, if this neon sign actually existed, and you were really there, standing in the rain looking at it, there would be no smudge at all.
It makes me wonder: Will game makers continue to refine their presentation of artificial, filmic effects in game graphics? Or will the industry, gradually, abanoned "fake realism" in a move toward real-realism?
Also: Good morning!
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RickAstin
I don't think it's going away anytime soon...I figure it's a bit like how in the majority of space films, games or tv shows all have you hearing lasers, rocket engines, explosions and other stuff that you wouldn't actually hear....seeing nebulas in color is another thing on that front...
Realistic? No....but very integral to the whole process...
Suppose It's not like music magically plays from out of nowhere when we're just talking a walk outside....
I think that "HD" sound thing posted the other day with SuperMario is an example how too much realism will take you right out of a game...
the uncanny valley extends beyond character graphics and robots...
CannibalShogun
regardless of it's realism it adds to the presentation and look of the game. things like lens flare, motion blur and depth of field combine to create a more visually compelling image. until we get to the age of star trek like holodecks i see no reason to abandon these techniques.
Reximus Prime
Wow. This is something I never really thought about that much, but it so very true. I think in cut scenes, we are used to seeing things in a "cinematic", or similar to film sort of way. I think as long as games like Mass Effect , Assassin's Creed, or Uncharted are treated in a cinematic, film like way, we will continue to see this trend. As for when it will end, I would surmise that if games do more to immerse the player into the experience, whether it be through 3D or virtual reality type displays, then it would make more sense to create the game world and the player's perspective in a more true to life way.
Although, if you were looking up in the rain... you would have water splashing on your eyes.
Reximus Prime
Wow. This is something I never really thought about that much, but it so very true. I think in cut scenes, we are used to seeing things in a "cinematic", or similar to film sort of way. I think as long as games like Mass Effect , Assassin's Creed, or Uncharted are treated in a cinematic, film like way, we will continue to see this trend. As for when it will end, I would surmise that if games do more to immerse the player into the experience, whether it be through 3D or virtual reality type displays, then it would make more sense to create the game world and the player's perspective in a more true to life way.
Although, if you were looking up in the rain... you would have water splashing on your eyes.
Displaying 1–4 of 4