New open-world RPG offers arguably the best water graphics. That's not the only visual highlight of Crimson Desert

The role-playing game with an action twist, Crimson Desert, is developing into one of the year’s most visually stunning games. A key graphical aspect that sets this project apart is its depiction of water, and a recent piece on GamePro delves into the techniques used to create it.

The text is based on a presentation that the creators, the people from Pearl Abyss studio, held last week at the Game Developers Conference. We recommend the whole video.
The simulation of sea waves, which realistically collided with obstacles, and the water droplets that naturally scattered around the environment from these impacts, left a lasting impression on the GDC participants. The rivers also look great, partly due to the presence of frothy water in the right places.
Pearl Abyss Studio used the famous Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm to create water simulations. The Crytek team had previously used it in developing Crysis, but it was implemented in a much-simplified form due to the limitations of hardware at that time. The devs of Crimson Desert have access to much greater computing power, enabling them to realistically simulate elements like water physics .

As a gamer, I can tell you that it wasn’t just about the graphics when Pearl Abyss showcased their BlackSpace Engine. They delved into other aspects as well, like the application of ray tracing and a dynamic weather system. The interesting part is this weather system affects not only the environment but also the NPCs. For example, you might see their clothes flapping in the wind or them getting drenched during a rainstorm.

In their own words, they chose to construct their engine because it had to cater specifically to their unique requirements. This becomes evident during our journey of exploration. The game promises an expansive open environment that can be traversed not only on foot but also while riding airborne creatures. Consequently, the design of data loading systems tailored to accommodate this aspect is crucial. The release of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, which allows players to fly a mech and explore the entire world, serves as a stark reminder of how uncommon such an immersive feature has become in contemporary games.

The game titled “Crimson Desert” is slated for launch on PC, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5. Regrettably, Pearl Abyss has yet to reveal the specific release date; however, we do know that the game is expected to drop towards the end of this year.

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New open-world RPG offers arguably the best water graphics. That’s not the only visual highlight of Crimson Desert

Other fragments of the BlackSpace engine presentation

Change of the daytime

Clothes and hair physics

Ray tracing

Dynamic fog

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