When 1CGS mentioned that they were working on a new rendering system using deferred shading, I expected we might see that by the end of the year, however, it looks like their progress on this feature has gone very well so far with the first screenshots coming out showing off the improved reflection system. This week we also got to see two new pilot models and HH Paulk’s awesome new Flying Circus trailer.

Better shading for similar performance?

The deferred shading method is popular these days with many video games and so IL-2 is catching up with the trend of using that method. It comes with its own set of potential issues, however, it does sound like things are going well.

The main goal in implementing this renderer is to open new visual possibilities while keeping the current level of performance and not making it worse. Till the recent time, we could only hope that having both options is possible at all, while our Lead Programmer Sergey Vorsin was working confidently and his task is nearly finished. We have managed to keep the general level of performance during this transition intact and we already can show you one of the possibilities this technology opens for our sim.

Han on the IL-2 forums

Deferred shading opens up some possibilities as Han mentions in the update and that includes better and more accurate lighting reflections of which I suspect the developers have just scratched the surface of what they might be able to do. But it’s already starting to show with highly reflective surfaces… Just look here.

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Compare those to some similar shots from the current version.

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The effect is perhaps subtle in places but I think the overall impression while in motion will really add up.

They also showed us what in-cockpit shots can look like and that includes reflective glass instruments and cockpit canopy reflections. While I hope that the effect doesn’t become over pronounced, a subtle reflection gives a sense of depth and space that I really think will be appreciated. Looks good so far!

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If 1CGS can maintain the same performance levels here as they do presently with the upgraded lighting I think they will have really hit it out of the park. We’ll see what they do and also what other graphical abilities they may be able to add into the sim over time.

New pilot models

1CGS are going back and updating the pilot models and the animations for those pilots for their eastern front aircraft. The pilots for Bodenplatte and Flying Circus are of a much higher quality, the old ones have been left behind… but not for long. These look good!

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A new trailer for Flying Circus

You may recall I did a trailer for Flying Circus back when the title came out. =HH=Pauk has his own take on it and he brings his own style and flourish that I certainly am very impressed with. Kudos to him for the work done to make this happen (it’s not easy I can tell you). Well worth a watch!