Software renderer: Difference between revisions
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A '''software renderer''', such as those available in {{gldsrc|2}} and {{idtech2|2}}, uses the CPU to render 3D geometry, instead of a GPU. A 3D application using a software renderer can be considered to be running in '''software mode'''. | A '''software renderer''', such as those available in {{gldsrc|2}} and {{idtech2|2}}, uses the CPU to render 3D geometry, instead of a GPU. A 3D application using a software renderer can be considered to be running in '''software mode'''. | ||
Software renderer often have limitations, and with the usage of CPU instead of GPU for rendering usually causes performance hit (especially for hardware at the time), thus, software renderer are largely deprecated in most games since early 2000s (and the {{source|4}} engine requires [[DirectX]] (or [[OpenGL]], [[Vulkan]]) | Software renderer often have limitations, and with the usage of CPU instead of GPU for rendering usually causes performance hit (especially for hardware at the time), thus, software renderer are largely deprecated in most games since early 2000s (and the {{source|4}} engine requires [[DirectX]] (or [[OpenGL]], [[Vulkan]]) compatible graphics card in order to play the game. | ||
The GPU is still used for processing the 2D image generated from the software renderer, but no 3D hardware is used. | The GPU is still used for processing the 2D image generated from the software renderer, but no 3D hardware is used. | ||
=={{idtech2}} [[Id Tech 2|Id Tech 2 engine]] | =={{idtech2}} [[Id Tech 2|Id Tech 2 engine]] VQuake{{ref|1}} Software Renderer== | ||
[[File:VQuake 1.png|thumbnail|Screenshot in-game of {{Quake|4}} | [[File:VQuake 1.png|thumbnail|Screenshot in-game of {{Quake|4}} VQuake]{{ref|2}}, using Software renderer.]] | ||
====Features==== | ====Features==== | ||
* | *Visual improvements | ||
* | *Full 16-bit color | ||
* | *Bilinear filtering (reducing pixelation) | ||
* | *Improved dynamic lighting | ||
* | *Optional anti-aliasing | ||
== {{gldsrc}} | == {{gldsrc|4|nt=1}} Software Renderer== | ||
[[File:Half-life Software renderer.png|thumbnail|Screenshot in-game of {{hl1|4}}, using Software renderer.]] | [[File:Half-life Software renderer.png|thumbnail|Screenshot in-game of {{hl1|4}}, using Software renderer.]] | ||
| Line 29: | Line 29: | ||
====Missing Features and Limits and Problems==== | ====Missing Features and Limits and Problems==== | ||
* | * Lack of texture filtering | ||
* | * 256x256 texture limit | ||
* | * No Rudimentary Shadows support | ||
* | * Lower limits for drawing geometry | ||
* | * No Water waves | ||
* | * Overdraw from {{ent|func_detail (GoldSrc)|alt=func_detail}} | ||
* | * Overbright lighting on MDLs (instead of only map geometry) | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
| Line 43: | Line 43: | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quake_(video_game)#VQuake Wikipedia for Quake] | #[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quake_(video_game)#VQuake Wikipedia for Quake] | ||
#[https://quake.fandom.com/wiki/VQuake| Quake fandom wiki] | |||
[https://quake.fandom.com/wiki/VQuake| Quake fandom wiki] | |||
[[Category:Glossary]] | [[Category:Glossary]] | ||
[[Category:Graphics API]] | [[Category:Graphics API]] | ||
Revision as of 10:55, 20 March 2024
A software renderer, such as those available in 
GoldSrc and 
id Tech 2, uses the CPU to render 3D geometry, instead of a GPU. A 3D application using a software renderer can be considered to be running in software mode.
Software renderer often have limitations, and with the usage of CPU instead of GPU for rendering usually causes performance hit (especially for hardware at the time), thus, software renderer are largely deprecated in most games since early 2000s (and the 
Source engine requires DirectX (or OpenGL, Vulkan) compatible graphics card in order to play the game.
The GPU is still used for processing the 2D image generated from the software renderer, but no 3D hardware is used.
Id Tech 2 engine VQuake[1] Software Renderer
Features
- Visual improvements
- Full 16-bit color
- Bilinear filtering (reducing pixelation)
- Improved dynamic lighting
- Optional anti-aliasing
GoldSrc Engine Software Renderer
Screenshot in-game of 
Half-Life, using Software renderer.
Half-Life, using Software renderer.Features
- Colored lighting - Quake simply had monotone lighting
- Transparent textures - Glass can now be used in maps
- Water ripple
Since 25th Anniversary
Software Renderer support on Linux
Missing Features and Limits and Problems
- Lack of texture filtering
- 256x256 texture limit
- No Rudimentary Shadows support
- Lower limits for drawing geometry
- No Water waves
- Overdraw from func_detail
- Overbright lighting on MDLs (instead of only map geometry)