Starfield, the upcoming space RPG from Fallout and Elder Scrolls developer Bethesda, will apparently include RTX integration and ray tracing, according to a LinkedIn profile of one of the game's graphics programmers.
We're still waiting for news on a release date for Starfield, although recent changes to the RPG page in Steam suggest that we may hear something more concrete soon. In the meantime, the first gameplay trailer from Summer Game Fest is more or less all we have left, but it looks like the impressive natural and ambient lighting effects in the game can be powered by real-time ray tracing.
Germain Mazak is a graphics programmer at Bethesda, having previously worked on both Fallout 76 and Skyrim: Special Edition. According to their LinkedIn profilethey are currently working on Starfield, where they are responsible for "PBR [physically based rendering] lightning, indirect lighting, [and] RTX integration."
PBR refers to changing the values of various surfaces and textures in the game so that they capture and reflect light correctly - for example, a polished gaming table surface will behave differently than stone. Combined with real-time ray tracing, which uses algorithms to track the path, direction, and intensity of in-game lights to create more believable shadows and dispersion, this could mean many of Starfield's cities and galaxies end up looking pretty impressive. .
Starfield is being built using an updated version of Bethesda's Creation Engine, aptly named Creation Engine 2. Considering the size, scope, and variety of the upcoming RPG (all those different planets, with their own stars, suns, and atmospheres), improved lighting feels like a must. Let's hope we see more evidence of Starfield's brilliant visuals in a new gameplay trailer soon.
In the meantime, you can stay ahead of the galactic war with our Starfield ship design guide. We can also arm you with our Starfield weapons primer and give you a rundown of who you'll have to fight amid the many Starfield factions, all of which, good or evil, will hopefully be beautifully covered.
