DOOM: The Dark Ages Cuts Storage Space Needs and Speeds Up Turnaround Time with RTGI

Revolutionizing Game Development with Ray Tracing and Path Tracing

The integration of ray tracing and path tracing technologies is making notable advancements in video game development. A recent case study by id Software, showcased in DOOM: The Dark Ages, highlights these improvements effectively.

As discussed by Digital Foundry in their latest podcast, id Software delivered a compelling presentation at SIGGRAPH 2025 that emphasized the capabilities of the global illumination technology utilized in their id Tech 7 engine. This technology was first demonstrated in the critically acclaimed Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, developed by MachineGames, just prior to the launch of DOOM: The Dark Ages earlier this year. The presentation did not only underline the visual enhancements achieved with this new technology but also demonstrated how Real-Time Global Illumination (RTGI) has positively impacted the game development process.

With RTGI, id Software has managed to substantially minimize pre-computation times required for each level, as well as reduce disk space, network storage needs, and turnaround times, particularly when measured against older lighting technologies. This streamlining of workflows speaks to the growing appeal of ray tracing and path tracing among game developers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxquMm5Aka8

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However, the exclusive reliance on RTGI does create a barrier for players using older hardware, limiting access to recent releases such as DOOM: The Dark Ages and Indiana Jones and The Great Circle. Despite these constraints, the tangible advantages in game development from adopting ray tracing technologies are likely to encourage a broader implementation across the industry. For example, earlier this year, Ubisoft’s Nicolas Lopez cited that the game Assassin’s Creed Shadows would have required an astonishing 2 TB of lighting data and nearly two years to bake lighting if it utilized the techniques from Assassin’s Creed Unity.

Although RTGI adds to the visual splendor of DOOM: The Dark Ages, the game stands out on its own merit. Its engaging campaign and interactive gameplay make it a worthwhile investment, regardless of the ray tracing enhancements.

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