War Thunder Path Tracing Q&A with Gaijin – Upcoming Support for FSR 4, OMM, and SER

War Thunder Enhances Visuals with Path Traced Global Illumination

Gaijin Entertainment has made significant strides in the visual fidelity of War Thunder by integrating path traced global illumination (PTGI) into the PC version of the game. This pivotal upgrade marks a leap forward from the previous ray traced global illumination method, positioning War Thunder among the exclusive games utilizing real-time path tracing technology. Others in this select group include Cyberpunk 2077, Alan Wake 2, Black Myth: Wukong, and more.

Inside the Development Process

To gain deeper insights into this technological advancement, we engaged in an email interview with key figures from Gaijin Entertainment: Anton Yudintsev (co-founder), László Perneky (lead programmer), and Gergo Horvath (programmer).The discussion revealed the complexities and achievements involved in implementing PTGI into the Dagor Engine—a versatile engine also powering other Gaijin titles, such as Enlisted.

When asked about the implementation timeline, László Perneky shared, “The ray tracing framework we have is very flexible. The first working prototype went fast, in just a couple of weeks. However, fine-tuning for performance took about a month, and we continue to refine it.” The team had to make intricate optimizations, particularly considering various vehicle models, such as airplane cockpits and tanks, to ensure consistent results across the game.

Future Enhancements and Expectations

Anton Yudintsev hinted at further improvements, stating, “There is almost always room for development in both quality and performance.”He acknowledged that while path tracing provides superior results, it also poses challenges like processing speed, highlighting areas where they continue to focus on enhancement.

The discussion also touched on upcoming features like Opacity Micro-Maps (OMM) and Shader Execution Reordering (SER). László remarked that these additions are on track to provide better performance, particularly in dense environments like foliage. He stated that prototypes exist, and with the release of compatible GPU drivers, these features could be available by early next year.

Embracing New Technologies

The conversation veered towards the potential integration of DirectX Work Graphs, a recent advancement aimed at optimizing GPU workload. Anton noted, “This is a crucial step towards a more GPU-driven rendering pipeline, enabling significant CPU offloading.”While its benefits manifest primarily on newer hardware, the team plans to incorporate this support in the forthcoming years.

Console and Cross-Platform Aspirations

As the gaming landscape evolves, enthusiasts are curious about whether platforms like the PS5 Pro will leverage path tracing. László indicated that while it is feasible, determining performance thresholds is essential. The team’s immediate goal is to introduce ray tracing support on consoles before further expansions.

Moreover, discussions of the much-anticipated AMD FSR 4 reveal it as a priority feature, with plans to harmonize support for various upscaling technologies across all Gaijin games by the end of the year.

PTGI Rollout in Enlisted and Future Targets

Regarding Enlisted, Anton affirmed that PTGI is indeed in the pipeline. An internal version is already functional, and they aim for a release later this year, although no firm date has been set. This dual development caters to players eager for improved graphics and experiences in both titles.

Considering the Nintendo Switch 2

With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, Gaijin Entertainment is exploring the possibility of adapting War Thunder and Enlisted for this new platform. Anton expressed excitement about supporting new devices but emphasized that they are currently awaiting development kits to proceed.

We appreciate the time and insights provided by Gaijin Entertainment, illustrating a commitment to innovation in gaming technology.

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