The modernization of old games in isometric view could be greatly accelerated thanks to a new patent granted to the publisher Activision. The firm describes a process for applying three-dimensional scenes on a two-dimensional game engine.
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Many video games elders used a clever technique to give the impression of being in three dimensions, without forcing the computer to calculate the scene in real time. Using a perspective isometric, they display images created in advance, like a classic 2D game, while providing a 3D view. However, that does mean that when the studio wants to remaster them into a more modern game, they have to start all over from the beginning, both the 3D scenes and the game engine.
Game publisher Activision has just obtained a patent that could revolutionize this process. Rather than having to redo everything, the technique described allows you to add the 3D graphics to the original 2D engine so that the game continues to function exactly as before. The scene will be rendered in 3D and transposed to the game in two dimensions in real time.
Diablo II : Resurrected, a remastered version of Diablo 2, illustrates the transition from 2D to 3D while keeping the isometric perspective. © Blizzard
A technique much faster than current methods
Blizzard Entertainment, sister company of Activision, did not say if this is the method used to remaster its game Diablo II. However, the end result, Diablo II : Resurrected coming out this year, fits the description well. It will even be possible to instantly switch between the original 2D graphics and the new ones in 3D, the editor having kept the same game engine.
This is great news for retrogaming fans, as this process should significantly speed up retrogaming. remastering old titles, while retaining the original way the game works. It should also cost studios less, which could prompt them to modernize a lot more old games.
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