PCGH Special: The history of fire in PC games
Fire is fascinating and often used in PC games. Thus PCGH is roaming 18 years of pixel fire in PC games.
Displaying fire is a difficult task. But due to modern graphics cards, impressive results are possible. Therefore we take a look at 18 years of fire in PC games.
Among games fire is used in various ways. With a torch one can light the environment and the destructive capabilities are of interest, too. The field of operation is huge and current games show surprisingly good solutions of displaying fire. Even the light, which is cast by the fire, is real-time calculated.
A real highlight in displaying fire is World in Conflict, which can provide a quite realistic fireball. The Napalm attacks are breathtaking. But other games have got something to offer, too. The initial sequence of Bioshock features a lively fire, which offers unequaled opportunities.
PC Games Hardware takes a look at the various attempts of displaying fire, from the 90's animated Bitmap to the 3D-accelerated DX10 flames of current games. Find your favorite fire in the image gallery below.
