Deathloop and the Void Engine: the technology behind the loop
Arkane Studios' title, Deathloop, is built on its own proprietary technological base: the Void Engine. This graphics engine, which the company derived from the well-known id Tech, is the core that makes its world and unique gameplay possible. 🎮
An engine for building complex realities
The main strength of this in-house engine lies in its ability to handle intricate game spaces with multiple heights. This feature is fundamental for capturing the central time loop mechanic, where environments must be replayed dynamically. Although it does not pursue absolute photorealism, its power focuses on processing light and applying visual effects that define an identity inspired by the 1960s.
Pillars of the Void Engine:- Allows level design with a vertical structure and complex connections.
- Manages lighting and post-production filters to create a coherent and stylized atmosphere.
- Prioritizes smooth performance, maintaining a stable frame rate on platforms like consoles.
The time loop is not just a gameplay mechanic; it also defines how testers must verify the same scenario repeatedly, with results that can vary in each iteration.
Tools and workflow in production
To bring the game's assets to life, the development team employed a professional workflow with specialized software. They used industry-standard applications to model, sculpt, and texture all the elements that make up the world of Blackreef. 🛠️
Key software in development:- 3ds Max: Used as the main tool for modeling environments and objects.
- ZBrush: Used for sculpting high-frequency details on characters and assets.
- Substance 3D Suite: Essential set of tools for creating and applying textures efficiently.
- Wwise: Integrated to handle and design the entire game sound system.
Iterate and refine with a proprietary engine
The combination of this creation pipeline with the Void Engine Editor allowed Arkane's team to iterate with great agility. Being able to build spaces and test system interactions in real time was crucial for refining the gameplay experience efficiently throughout the entire production cycle. The engine not only renders the world but is the tool that allows testing and balancing the complex dance of the time loop. ⚙️