Visual Concepts returns to the ring with WWE 2K24, a wrestling simulator that bets on photorealism as its main hook. The proprietary graphics engine seeks to capture every drop of sweat and every wrinkle of frustration on the wrestlers' faces. Volumetric lighting and advanced skin shaders are the new champions of the graphical ring, even though the gameplay remains a mere spectator in the corner. 🎮
Behind the Fist: The Technical Process from Maya to Console 🔧
The development team employs a workflow that combines Maya for base modeling, ZBrush for fine texture detail, and a Motion Capture system that captures every movement of real wrestlers. 3D face scanning is the strong point, replicating the imperfections and expressions of the superstars. Skin shaders simulate subsurface light scattering, while volumetric lighting adds that dramatic touch to entrances and key moments of the match. All of this so the audience can see Roman Reigns sweating with the same precision as on TV, even though in the virtual ring the punches still don't hurt.
The Pixel Paradox: Heart-Stopping Faces, Cardboard Referees 😅
It's curious that they spend months scanning Cody Rhodes' eyebrow and then the referee looks like a store mannequin dragged through a storm. The skin shaders are a marvel, but the AI of the non-wrestlers is still the same as on the PlayStation 2. The graphics sell you the dream of total immersion, until you see the referee walk through half of Seth Rollins' body without blinking. The facial realism is great, but the rest of the virtual world seems to live on a separate budget.