Rockstar Games has consistently pushed the boundaries of gaming graphics with each iteration of their titles. And the leap between Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) and Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR 2) is set to be their most significant yet.
Central to this leap is the evolution of Rockstar’s in-house engine Rockstar Advanced Game Engine (RAGE) which has reportedly gained substantial improvements. GTA 6 is reported to run on the latest version of RAGE and is expected to showcase an upgrade that surpasses the impressive graphical shift seen in RDR 2 and Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V).
GTA 6 Will Be Powered By RAGE 9
RAGE version 7, used in GTA V, brought numerous advancements, including enhanced scripting, DirectX 11 implementation, and improved memory management. It remained one of the most effective versions even a decade later.
With RAGE version 8, which powered RDR 2, Rockstar introduced advanced AI, weather management, volumetric effects, and support for Vulkan and DirectX 12 APIs, making interactions with NPCs more sophisticated and lifelike.
Yet, the transition from RDR 2 to GTA 6, powered by RAGE version 9, is rumored to be even bigger. According to Rockstar Mag, This new version promises innovations in in-game physics, real-time water simulation, vehicle deformations, and much more, setting new standards for open-world realism.
Reported Improvements Coming to GTA 6 With RAGE 9
One of the main features of RAGE version 9 is its real-time simulation of water physics. Historically, achieving realistic water behavior in video games has been challenging. Previous attempts have either required high computational power or resulted in less-than-realistic effects. However, Rockstar’s new technology aims to overcome these challenges by simulating water in real-time.
Vehicle physics is another area where RAGE version 9 promises significant improvements. In GTA 6, vehicles will not only look more detailed but will also behave more realistically. The increased polygon count will allow for precise deformations, making car crashes and damage more believable. This will extend to vehicle customization, affecting both the car’s appearance and driving dynamics, blending realism with the franchise’s traditional arcade-like driving experience.
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Lighting and weather systems in GTA 6 are also expected to see upgrades. The new engine will feature physically simulated light, improving how textures interact with light sources and creating more realistic day and night cycles. Weather conditions will dynamically impact gameplay, with elements like wind and rain affecting the environment and player interactions.
Rockstar’s Consistent Delivery of Top Notch Graphics
The artificial intelligence (AI) in GTA 6 will be more sophisticated than ever before. Improvements in NPC interactions, police responses, and overall game physics will create a more believable and engaging world. The AI enhancements, combined with the detailed weather and time management systems, are set to create an immersive environment that reacts naturally to player actions.
Rockstar’s commitment to innovation is evident in their approach to game development. By focusing on both visual fidelity and gameplay mechanics, they aim to deliver a product that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of their vast fanbase.
Rockstar Games’ next-gen RAGE engine promises to deliver groundbreaking advancements in game physics, rendering, and AI for GTA 6. The leap in graphical quality from RDR 2 to GTA 6 is expected to be even more significant than the jump from GTA V to RDR 2.
