From Polygons to Photorealism: The Evolution—and Plateau—of 3D Game Graphics

[kevin]

From Polygons to Photorealism: The Evolution—and Plateau—of 3D Game Graphics


The Era of Clever Constraints

In the early days of 3D gaming, hardware limitations forced developers to be clever. The visuals that defined an era—whether low-poly models, billboarding sprites, or pre-rendered backdrops—weren't just stylistic choices, but practical necessities. Every polygon had a cost. Every lighting trick was a compromise. But out of those limitations grew a golden age of innovation.


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