RTX Remix open beta will let modders upload ray tracing to traditional video games later this month

Some modders have been tinkering with pieces of Nvidia's upcoming ray tracing mod framework for months, but the entire toolset might be to be had publicly in a few weeks. The agency hopes the network will use this new software to create fan remasters of PC classics – like Half-Life 2, that is receiving an extensive remodel by using over 50 modders.

Nvidia's RTX Remix enters open beta on January 22. All modders will advantage free get right of entry to to a toolchain for adding route tracing and other present day visual effects to a few DirectX eight and DirectX nine video games.

Users interested by the beta can sign on to obtain notifications about the discharge on Nvidia's website. The beta includes an utility containing tools to enter, convert, and adjust sport assets and an up to date version of the runtime the agency launched on GitHub last 12 months.

RTX Remix permits modders to beautify DX8 and DX9 titles that use fixed-function pipelines. It adds functions like direction tracing, better-nice artwork belongings, physically-primarily based substances required for ray tracing, AI-enhanced textures, DLSS, and more.

In 2022, Nvidia showcased the modding suite with an RTX more advantageous model of Portal. Since then, users had been experimenting with the early RTX Remix files on conventional video games like SWAT four, Max Payne, and Need for Speed Underground 2.

A group of modders is currently collaborating (probably backed by way of Nvidia) to apply RTX Remix to Half-Life 2, notably upgrading its lighting fixtures, models, textures, and different elements. Nvidia lately released new clips demonstrating the toolkit's impact on the sport's famous Ravenholm bankruptcy. The videos display darkened alleyways, zombies, and headcrabs. It's probably too soon to tell if the fan-made remaster may be to be had in time for the seminal classic's twentieth anniversary later this year.

To facilitate get admission to to extra statistics, Nvidia is cooperating with ModDB, which will devote a segment of its internet site to RTX Remix mods. Users can collaborate on a listing of eligible games, share configurations, and add mods with an extraordinary 50GB length restriction. Nvidia also continues a Discord server for showcasing initiatives.

Recent mods have shown the profound impact course tracing can have on classic PC video games like Doom, Quake, the original Half-Life, Tomb Raider, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Tie Fighter, and others. Games compatible with RTX Remix include Call of Duty 2, Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Freedom Fighters, and Source engine titles like Garry's Mod and Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines.

Ray-tracing mods may not be constrained to old titles for lengthy. Modders additionally aim to improve ReShade to introduce the technology to DirectX 10, 11, and 12 games.