Aurora Engine

The Witcher (computer game) was created using the BioWare Aurora Engine. © 1997-2004 BioWare Corp. The BioWare Aurora Engine has been rewritten (c. 80%) to utilise the latest version of DirectX.9. The new engine's main feature is a brand new rendering system responsible for realistic visuals. Vertex and pixel shaders have been implemented, allowing magical swords to glow subtly in the dark, as well as the eyes of some creatures. These shaders have also allowed for the implementation of numerous stunning full-screen effects, like the Witcher's night vision.

New functionality significantly increases the realism of the envrionment. E.g.:
 * The 24h passage of the day and night cycle will enable the player to witness beautiful sunrises and sunsets, marvel at the starry sky, or fight in the moonlight. The time of day ist not only cosmetic, but also affects gameplay, e.g. some creatures can only be hunted down at night
 * The game features realistic weather pattern, down to such details as the delay between lightning and thunder. The player get caught in a sudden torrential downpour, with the raindrops falling realistically on everything they hit.
 * The character's dynamic shadows have been softened so that no more sharp or shattered edges show up.
 * Realistic physics make any pushed object roll across the ground; killed enemies fall in a realistic manner, largely thanks to rag doll physics; even decaptivated heads behave according to the law of physics.
 * Real time fightning instead of a turn based system make skirmishes eyes catching and spectacular. Graphics effects, like blood splattering on various surfaces (walls, floors), and slowed down cinematic finishers.
 * During combat, a special character expression system with appropriate voice acting skirmishes all the more engaging and realistic.
 * Improved EAX in game sound effects will complement the visual aspect of the game.

Aurora Engine