Ray Tracing Production Readiness
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Summary
Unity's Raytracing API was introduced in Unity 2019.3, and is utilized in the High Definition Render Pipeline's for implementing Raytracing effects such as Global illumination, Reflections and Shadows - to help users achieve unpresented and cutting edge realistic shading.
Supported on DX12 and DXR capable Windows platforms and consoles, Unity 2022.2 introduces Raytracing support for Xbox Series, as well as Terrain Heightmap compatibility.
We are now promoting the Raytracing API out of experimental in Unity 2023.1, along with VFX Graph compatibility for Raytracing effects.
In addition, we are introducing a collection of bug fixes and improvements - such as the ability to conveniently implement compute-based vertex deformations for mesh instances included in the Raytracing Acceleration Structure.
Intended Outcome / Usecase
- The Raytracing API is out of experimental in Unity 2023.1, providing support for Terrain Heightmaps and VFX Graph - and is performant and stable when targeting DXR capable Windows platforms as well as high-end consoles (Xbox Series and PS5)