Deep Dive
Why did Dominic Szablewski decide to rewrite Wipeout in C instead of JavaScript?
Dominic enjoys writing C in his free time because it provides a more hands-on, detailed programming experience compared to high-level languages like JavaScript. C forces him to think about all the details, which he finds enjoyable and challenging.
What was the state of the leaked Wipeout source code when Dominic first saw it?
The source code was described as a mess, with global variables scattered across files, ad-hoc additions for different platforms, and a lack of abstraction. However, despite its poor structure, the game was playable and never crashed on the PlayStation.
What was the main technical difference between the NTSC and PAL versions of Wipeout?
The primary difference was the frame rate. NTSC ran at 60 Hz, while PAL ran at 50 Hz. This required adjustments in the game's physics and rendering to ensure smooth gameplay across different regions.
How did Dominic handle the PlayStation's lack of a Z-buffer in the Wipeout rewrite?
Dominic implemented a modern rendering approach that abstracts the renderer, allowing for easier porting to different platforms. He replaced the PlayStation's ordering table with a more modern triangle function, making the rendering process more efficient.
What was Dominic's approach to memory management in the Wipeout rewrite?
Dominic used a bump allocator, which allocates memory linearly and resets the pointer when a scene or level ends. This approach simplifies memory management by avoiding the need to free individual objects, making it ideal for games with distinct scenes like Wipeout.
What challenges did Dominic face when porting Wipeout to WebAssembly?
The main challenge was ensuring the game could run within the constraints of the web, where infinite loops are not allowed. Dominic had to refactor the code to use callbacks like requestAnimationFrame, allowing the browser to regain control between frames.
What future improvements does Dominic plan for the Wipeout rewrite?
Dominic wants to fix a physics bug that occurs at high frame rates, add graphical effects like lighting on ships, and make the collision response more forgiving. He also dreams of a polished remaster if Sony were to commission it.
What other projects is Dominic working on besides the Wipeout rewrite?
Dominic is currently rewriting his old JavaScript game engine, Impact.js, in C. He has already ported one of his games, Biolab Disaster, to run on the new C engine, which can compile to WebAssembly.
- Dominic's early game development experiences
- Wipeout's cultural significance
- The game's unique features: fast gameplay, striking art direction, and licensed electronic music
Shownotes Transcript