shadowbuilt

Shadowbuilt refers to a phenomenon observed in certain visual media, particularly video games, where an object or character casts a shadow that is disproportionately larger or smaller than the object itself would suggest based on its size and the light source. This often occurs due to technical limitations or artistic choices in rendering shadow maps or light propagation. The discrepancy can lead to a noticeable visual artifact, sometimes perceived as a bug or an intentional stylistic element.

The reasons for shadowbuilt can vary. In older games, the computational cost of accurately rendering shadows for every object was prohibitive, leading developers to simplify the process. This simplification might involve using lower-resolution shadow maps or pre-determined shadow sizes for certain assets, resulting in shadows that don't scale correctly with the object. In some cases, shadowbuilt might be intentionally implemented to convey a sense of scale, mood, or to guide the player's attention, even if it deviates from realistic physics.

Modern game engines have become far more sophisticated in their shadow rendering capabilities, often employing techniques like cascaded shadow maps, screen-space shadows, and ray tracing to produce more accurate and dynamic shadows. However, shadowbuilt can still persist in certain situations, especially in games with a large number of dynamic objects or complex lighting scenarios. Players and modders sometimes identify and document instances of shadowbuilt, occasionally developing workarounds or modifications to correct the visual anomalies if they are perceived as detrimental to the experience. The term itself is informal and widely used within gaming communities.