PlayerUnknown Productions has launched a new game titled Prologue, marking the first step towards developing a metaverse codenamed Artemis. The studio, led by Brendan 'PlayerUnknown' Greene, aims to revolutionize the metaverse concept by avoiding traditional server-client models. Instead, Prologue uses machine learning to generate large-scale maps on local devices.
Local Generation Innovation
Prologue emphasizes the creation of massive game environments using local generation techniques. Machine learning algorithms generate height maps, which are then processed using Unreal Engine to render expansive worlds. This approach bypasses the limitations of server reliance, offering a glimpse into the potential for a more accessible metaverse infrastructure.
Greene asserts that his team's method of rendering Earth-scale worlds locally on GPUs represents a significant leap in technology. By avoiding heavy server demands, PlayerUnknown Productions circumvents the challenges highlighted by industry figures like Tim Sweeney, who purportedly believe larger server farms are essential.
Open Source Framework
A defining element of Greene's vision for Artemis is its commitment to open source development. The project will prioritize building an engine-independent framework, avoiding the business-to-business restrictions that can hinder innovation. Greene's long-term plan suggests that Artemis may emerge in about a decade.
Prologue is in early access and will remain so for approximately a year as the studio continues to refine its technology. Subsequent projects under the Artemis umbrella aim to further explore the metaverse's possibilities, signaling a modest yet meaningful step forward in interactive entertainment.
