Journey into N64 Graphics Programming

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This chapter explores the challenges and motivations behind graphics programming for the Nintendo 64, detailing the evolution of ray tracing technology and its application in modern games. The speakers discuss their personal journey from ROM hacking to decompilation projects, highlighting key technical processes like the N64 Recompiled project that enables porting classic games to contemporary systems. Additionally, they delve into the philosophical aspects of video game emulation, balancing historical accuracy with playability while navigating the complexities of replicating original graphical effects.

Darío and Wiseguy are Nintendo 64 hackers and modders. They are the creators of multiple projects, including RT64 which is an N64 graphics renderer for enhancing games in emulators and native ports.

This year, they released N64: Recompiled, which is a tool to statically recompile N64 binaries into C code that can be compiled for any platform. The advance promises to usher in a revolution in N64 native ports for PC. To demonstrate the tool’s capability, it was used to produce a working copy of The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask on PC.

Darío and Wiseguy join the podcast to talk about their journeys into the N64 hacking scene, the N64: Recompiled project, obscure N64 game bugs, and more.

Joe Nash is a developer, educator, and award-winning community builder, who has worked at companies including GitHub, Twilio, Unity, and PayPal. Joe got his start in software development by creating mods and running servers for Garry’s Mod, and game development remains his favorite way to experience and explore new technologies and concepts.

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