Shadow Explorer

Shadow Explorer is a sample application, with source code, that allows developers to work with several shadowing techniques, examine the performance versus quality tradeoffs of each one, and discover which is best suited for their game. In this first version of Shadow Explorer, we include four algorithms for evaluation: simple shadow maps, percentage closer shadow maps, variance shadow maps and exponential variance shadow maps. Each method is optimized for performance and exposes several variables, which allow the developer to further refine the technique in real time. Additionally, two scenes are provided to enable the developer to explore the strengths of each technique on different types of geometry.

Updated 7/14/2011: EVSM updates to respond to developer feedback.