Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture

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Evolution of GPUs and Virtual Landscape Design in Digital Games

This research examines how advances in graphics processing unit (GPU) performance affect the spatial and visual characteristics of virtual landscapes. Technological capacity shapes the range of aesthetic possibilities by limiting the kinds of visual detail, spatial complexity, and compositional control within a virtual landscape. A chronological dataset of all released VIDIA GPUs has been compiled, including performance metrics: transistor count, VRAM capacity, floating-point throughput, texture rate, and pixel fill rate.This dataset is aligned with a visual sample of Game of the Year (GOTY) award-winning titles. Screenshots from these games were systematically classified using a rule-based yes/no decision system derived from established landscape architecture eras. Subsequently, a double-blind evaluation was conducted to ensure consistency across classifications. The analysis reveals GPU development emerges as a structural driver of stylistic change in virtual landscapes. Furthermore, the research provides a replicable methodological framework for linking computational capacity to aesthetic evolution in interactive environments.

Autor / Author: Sönmez, Can; Modarresi, Parsia; Ayoğlu, Rana; Kim, Ikhwan
Institution / Institution: Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul/Turkiye; Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul/Turkiye; Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul/Turkiye; Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul/Turkiye
Seitenzahl / Pages: 9
Sprache / Language: Englisch
Veröffentlichung / Publication: JoDLA – Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture, 11-2026
Tagung / Conference: Digital Landscape Architecture 2026 – Cutting Edge
Veranstaltungsort, -datum / Venue, Date: University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland 28-05-26 - 29-05-26
Schlüsselwörter (de):
Keywords (en): Virtual landscape, digital games, GPU evolution, landscape eras, landscape architecture
Paper review type: Full Paper Review
DOI: doi:10.14627/537770032
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