H2Ocean is a real-time graphics tech demo created at Ghent University for the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2004 competition. The demo placed 3rd in the world finals held in São Paulo, Brazil.
Technical Features
The demo showcases a range of real-time rendering techniques implemented using HLSL pixel shaders 2.0 (DirectX 9):
- Ocean waves — procedural wave simulation (the technique that inspired OceanWaves)
- Reflections — planar reflections on the water surface
- Bump mapping — normal-mapped water surface
- Fur rendering — shell-based fur for underwater creatures
- Fish schools — behavioural simulation of schooling fish
- Underwater effects — fog, caustics, and light shafts
Competition
The Imagine Cup is Microsoft's annual student technology competition. H2Ocean competed in the Game Development category and reached the world finals against teams from dozens of countries, finishing in third place overall.