Saving memory was a crucial task during the production of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” in 1982. The special effects were groundbreaking for the time, but computer technology was still in its nascent stages.
To conserve precious memory space, the filmmakers ingeniously used a technique that may surprise you. Certain objects in the film, often in the background or at a distance, were rendered with a single pixel. This minimalist approach significantly reduced the amount of data needed to store and display the scene, freeing up precious memory for more complex effects and visuals.
This clever tactic highlights the ingenuity required to push the boundaries of special effects in the early days of computer graphics. It also serves as a reminder of how far technology has come since then, allowing for the creation of increasingly realistic and immersive cinematic experiences.
Prompt:
Many classic video games were designed using very limited technology.
Generate a fun fact about a technical limitation in an older game and how the developers ingeniously overcame it.