Special effects come in all sorts of types and form - but we can be sure of one thing - special effects are indispensable - while there are many ways of creating effects - programming is an ability to create unique and custom solutions that go outside the box.

1. Programming
Special Effects

2. Why are effects important?

3. Why are effects important?
• Effects enhance user experiences
• Tell stories visually, and bring interactivity to digital
content
• Adds magic and immerses users in an engaging and
delightful environment, making the content more
appealing
• Effects can convey emotions and narratives in ways that
words alone cannot
• Contribute to the overall atmosphere of the game,
whether it's creating a sense of tension in a horror game
or a feeling of wonder in a fantasy adventure
• ….
Just a few… there are so many important reasons for effects

4. What do we mean by
'programming'
effects?

5. What do we mean by 'programming' effects?
• Writing code to dynamically generate, control, and manipulate visuals
• Optimize the effects (beyond)
• Leverage GPU (GPU acceleration)
• Custom solutions (innovative and original)

6. Why is programming effects unique and
challenging?

7. Why is programming effects unique and
challenging?
• Requires parallel processing knowledge
• Complex math (vectors, matrices)
• Optimizing for real-time performance
• Cross-platform considerations

8. What types of effects exist?

9. What types of effects exist?
• Particle systems (fire, rain)
• Lighting and shadows
• Post-processing (blur, bloom)
• Procedural animations and textures

10. What is WebGPU?

11. What is WebGPU?
• A modern web API giving direct access to GPU hardware for high-
performance graphics and compute
• Natively in the browser
• Open Standard
• Free and Cross-Platform
• Next Generation of Web API

12. What is WGSL?

13. What is WGSL?
• Innovative API (State of the Art)
• Next Generation
• WebGPU Shading Language (WGSL) is the language for writing
shaders in WebGPU
• Designed to be safe
• Portable, and efficient

14. Why use WebGPU and WGSL for effects?

15. Why use WebGPU and WGSL for effects?
• Unlock GPU power in browsers
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Real-time, high-quality effects

16. Challenges in WebGPU-based effects?

17. Challenges in WebGPU-based effects?
• Steep learning curve
• Efficient resource management
• Optimized shader development
• Browser support differences

18. Future of web-based effects?

19. Future of web-based effects?
• Rich, interactive 3D experiences
• Easier access to advanced GPU features
• More tools and libraries emerging

20. How to Get Started

21. How to Get Started
1. Learn the basics of WebGPU and WGSL
2. Explore online demos and tutorials
3. Install a compatible browser (like Chrome or Edge)
4. Try modifying simple shader examples
5. Join WebGPU developer communities

22. Which Effects to Try First?

23. Which Effects to Try First?
• Gradient backgrounds with animated color shifts
• Simple particle systems (snow, sparks)
• Dynamic lighting over 2D shapes
• Texture distortions (ripples, waves)
• Post-processing: basic blur or vignette effects

24. Resources & Links
Special Effects Programming with WebGPU
(Paperback)
WebGPU Lab (100s Interactive
Examples/Code/Projects)
https://webgpulab.xbdev.net
Tutorials/Articles
https://xbdev.net/internet/webgpu/

25. Summary
• Effects drive engagement and immersion
• Programming effects merges art and science
• WebGPU + WGSL make high-performance effects web-accessible
• Start small, experiment, and build up your skills