Vulkan Support – Future-Proofing Second Life for Better Performance & Graphics
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KiraYoichi Resident
🔴 Summary 🔴
Second Life has come a long way, but OpenGL is becoming outdated. To ensure SL remains visually competitive and runs smoothly on modern hardware, I propose that Linden Lab begins development on Vulkan support as a long-term goal. This transition would greatly improve performance, reduce crashes, and allow SL to take full advantage of modern GPUs.
🟡 Why Vulkan? 🟡
✅ Better FPS & Performance – Vulkan is optimized for multi-core CPUs and modern GPUs, meaning higher frame rates and less lag in complex environments.
✅ More Stability & Fewer Crashes – Vulkan manages memory more efficiently than OpenGL, reducing viewer crashes and graphical glitches.
✅ Future-Proofing Second Life – OpenGL’s development has slowed, while Vulkan is the industry standard for new and upcoming graphics engines.
✅ Improved Graphics Potential – Vulkan supports advanced rendering features that could enhance lighting, shadows, reflections, and materials in SL.
🟢 How This Transition Could Work Smoothly 🟢
Instead of a sudden shift, I suggest a gradual development plan (2025-2030):
1️⃣ 2025-2026: Linden Lab researches Vulkan feasibility and starts experimental development.
2️⃣ 2027-2028: An optional Vulkan beta mode is introduced for testing and optimization, running alongside OpenGL.
3️⃣ 2029-2030: Vulkan becomes the default renderer, with OpenGL as a fallback for older systems.
4️⃣ Community Engagement: Regular updates from Linden Lab on progress, plus support for third-party viewers adapting to Vulkan.
🔵 Why Start Now? 🔵
Even though this transition will take years, starting early ensures SL stays ahead rather than falling behind other virtual worlds. A well-planned Vulkan integration could attract new users while making SL smoother for current residents.
If you agree, please upvote and share your thoughts in the comments! Let’s show Linden Lab that the community is ready for a modern and optimized Second Life! 👍 💬 �
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marxman1313 Resident
Already been stated but this is the long term goal with the most recent string of updates. We're a ways off still but getting there. I totally agree though.
Cursed Pumpkins
This Needs to be a thing. Flogging a dead horse with OpenGL will only get you so far. The rest of the other online worlds will go So much further, Much quicker and will eventually take over. I personally would like to see Secondlife be at the top for a very long time.
P.S.. Vulkan and Unreal are NOT the same thing :P
Vincent Nacon
This is already part of their long-term goal. GLTF and PBR are basically their stepping stones toward Vulkan. There are some few others they need to update before making the big switch.
Mind you, this is no small feat. They will get there, but that will take a while. We're probably looking at maybe 2-5 years, if all goes well.
SL Feedback
Hello, and thank you for your detailed and passionate feature request regarding Vulkan support for Second Life. Another resident has previously brought up the idea of integrating Vulkan API, and we are merging your comments to get to it faster. We recognize the potential benefits you’ve outlined, such as improved performance, stability, and future-proofing Second Life. While we have no estimate on when this might be implemented, please keep an eye on future updates. We appreciate your input and hope you continue to share your ideas to help improve Second Life. Thank you!
SL Feedback
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