Half-Life 2 runs on just 8 MB VRAM, minimal effects

A recent experiment shows that the classic game Half-Life 2 can still run on a very old graphics card with only 8 MB of VRAM. However, this comes with significant sacrifices in visual quality. To get the game working, modders removed almost all graphical effects. They achieved a barebones version that runs at a low resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, with no reflections, shadows, or detailed textures. This setup allows for about 60 frames per second, though the game often crashes after a few minutes. The experience resembles a "voidscape," where players see minimal objects rendering in and out as they move. Despite the stripped-down visuals, some find this unsettling aesthetic fitting for the game's atmosphere. The comparison to modern gaming is stark. While some older graphics cards had around 64 MB of VRAM, today's typical cards have at least 8 GB. The new Half-Life 2 RTX version, which updates the graphics with ray tracing, requires a minimum of 8 GB of VRAM, highlighting how far technology has come in just two decades. For those interested in trying this stripped-down version of Half-Life 2, they need an outdated system with specific requirements. Some gamers, however, may prefer the newer, high-quality graphics instead of the unique but eerie experience of the old version.