Feature Request: WebGPU Support

[plojo]

Current Situation

• FUDGE currently uses WebGL2 for rendering.
• While WebGL2 is widely supported, it lacks access to modern GPU features, compute shaders, and fine-grained control over memory and resources.
• Future performance and visual fidelity are limited by WebGL2’s design constraints.

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Proposed Idea

Introduce WebGPU support as an alternative or complementary rendering backend:

• Enable creators to leverage modern GPU features such as compute shaders, multi-threaded rendering, and advanced texture formats.
• Maintain feature parity with the existing WebGL2 renderer where possible, allowing scenes and components to run on either backend.
• Design the system so that WebGPU can gradually replace WebGL2 for high-performance scenes, while retaining WebGL2 for broader compatibility.

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Expected Benefits

• Higher performance: Reduce CPU-GPU bottlenecks and enable more complex scenes with larger numbers of nodes or particles.
• Advanced rendering features: Access to compute shaders, better post-processing, and deferred rendering techniques.
• Future-proofing: WebGPU is the next-generation web graphics API; supporting it positions FUDGE for upcoming web standards.
• Cross-backend flexibility: Developers can target WebGL2 for compatibility or WebGPU for performance without rewriting scenes or components.