What happened to Bloxshade?

Summary

The video discusses recent changes to Roblox's security measures, which have impacted the ability to use shaders and third-party tools like Nvidia Ancel. The presenter explains their efforts to create an independent solution called VK Pipe, which utilizes Vulkan layers for enhanced security and functionality. Unfortunately, stricter code-signing requirements have hindered development, but there is hope for future improvements, potentially allowing tools like OBS Game Capture and Vulkan layers back on the platform. The presenter emphasizes the challenge of balancing client security with software development for Roblox.

Takeaways

• 😀 The current security measures on Roblox make it impossible to use shaders on both AMD and Nvidia platforms.
• 😀 Claims that shaders are still possible are likely misleading and could be attempts to distribute malware.
• 😀 Roblox has implemented stricter security measures, including a ban on renaming the Roblox client to impersonate other games.
• 😀 Nvidia Ansel is based on ReShade, but is a separate implementation, and it hasn’t been updated since the RTX 2000 series launch.
• 😀 The tool 'Roshchade' is often confused with ReShade but is merely an installer and not a unique solution.
• 😀 The creator developed 'VK Pipe', a Vulkan-based solution to capture game frames and depth textures, bypassing the need for ReShade.
• 😀 VK Pipe was designed with security in mind, preventing the tool from tampering with Roblox’s game client and running in isolated boundaries.
• 😀 Vulkan is chosen over DirectX because it allows for better security and avoids the need for risky hooks or memory writing.
• 😀 Roblox’s new stricter code-signing requirements have broken compatibility with tools like VK Pipe and OBS game capture.
• 😀 Roblox’s code-signing now only supports Microsoft and system-level components, making it difficult for independent developers to release secure software.
• 😀 Despite the current limitations, there is hope that Roblox might re-enable Vulkan layers in the future, allowing for a return of tools like OBS and VK Pipe.

Q & A

Why is it currently impossible to get shaders on any platform, AMD or Nvidia?

It’s impossible because any claims suggesting shaders are available are likely lies meant to trick users into installing malware. The footage that shows shaders is outdated and was recorded when it was still possible, but it no longer works now.

What changes did Roblox make to its security measures?

Roblox implemented stricter security measures, particularly before and after the 'Hunt' event. One major change is that renaming the Roblox player to impersonate another game is no longer supported, as it poses a security risk.

What is Nvidia Ancel, and why is it important in this context?

Nvidia Ancel is a driver-based implementation of ReShade, designed to add visual effects to games. However, it's an older version of ReShade (4.8.2) and hasn't been updated in some time. It’s important because Roblox’s security changes are directly linked to this tool, which is not officially supported by Roblox.

What was 'Roshchade', and how did it relate to ReShade?

Roshchade was simply an installer for ReShade and not a unique tool. It confused some users into thinking it was something special. ReShade itself is an open-source project developed by someone else, while Nvidia Ancel is a modified, driver-based version of ReShade.

What is VK Pipe, and how does it differ from traditional tools like OBS Game Capture?

VK Pipe is a tool developed to capture both the game’s frame and its depth texture, which is essential for advanced effects like ambient occlusion and reflections. Unlike OBS Game Capture, which copies the game’s presented frame, VK Pipe also captures the depth texture, allowing for more complex visual effects.

Why did the developer choose Vulkan over traditional rendering APIs like DirectX?

Vulkan was chosen because it natively supports capturing both the game’s frame and its depth texture without needing to hook into the game’s memory. This makes it more secure, as there’s no risk of modifying the game's code or memory.

How does VK Pipe ensure security while implementing visual effects?

VK Pipe is designed to run as an external overlay, similar to Discord's overlay, and uses Vulkan’s API to intercept frames and depth textures securely. This prevents tampering with the Roblox client, maintaining the game's integrity while still providing visual effects.

What impact did Roblox’s new security measures have on tools like VK Pipe and OBS Game Capture?

Roblox’s stricter code-signing requirements broke tools like OBS Game Capture and prevented VK Pipe from working, as the new rules limit code-signing to only trusted vendors like Microsoft. This makes it difficult for independent developers to create software for Roblox without violating these new requirements.

What are the potential implications if Roblox relaxes its code-signing restrictions in the future?

If Roblox relaxes its code-signing restrictions, it could open the door for developers to use Vulkan layers and create more flexible solutions like VK Pipe. This could also allow OBS Game Capture and similar tools to work again on the platform.

What is the developer’s ultimate goal with VK Pipe and future developments?

The developer’s ultimate goal is to create a more secure, flexible solution for visual effects on Roblox that isn't tied to any specific hardware vendor like Nvidia. The hope is that if Vulkan layers are supported again, the solution will be better than Nvidia Ancel and won't have the limitations imposed by vendor-specific tools.