1. Architectural Role & Engine Purpose
The PIC (Covert Strike High-Resolution Interface Artwork) format stores high-definition mission briefing graphics, satellite maps, interactive tactical computer terminals, and weapon inventory screens in I.G.I. 2: Covert Strike.
In IGI 2, PIC files evolved to support 32-bit ARGB8888 color and resolutions up to 1024x768. They interface directly with Direct3D 8 render targets, allowing interactive UI elements (zooming satellite map coordinates, moving security camera feeds, and hacking progress bars) to be composited smoothly over background artwork.
2. Binary File Layout & Memory Map Diagram
An IGI 2 PIC file contains an expanded header with bitmask formats and contiguous 32-bit pixel data:
3. Tactical PDA Satellite Map Compositing Pipeline Diagram
During mission execution, the tactical PDA composites live mission targets over satellite PIC graphics:
4. C++ Struct Definitions
#pragma pack(push, 1)
struct PicHeaderIgi2 {
char magic[4]; // "PIC2"
uint32_t version; // 2
uint32_t width; // 1024
uint32_t height; // 768
uint32_t format; // 0=ARGB8888, 1=RGB888
uint32_t data_size; // Raw byte length
};
static_assert(sizeof(PicHeaderIgi2) == 24, "PicHeaderIgi2 must be 24 bytes");
#pragma pack(pop)