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Global illumination refers to the comprehensive simulation of how light interacts with surfaces in an environment, including the effects of light bouncing off surfaces and the transfer of color between adjacent surfaces. In this context, global illumination encompasses not only direct lighting from a light source but also indirect lighting that occurs when light reflects off objects, contributing to the overall illumination of a scene.

This process allows for a much more realistic representation of lighting in computer graphics, as it captures how color can bleed from one surface to another, affecting the perceived color of objects. The incorporation of global illumination techniques in game development leads to scenes that appear more vibrant and natural, creating a more immersive experience for players.

Other options may refer to specific aspects of light behavior such as reflection, light diffusion, or the mixing of colors, but they do not fully encapsulate the broad concept of how light bounces and interacts with active elements in a scene as global illumination does.