Author Topic: Updating the ship aesthetic in the game?  (Read 3381 times)

Offline x4000

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Updating the ship aesthetic in the game?
« on: November 02, 2017, 12:01:06 pm »


Chris here!  Wanted to run something by folks.
In case that (tiny, tiny) text at the bottom is hard to read, here's what it says:

Note that this effect actually uses vastly less VRAM than the other approach -- insanely -- because we’re able to use compressed textures. The smooth, cel-shaded look shows imperfections in texture compression super fast, so we have to use higher-quality compression or even no compression. The PBR-based approach is inherently grungy and messy, which fits with the general vibe of a war-torn galaxy anyhow, and DXT5 compression doesn’t show any artifacts that aren’t just something your brain writes off as more grunge.

This overall aesthetic helps to make things look less “happy,” since that was a complaint withthe art before, but it also keeps the exact sameunderlying textures. However, we’ve overpainted those textures using procedural work in Substance Painter, giving a blend of hand-drawn and PBR styles that seems unique.

Thematically this seems more appropriate, and it’s also a lot (LOT) more efficient on your GPU, particularly if you’re on OSX or Linux (which can’t read BC7 compression. We’re talking a 4x to 10x reduction in VRAM, while getting added detail -- just to be crystal clear. 4x on Windows, 10x on OSX and Linux.

We should also be able to make some of our LODs and asset-integration work a bit more efficient using this, too.

Any complaints?

Oh, Also -- About The GUI

We're having a lot of discussion about the GUI, and I've made a pair of videos on the topic.  Cyborg has been a huge help in focusing our attention in a positive way in this particular area.

Also, when it comes to the vibrance of the space backgrounds I've toned those down as of today, too -- with the next build that comes out, 0.601, those will be much more muted.

And About Those Remaining Keys...

Still waiting on those from Valve.  So sorry about that!  I assume I'll have the keys from Valve either this afternoon (PST) or tomorrow afternoon.  Otherwise I'll get up with my contact there.

Cheers!
Chris
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Offline BadgerBadger

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Re: Updating the ship aesthetic in the game?
« Reply #1 on: November 02, 2017, 12:19:56 pm »
This seems like a great change to me. Human ships should (ideally) look battle-scarred like the last remnants of a defeated force.

Hopefully you can give the AI ships a sense of menace and evil about them using similar techniques.

Offline x4000

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Re: Updating the ship aesthetic in the game?
« Reply #2 on: November 02, 2017, 12:28:29 pm »
Excellent to hear.  Originally we were going for more of a Homeworld 2 vibe, but that just ultimately doesn't fit.
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Offline Otagan

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Re: Updating the ship aesthetic in the game?
« Reply #3 on: November 02, 2017, 05:22:43 pm »
I wholeheartedly approve of everything looking a bit roughed up, even if it didn't come with a performance improvement.
...

Offline x4000

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Re: Updating the ship aesthetic in the game?
« Reply #4 on: November 02, 2017, 05:25:27 pm »
Excellent. :)
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Offline BadgerBadger

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Re: Updating the ship aesthetic in the game?
« Reply #5 on: November 02, 2017, 05:33:29 pm »
So are we getting .601 tonight? I want to check out the new ark in person!

Offline x4000

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Re: Updating the ship aesthetic in the game?
« Reply #6 on: November 02, 2017, 07:59:52 pm »
Indeed it is out, along with the less-happy starscapes.  Much more rugged-feeling environment, or at least it should be. :)
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