220 replies to this topic

[Lordred]

EDIT: 02-26-16

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

http://mwomercs.com/...march-road-map/

Quote

2k Textures for all ‘Mechs
All ‘Mechs and all Patterns with texture resolutions that were previously lower than 2048x2048 (2k) have been normalized to a texture resolution of 2k. There will be some huge winners here in the visuals department, particularly for the older ‘Mechs.

EDIT: 01-24-16

All of the information is still in this thread, but I will be spoiling all old content.


Goals:

*Bring all mechs in the game to a 2k resolution texture base file for Base and Variant Texture files for the DIF map, RGB map, and SPC map.
*Expand the ingame default settings to properly make use of available texture files located in the .DDS Files by modifying the CVAR groups.

Spoiler

[default]
; default of this CVarGroup
= 3
 
r_DynTexAtlasCloudsMaxSize = 32
r_DynTexAtlasSpritesMaxSize = 32
r_DynTexMaxSize = 80
r_EnvCMResolution = 2
r_EnvTexResolution = 3
r_EnvTexUpdateInterval = 0.1
r_ImposterRatio = 1
r_TexSkyResolution = 0
r_TexAtlasSize = 1024
r_TexMinAnisotropy = 8
r_TexBumpResolution = 0
r_TexResolution = 0
r_TexturesStreaming = 0
r_VegetationSpritesTexRes = 64
 
[1]
r_DynTexAtlasCloudsMaxSize = 16
r_DynTexAtlasSpritesMaxSize = 16
r_DynTexMaxSize = 50
r_ImposterRatio = 2
r_EnvCMResolution = 0
r_EnvTexResolution = 1
r_TexAtlasSize = 128
r_TexBumpResolution = 2
r_TexResolution = 2
r_TexSkyResolution = 1
r_EnvTexUpdateInterval = 1
 
[2]
r_DynTexAtlasCloudsMaxSize = 24
r_DynTexAtlasSpritesMaxSize = 16
r_DynTexMaxSize = 60
r_EnvCMResolution = 1
r_EnvTexResolution = 2
r_TexAtlasSize = 512
r_TexBumpResolution = 1
r_TexResolution = 1
r_ImposterRatio = 1.5
r_EnvTexUpdateInterval = 0.5
 
[3]
 
[4]
r_TexAtlasSize = 2048

*Create and make available an optional 4k resolution texture pack.

As of now, here is a master list of all of mechs and their base camo pattern.



Here is a visual representation of the resolution difference from 128px-2048px






OLD INFORMATION

Spoiler

I am sad for now, but it is what it is.

Alexander Garden, on 24 March 2015 - 10:00 AM, said:

Hey everyone,

Lordred nudged me about this a couple days ago, and I did some asking around today to see where we might stand on this.
Texture normalization and a 4K pack release are not something that the art department has in production at the moment. Unfortunately, the resources and time available right now aren't going to provide us with the opportunity to work on this in the near future.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edit: 1-24-16

Updated Base Camo list to show all current mechs.

Only two mechs have earned a "Great" status for textures, while classics are in Good, or OK range only.





Edit: 12-01-15

Another lesson in disappointment.

MARAUDER



Edit 10-20-15 V2

Lets update the CVAR in the engine pak to futher aid the low end, and add further adjustment of quality to the mid end users.

Currently our Texture CVAR Group looks like this.

[default]
; default of this CVarGroup
= 3
 
r_DynTexAtlasCloudsMaxSize = 32
r_DynTexAtlasSpritesMaxSize = 32
r_DynTexMaxSize = 80
r_EnvCMResolution = 2
r_EnvTexResolution = 3
r_EnvTexUpdateInterval = 0.1
r_ImposterRatio = 1
r_TexSkyResolution = 0
r_TexAtlasSize = 2048
r_TexMinAnisotropy = 8
r_TexBumpResolution = 0
r_TexResolution = 0
r_TexturesStreaming = 0
r_VegetationSpritesTexRes = 64
 
[1]
r_DynTexAtlasCloudsMaxSize = 16
r_DynTexAtlasSpritesMaxSize = 16
r_DynTexMaxSize = 50
r_ImposterRatio = 2
r_EnvCMResolution = 0
r_EnvTexResolution = 1
r_TexAtlasSize = 512
r_TexBumpResolution = 2
r_TexResolution = 2
r_TexSkyResolution = 1
r_EnvTexUpdateInterval = 1
 
[2]
r_DynTexAtlasCloudsMaxSize = 24
r_DynTexAtlasSpritesMaxSize = 16
r_DynTexMaxSize = 60
r_EnvCMResolution = 1
r_EnvTexResolution = 2
r_TexBumpResolution = 1
r_TexResolution = 1
r_ImposterRatio = 1.5
r_EnvTexUpdateInterval = 0.5
 
[3]
 
[4]

Lets have it be modified to this.

[default]
; default of this CVarGroup
= 3
 
r_DynTexAtlasCloudsMaxSize = 32
r_DynTexAtlasSpritesMaxSize = 32
r_DynTexMaxSize = 80
r_EnvCMResolution = 2
r_EnvTexResolution = 3
r_EnvTexUpdateInterval = 0.1
r_ImposterRatio = 1
r_TexSkyResolution = 0
r_TexAtlasSize = 1024
r_TexMinAnisotropy = 8
r_TexBumpResolution = 0
r_TexResolution = 0
r_TexturesStreaming = 0
r_VegetationSpritesTexRes = 64
 
[1]
r_DynTexAtlasCloudsMaxSize = 16
r_DynTexAtlasSpritesMaxSize = 16
r_DynTexMaxSize = 50
r_ImposterRatio = 2
r_EnvCMResolution = 0
r_EnvTexResolution = 1
r_TexAtlasSize = 256
r_TexBumpResolution = 2
r_TexResolution = 2
r_TexSkyResolution = 1
r_EnvTexUpdateInterval = 1
 
[2]
r_DynTexAtlasCloudsMaxSize = 24
r_DynTexAtlasSpritesMaxSize = 16
r_DynTexMaxSize = 60
r_EnvCMResolution = 1
r_EnvTexResolution = 2
r_TexAtlasSize = 512
r_TexBumpResolution = 1
r_TexResolution = 1
r_ImposterRatio = 1.5
r_EnvTexUpdateInterval = 0.5
 
[3]
 
[4]
r_TexAtlasSize = 2048

Edit: 10-20-15



Wolfhound + 2015 Loyalty Mechs.



Edit: 10-6-15

Crab is using poor textures just like the Black Knight.



Edit: 9-22-15

Black Knight, oh PGI, you blew it.



Edit: 09/09/15

Mauler: Done right!


Edit: 08/20/2015

Updated on Special Unique Geometry mechs.




Edit: 08/19/2015

Update on Base Camo texture resolutions as of 08/19/2015



-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edit: 04/05/15

Additional Info found on the subject, Circa 05-28-14

http://mwomercs.com/...ost__p__3413022

Matthew Craig, on 28 May 2014 - 08:26 AM, said:

We actually scaled back a bit which is why you see the shift to 1k reason being we were releasing Mechs/Skins quite aggressively and were concerned about ballooning the install footprint I think we're currently sitting around the 4GB mark for a full install which we're still ok with but with many more Mechs/Skins to come (Clans) we need to be mindful of the install size.

I'm hoping to get some more time to investigate newer third party texture compression tools that are around that could allow us to potentially either halve the install footprint or use larger textures for the same cost e.g. 2k for all Mechs while retaining a similar install size. The tradeoff here is we need to evaluate texture compression times (internal build time costs) and decompression times (runtime client costs i.e. potentially slower level loads) to see if it makes sense.

I agree that I would like to see us use the higher quality textures our artists author at higher resolution so getting those in your hands is great if we can do it but so long as it doesn't come at the cost of a bloated installer or long load times etc.

Another potential solution we continue to toy with (again nothing concrete) is the idea of having a high res texture pack available that is an optional download (potentially selectable in the patcher) so it can be avoided for users who don't think they have a GPU that can absorb the extra bandwidth or don't want the extra install size.

Please, please, please can we just normalize 'mech texture resolutions to 2k for every mech?

The only thing this will do is increase the footprint of the game a few gigs, the texture files all include the smaller resolution textures in each file as it stands, so low spec users would be un-effected.


OR:

Just release a texture pack with everything @ 2k, or 4k as an optional download.


List of current texture resolutions on all mechs for base camo.



From the sounds of it, PGI may already have everything in 4k res.

http://mwomercs.com/...77#entry3458877

Karl Berg, on 12 June 2014 - 09:18 PM, said:

......Fast main memory, and low latency if you can manage it; especially if we get that high-res 4k texture pack released......

http://mwomercs.com/...16#entry3703116

Lordred, on 09 September 2014 - 07:10 AM, said:

Karl
You teased us a while back with the mention of a 4k res pack, any update on that by chance?

http://mwomercs.com/...01#entry3710401

Karl Berg, on 10 September 2014 - 11:05 PM, said:

No updates on this as of yet. I would still really love to see this released soon though. There's some logistics we need to work out, in terms of patching and content delivery first; but the artists have already done their part.

http://mwomercs.com/...23#entry3714423

Lordred, on 11 September 2014 - 11:03 PM, said:

Karl, thank you so much for responding to the question.

I am however an evil, and vile person and will ask you another related question.

Do you know if there are any plans to normalize textures prior to a high res pack? as it currently stands our texture resolutions are a little all over the place.

Spoiler

http://mwomercs.com/...64#entry3727764

Karl Berg, on 15 September 2014 - 11:22 PM, said:

That's an impressive document! I am not aware of any plans, but that doesn't mean none are in place. I'm guessing each of those resolutions was chosen by an artist as being the 'best' tradeoff between patch size and visual quality. That said, Dennis surprised many of us with the HPG hitbox fixes recently.

Now, to give you a visualization of the difference between 1k, 2k, and 4k resolution textures.




Here is an example of the difference between 2k and 1k resolution textures on a mech in game.

Spoiler

An example of what I am talking about.

The Awesome in Applejack (2k/2k/2k RGB/DIF/SPC for Body and Variant parts) and the Awesome in PC Gamer (1k/1k/2k Main, 1k/1k/1k Variant)

Colors are Liao Dark Green / Gamboge / Pheonix Black






And the actual textures them self 100% size.

Edited by Lordred, 26 February 2016 - 10:53 PM.

[Koniving]

Poll for the two options?

[Accused]

Why not have both options?

[Lordred]

Accused, on 17 March 2015 - 12:05 PM, said:

Why not have both options?

I would be perfectly fine if we normalized to 2k and offered a 4k pack.

[KraftySOT]

Can someone make an ENB profile for MWO too while youre at it?

[Levi Porphyrogenitus]

The option to use better textures is an unmitigated good. It has no impact on low-spec users, and can make a world of difference even for medium-spec machines, let alone high-end ones that laugh at system requirements. Make it part of the game with a graphics option for low-res, medium-res, and high-res, or make it a separate download. Either way it's a win-win.

[Lordred]

High spec users have more disposable income.

[process]

Moar HD mech porn.

[Lordred]

OP also updated with this info.

List of current texture resolutions on all mechs for base camo.

[Kristov Kerensky]

Good idea, got my vote.

[Lordred]

Kristov Kerensky, on 17 March 2015 - 12:29 PM, said:

Good idea, got my vote.

Just need to get the vote of everyone else

[EgoSlayer]

Yes please - HD downloadable pack so people that don't want it are not forced to download it but those that do can have it.

[elismallz]

I support this initiative.

[Kristov Kerensky]

Come on people, I KNOW there's got to more than just this handful of us that have systems capable of using higher textures....at least 3 more of you have good systems, right?????

[Mawai]

Levi Porphyrogenitus, on 17 March 2015 - 12:10 PM, said:

The option to use better textures is an unmitigated good. It has no impact on low-spec users, and can make a world of difference even for medium-spec machines, let alone high-end ones that laugh at system requirements. Make it part of the game with a graphics option for low-res, medium-res, and high-res, or make it a separate download. Either way it's a win-win.

Questions:

1) How many person hours are required to update all the textures? You could interpolate the existing ones to quickly upscale them but that won't necessarily add much. Recreating higher resolution textures could require quite a bit of artist time ... is this more important or useful than new maps/mechs and other tasks that keep the artists busy?

2) How does this generate any revenue at all? Maybe they could change $15.00 for a high res texture pack? Would that cost justify the man hours of work invested?

Yes the game would look prettier ... but come on folks ... PGI is in this to earn sufficient revenues to keep paying salaries, maintaining facilities, keep the server lights on and some sort of return to investors/owners. If you can make a business case for texture normalization then I am sure it would be considered. If you can demonstrate that the work involved in creating a good high res texture pack is trivial then you might get some interest since the investment is low .. but honestly, if there is no possibility of driving any sort of revenues .. then you need to work very hard to come up with GOOD REASONS why PGI should consider doing this ... other than ... "it looks a bit nicer on high end machines".

[Rizzelbizzeg]

I, too, have frames (and gigs) to spare, might as well bump them up. I am a fan of consistency.

[CMDR Sunset Shimmer]

Mawai, on 18 March 2015 - 07:19 AM, said:

Questions:

1) How many person hours are required to update all the textures? You could interpolate the existing ones to quickly upscale them but that won't necessarily add much. Recreating higher resolution textures could require quite a bit of artist time ... is this more important or useful than new maps/mechs and other tasks that keep the artists busy?

2) How does this generate any revenue at all? Maybe they could change $15.00 for a high res texture pack? Would that cost justify the man hours of work invested?

Yes the game would look prettier ... but come on folks ... PGI is in this to earn sufficient revenues to keep paying salaries, maintaining facilities, keep the server lights on and some sort of return to investors/owners. If you can make a business case for texture normalization then I am sure it would be considered. If you can demonstrate that the work involved in creating a good high res texture pack is trivial then you might get some interest since the investment is low .. but honestly, if there is no possibility of driving any sort of revenues .. then you need to work very hard to come up with GOOD REASONS why PGI should consider doing this ... other than ... "it looks a bit nicer on high end machines".

Game runs on Cryengine.

Some Textures look PS2 quality.

There's no excuse for this... seriously, there are some mechs that look worse, and don't get me started on how low-res the new faction camo looks on some mechs, when I can barely read some of the text on the Davion camo, there's an issue.

[Levi Porphyrogenitus]

Mawai, on 18 March 2015 - 07:19 AM, said:

Questions:

1) How many person hours are required to update all the textures? You could interpolate the existing ones to quickly upscale them but that won't necessarily add much. Recreating higher resolution textures could require quite a bit of artist time ... is this more important or useful than new maps/mechs and other tasks that keep the artists busy?

2) How does this generate any revenue at all? Maybe they could change $15.00 for a high res texture pack? Would that cost justify the man hours of work invested?

Yes the game would look prettier ... but come on folks ... PGI is in this to earn sufficient revenues to keep paying salaries, maintaining facilities, keep the server lights on and some sort of return to investors/owners. If you can make a business case for texture normalization then I am sure it would be considered. If you can demonstrate that the work involved in creating a good high res texture pack is trivial then you might get some interest since the investment is low .. but honestly, if there is no possibility of driving any sort of revenues .. then you need to work very hard to come up with GOOD REASONS why PGI should consider doing this ... other than ... "it looks a bit nicer on high end machines".

If PGI did 2 things, then there'd be significantly more demand for both skins and paints.

1 - Improving texture detail.

2 - Removing needless filters that blur and discolor their maps and any mechs present.

Doing these would make patterns and colors matter in a way that they simply don't do currently. I imagine that there'd be a meaningful up-tick in purchases for both, and it'd be sustained long-term.

Edited by Levi Porphyrogenitus, 18 March 2015 - 08:46 AM.

[Kristov Kerensky]

Mawai, if that artist isn't doing anything else, which being an artist means likely a good chunk of the time, then it will actually pay for itself in that aspect alone. Artist does work, it gets submitted to the chain of command and the artist sits around waiting to hear if it's ok, needs changes or totally redone. At least that's how my friends who do that for a living with other companies describe their typical day, including one who was the head of artwork for another MMO, even HE had to sit around and wait for other bosses to decide if the work was ready or not.

Plus, as already pointed out, IF the artwork we have looked good and was VISIBLE ingame, people would be dropping more money for the camo, so it pays for itself regardless.

[Ripper X]

YES PLEASE!