Updates, Optimization, New content and Real Time SSS?
Posted by David J in Game News, Game TechSo its been a while since we updated this blog…yeah I know it seems like we say that every time.. Sorry about that..
Anyway during this period of absent updates we have been busily working away on a multitude of game related projects, from optimization to new content creation.
The docks level has had its poly count considerably reduced, without impacting the visuals I may add. Its also been adorned with voice over’s from the talented folk over at the digital bard (no need to read those pesky subtitles .. Unless you want to of course). We’re also taking steps to up the fun factor of the level, so look forward to some interesting game play improvements in the not too distant future.
The cave troll has been receiving some much needed T.L.C. Unfortunately he seems to have intimacy issues, and since we can not afford therapy you’d better prepare to engage with a much more formidable opponent. On top of his new found aggression, he’s been joined by an equally deadly companion. If you think this all sounds a bit unfair on Sintel, fear not as her combat system is currently being updated.
The bandit model is now game ready, you can check out a time-lapse of his transformation from high to low res below:
Geoffrey has been undergoing a complete revamp and many new characters are in various stages of development.
Below is a time-lapse of one of the new characters head being created:
Continuing our efforts to make Sintel the game look as good possible we are also experimenting with new material set ups, depth of field and even screen space ambient occlusions.
One of the new material effects can be seen below, its still a work in progress but we think it shows promise:
OK so I may have been stretching it a bit when I put real time SSS in the title. As I’m sure you’ve realized it’s a fake SSS effect, no subsurface scattering calculations going on. However it is real time and does not have any discernable effect on frame rate. (The slow frame rate in the video is due to the video capture)
Finally I know a lot of you want to know when we will be releasing the demo. I’m afraid we still can not give you a firm date, as there are still many things we wish to add and improve.
I dont mind waiting for more info on the demo. in fact, imo, the longer the better. dont take that the wrong way. what i mean, is the longer you have, the more time you have to improve things.
Good luck to you all with this project.
Yes, awesome progress!
Don’t worry about coming up with a release date, as long as you keep working hard on the game, that’s what matters. I still can’t wait for the day it actually comes out, though.
Wow! You can feel the Monster’s flesh! Amazing work!
I love this project as it is an impressive prof of concept in the new 2.5 series.
One thing I hope though that the game play is fun. Yo Frankie was Interesting and beautiful, but the game play left some what to be desired. if you could make a appealing game play .. mhmm.. game, that would mean so much to the blender game community.
For now it looks stunning, good job folks
Thanks guys.
@JeThroHD: I agree. We will try our best to deliver a fun enjoyable experience. I only like to make games that I personally like to play. I’m aware not everybody likes the same things and I will admit, some people won’t like our game. I can’t change that. If I find that some element of the game is bland, I look it over to see what I could change that would make it more enjoyable. Sometimes this requires a re-write of the entire element, but I am willing to make that sacrifice.
Ironically you used ZBrush to sculpt a model for Blender Game Engine… and it’s a game about a Blender movie!
I’m not saying that the model is not good, but at least you could use Blender Sculpting to sculpt it… I think Blender would handle it easily.
By the way, the model is great…