8 comments

1. 

   ImsumDave

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   28 November 2012, 4:39PM

   I haven't noticed that before. It's probably some engine optimization to make the game run better. It's too bad they built it into the engine instead of just saving the textures at the desired size. I have noticed some normal map scaling, even when the dds file is saved without mip maps, as I get farther away from an object the uglier the normal map gets. It's really only noticeable with highly reflective objects.
   
   As for the normal map pixelation, I can see a bit in your normal maps (I'm looking at Anduril's) in PS. I think I may just need to increase the texel resolution (scale up the UVs and/or increase texture res) of the reflective areas. Thanks for the information and keep making awesome weapons.
2. 

   Isilmeriel

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   28 November 2012, 3:44PM

   I render to BMP and edit in photoshop. Most of the pixelation from my weapons actually occur from the reflection mask rather than the normal or diffuse textures because the engine apparently force a low rendering resolution for the _m maps regardless of the actual file resolution.
3. 

   ImsumDave

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   28 November 2012, 2:38PM

   Hmm, so do you paint everything within a sculpting program, then render the textures to the low poly in xNormals directly to dds format? I usually make my textures in PS and export them in dds format using the nvidia dds/normal map plugin. In dark areas, with slight gradients, I often notice purples, pinks, and greens showing up after compressing to dds. I also notice some artifacts (pixelation) in the normal maps. In Skyrim, your weapons show minimal normal map pixelation. If I look at the right angle, with good lighting, I can seen a very small amount, but it's only visible up close. If you don't know what I mean then here is an example:
   
   http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/9577/tesv20121012223724088.png
4. 

   DARKFIREGAMING

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   28 November 2012, 1:36PM

   Looks really nice
5. 

   Isilmeriel

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   28 November 2012, 6:38AM

   I use xnormal for making textures and fix any major noticeable artifacts in photoshop.
6. 

   SuicideCommando

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   27 November 2012, 3:46PM

   Looks great. Gonna be amazing like all your other work Isilmeriel.
7. 

   ImsumDave

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   27 November 2012, 2:42PM

   Wow, great job so far. I can only gawk at the quality of your stuff. Your past weapons are near photorealistic. You really need more RAM. I upgraded to 8gb recently and it makes a big difference. Chances are you hard drive is taking a hit because when you reach the max of of your ram the page files is used. Anyway, I have a few questions:
   
   How do you export your textures in dds format? I noticed a lack of artifacts in your textures, especially the normal maps and I don't know how you achieved this. I've tried using normal maps with highly reflective materials in Skyrim and artifacts in my maps just ruin the effect.
   
   What sculpting program do you use: Zbrush or Mudbox?
8. 

   Bryan244

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   27 November 2012, 9:09AM

   Oh la la :3