Hey Gearheads another week, we've been so busy our workshops keep getting bumped back a day. But it's here now, so lets get into some sweet new Enviro updates!

Environment Updates

Over the last couple months we’ve been doing significant updates to the HGA environments. These updates have, so far, been primarily focused on Port Oasis and Pioneer though much of the work will be utilized on all of the environments eventually. Optimization is always an ongoing effort. We’ve spent time reducing poly and drawcall counts in both environments. Additional LODs have been created for many objects to aid in this effort.
Nearly all structures have been replaced using our new modular kits. Another focus has been to add additional interactive elements to the environments. These take the form mostly, though not only, as destructible assets that are placed throughout the levels.
Trees can now be knocked down if hit hard enough. Each tree type has its own durability rating based on its size. Larger trees are harder to knock down while small trees fall quite easily. If you run into a tree but not hard enough to knock it down, it will shake from the impact.
They also respond to weapons fire.
In addition to trees, many other human scale objects have been added to the level. Not only are they fun to destroy, but they also help give a better sense of scale while piloting your Gear. Some of these new destructibles include street lights, railing, ladders, bollards, and exploding barrels. Some interactive elements are less about destruction and more about simply responding to the presence of your Gear.
Water now responds to your Gear. Water splashes and ripples depending on how hard your Gear lands in it and a wake forms based on how fast you are moving through it.
Holographic signs have been added and have interactive behaviour when a Gear passes through them. Well that's it for today Gearheads! Stop by our discord! There are always people around to talk about HGA and any questions and suggestions are always welcome! See you all next week!

[ 2018-04-19 17:47:15 CET ] [ Original post ]