Flying Squirrel Entertainment

Developer's Corner => News & Announcements => Topic started by: Olafson on December 02, 2012, 11:38:44 am

Title: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Olafson on December 02, 2012, 11:38:44 am
Developer Blog 3 - Status Update

Welcome back to our third weekly Developer Blog. This week we decided to give you some general content updates as to what we have been working on for the past week. Please note that this is by no means everything, as we always have large amounts of work in the background which does not necessarily make for an interesting read!


(https://www.fsegames.eu/images/devblog3.jpg)


We are currently working on a uniform. Note that these screenshots are all WIP, so they might look substandard at the moment. However this is exactly how our games are made, we make a basic model, then add more detail to it until we are satisfied. We have finished the basic model and are currently “rigging” our uniform to fit to the so called skeleton. “rigging” means attaching the uniform model’s vertices to the bones of the skeleton. The skeleton for this uniform is made specifically for humans and human animations, but we will also have to create other skeletons for animals such as horses.
After the rigging is done, the Uniform will “stick” to the skeleton we have created. We can then animate the bones of our skeleton, giving our characters life. Due to the rigging, the uniform now moves with the skeleton. This means that no matter what animations we create, the uniform will always work with them, and it is not difficult to assign other models such as pieces of equipment, to the uniform at a later stage.

(https://www.fsegames.eu/images/soldier.jpg)

Here you can see a technique called “baking”. As you can see, we are using low poly Models, but we are creating high poly ones out of them (poly being a shorthand for the number of polygons used). This high poly model then gets “baked” i.e. rendered onto the low poly mesh to make it look high poly. Simplified: We are making our models look really good and detailed, while still keeping the performance high.

(https://www.fsegames.eu/images/brogan.jpg)

We have also been working on our first real battle scene for testing, we chose the smaller and less important battle of Philippi. Creating scenes is a huge pile of work. This is because we want our maps to be as historically accurate as possible.
First of all, we have to download real 3d satellite elevation data from resources located on the internet. luckily, the US government provides highly accurate satellite data, so we didn’t need to send our mapper off with a ruler and some pencils!
Once we have downloaded this data, we have to convert it into a heightmap (a height map is a type of data that we use to base our terrain on for our game engine). For this we use the probably quite well known tool “Terragen”. Terragen can import our satellite data and convert it to a height map which we can then use.

(https://www.fsegames.eu/images/wmachine.jpg)

Theoretically we could now import this heightmap into the game engine and have a proper game environment. However, we decided to take it one step further. Before we can import it into the game engine, we first have to put it into the programme “World Machine” (no this isn’t our plan to create our own version of the matrix used to take control of the world). In World Machine we slightly modify the terrain, without changing it too much, to make it look better (basically we add slight changes in height, making the ground look more bumpy and realistic). We also generate a splatmap. A splatmap is an image containing texture data. When importing a splatmap into our game engine, it will tell the engine where to place a particular texture, for instance a grass texture, or where to place a rock texture etc.
World Machine is very useful for this, and does a great job at it. After we are done with that, we export our newly generated height and splatmap from World Machine and import it into our game engine.

This is how it looks like when its been imported:

(https://www.fsegames.eu/images/terrain.jpg)

After all that is done, we have to place our objects in the map. This is the most time consuming part. We usually start with placing rocks and buildings first, then placing trees and after that fences and other small objects like crates, carts etc. Placing all these objects usually takes about a week, depending on the scale of the map. So keep checking for a picture of the finished map!

You might have noticed that the yearly MODDB and INDIEDB Mod/Game of the year awards have started. Check out our Napoleonic Wars INDIEDB page here (http://www.indiedb.com/games/mountblade-warband-napoleonic-wars).

Tune in next week for another update to satisfy your cravings!
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Japan on December 02, 2012, 11:46:28 am
Making some great progress. :)
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Harry on December 02, 2012, 12:10:20 pm
That was interesting to read. I hope you continue with these updates  :)
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Refleax on December 02, 2012, 12:14:48 pm
That was interesting to read. I hope you continue with these updates  :)

Since the developers are working day and night on this, I'm quite sure that we're always going to find something to write about!
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Gokiller on December 02, 2012, 12:32:13 pm
Awesome! Really nice done!
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: The Norseman on December 02, 2012, 12:35:57 pm
I can not wait to see more of the map. The map is everything for me!
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Gragnok on December 02, 2012, 12:41:38 pm
Looking good.
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: HappyBanana on December 02, 2012, 12:43:59 pm
Awesome!
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Jacob on December 02, 2012, 12:45:20 pm
Looking great, can't wait until I get money at christmas so I can donate as well :)
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Hugues on December 02, 2012, 12:45:41 pm
Very good way of scene creating, looking forward to more!
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Hinkel on December 02, 2012, 12:47:12 pm
Splendid as always :)
That texture baking is always great to see!
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Craig on December 02, 2012, 01:06:17 pm
Pretty interesting stuff to learn a bit of the process of how it all comes together, looking forward to the next one!  8)
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: MackCW on December 02, 2012, 01:28:34 pm
Everything about why this game is going to be amazing was confirmed with that WIP photo of the shoe. I'm just so pleased to see how much the devs are looking at authenticity.

Also guys please donate if you can.
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Jacob on December 02, 2012, 01:35:00 pm
Only wall of text worth reading is a developer wall of text :P
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Harbinger on December 02, 2012, 02:22:13 pm
fapfapfap
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Budzinskiy on December 02, 2012, 02:26:15 pm
It's just awesome just keep doing great things like that.
I just hope that  people will be allowed and able to do customs maps with your game :)
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Hinkel on December 02, 2012, 02:58:36 pm
It's just awesome just keep doing great things like that.
I just hope that  people will be allowed and able to do customs maps with your game :)

Well, custom maps are pretty hard to make in unity and it will be much more work (maybe 100/200 times more work? hard to tell - when there is no mapping editor) compared to warband mapping.
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Treble on December 02, 2012, 03:10:36 pm
Looking good.
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Betaknight on December 02, 2012, 03:25:19 pm
ermergerd. Time to learn new stuff
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Savolainen5 on December 02, 2012, 03:54:35 pm
Looks awesome! When I first heard about the game itself, I was sceptical (also I still tell myself that I don't have the time to play something like it), but I'm coming around!
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Rycon on December 02, 2012, 04:15:32 pm
Good job to the great FSE team
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Odysseus on December 02, 2012, 04:48:51 pm
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKWpGJ4Xhw8[/youtube]
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Budzinskiy on December 02, 2012, 04:49:58 pm
It's just awesome just keep doing great things like that.
I just hope that  people will be allowed and able to do customs maps with your game :)

Well, custom maps are pretty hard to make in unity and it will be much more work (maybe 100/200 times more work? hard to tell - when there is no mapping editor) compared to warband mapping.
Then the FSE must had a mapping editor and it would be cool  8).I think having a lot of maps and customisable one could be a Key features because the game would be less boring.
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Diplex on December 02, 2012, 04:59:05 pm
Looks smacking!
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Karth on December 02, 2012, 05:22:39 pm
Wow great progress  ;D  Looking forward to some banging maps, and I voted =D
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Xeroth on December 02, 2012, 06:05:39 pm
HELL YES.
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Glory on December 02, 2012, 06:15:01 pm
Looks great! :D
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Cop on December 02, 2012, 06:36:50 pm
ermergerd. Time to learn new stuff
Your response was excellent. xD


Excellent job, FSE!

Can't wait to see the finished product of those screens.
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Jacob on December 02, 2012, 07:00:07 pm
I couldn't find a nigel thornberry video of him saying smashing, but thats what I would have linked
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Rogov on December 02, 2012, 07:48:06 pm
Wow that is some awesome work. You guys are freakin' meticulous and I love it! ;D
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Audiate on December 02, 2012, 07:48:47 pm
 Not my favorite newsletter, but it covered some things I've been looking out for. Keep up the amazing work, guys!
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Jacob on December 02, 2012, 10:09:34 pm
I'm waiting for the one with a video of artillery in it :P
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: McEwan on December 02, 2012, 10:34:10 pm
I'm waiting for the one with a video of artillery in it :P
Oh my god yes. I NEED some clue as to how it's going to work!

Nice blogs by the way. I'm really learning a lot.  :D
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: The Norseman on December 02, 2012, 10:47:54 pm
I agree with Jacob and Ewan Mcgregor. I want to see some artillery! :)
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Jacob on December 02, 2012, 11:17:13 pm
Obviously we will have to wait for that :P I'm not asking for it, I'm merely stating that I am waiting for that magical moment when I spot it :P
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: TheGeekful on December 03, 2012, 02:05:35 am
Awesome progress, loving how you are doing the environment and maps. Great work and keep it up!  ;D
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Jacob on December 03, 2012, 08:45:47 am
Looking awshum btw
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Chequered on December 03, 2012, 03:00:02 pm
Can't wait for it, Good job guys! :D
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: The Norseman on December 03, 2012, 04:25:57 pm
As long as it does not lagg I am alrigth with anything you can come up with!
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Jacob on December 03, 2012, 05:12:37 pm
Quick question on the map side of thing. Given that the server sizes are planned to 500 ish, will there be extremely large maps set in city environments to have a different style of battle to open ground, and will there be lots of enter-able buildings to equate for 250 players a side?
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: tedstery on December 03, 2012, 09:33:59 pm
Feels like i'm in college when you talk about baking, seeing as i'm doing a Game Development Course, and doing all of this stuff :P
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Costello on December 03, 2012, 10:20:56 pm
These letters make for interesting reading. Shows how much work you are putting into it. The devil is in the detail. You've got me reviewing my bookshelf! More Civil war books needed!
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Mercer on December 04, 2012, 03:56:11 am
That's pretty nice.

Progress is being done, that's what's important
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Olafson on December 04, 2012, 11:25:31 am
Quick question on the map side of thing. Given that the server sizes are planned to 500 ish, will there be extremely large maps set in city environments to have a different style of battle to open ground, and will there be lots of enter-able buildings to equate for 250 players a side?

We will not have any buildings that can not be entered.
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Karth on December 04, 2012, 05:06:51 pm
Quick question on the map side of thing. Given that the server sizes are planned to 500 ish, will there be extremely large maps set in city environments to have a different style of battle to open ground, and will there be lots of enter-able buildings to equate for 250 players a side?

We will not have any buildings that can not be entered.

Wow that should be interesting  :D
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Jacob on December 04, 2012, 05:12:01 pm
Quick question on the map side of thing. Given that the server sizes are planned to 500 ish, will there be extremely large maps set in city environments to have a different style of battle to open ground, and will there be lots of enter-able buildings to equate for 250 players a side?

We will not have any buildings that can not be entered.

I officially love you <3
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: TheGeekful on December 07, 2012, 06:37:04 pm
Looks great, can't wait to see the models more detailed and also the map.
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Suede on December 07, 2012, 11:19:28 pm
Will it support DX9?(not to mention DX7...or?)
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Vincenzo on December 07, 2012, 11:22:40 pm
We will support DX11   but also backwards compatible with DX 10 and 9
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Jacob on December 07, 2012, 11:34:47 pm
We will support DX11   but also backwards compatible with DX 10 and 9

Sounds nice honey
Title: Re: Developer Blog 3 - Status Update
Post by: Skyfall on July 05, 2016, 03:50:28 pm
Imo dis is the best bcof dev blog