"HD" skins and server performance
"HD" skins and server performance
Hi there .-)
I'm currently working on a new player skin. Yesterday I installed a directx11 renderer and recognized, that it makes this skin - as well as the preinstalled default epic skins - quite pixelated. So I tried using some bigger graphic dimensions. It worked with 1024x1024 and 2048x2048 pixels, which looks less pixelated.
Blut before reworking all textures, I'd like to know if larger textures have a negative impact on the server performance.
Does anybody have a clue?
Any answer is really appreciated.
Cheers.
I'm currently working on a new player skin. Yesterday I installed a directx11 renderer and recognized, that it makes this skin - as well as the preinstalled default epic skins - quite pixelated. So I tried using some bigger graphic dimensions. It worked with 1024x1024 and 2048x2048 pixels, which looks less pixelated.
Blut before reworking all textures, I'd like to know if larger textures have a negative impact on the server performance.
Does anybody have a clue?
Any answer is really appreciated.
Cheers.
Some stuff made by me:
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
- Dr.Flay
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Re: "HD" skins and server performance
Welcome to the forum neo2k76
The renderer shouldn't make them look more pixellated unless the configuration is wrong or it is bugged.
Renderer defaults are not great and are set for maximum compatibility not quality.
Where did you get the renderer ?
If it is from Kenties site, it is only a proof of concept version, so the DX10 version may be better.
If it is from ModDB I have no idea as I haven't tried it. I stick with the renderers from OldUnreal
(If you use nVidia GFX then you should be using a modern GL renderer)
It shouldn't effect server performance unless you are sat playing on the server.
However anyone connecting with original renderers will not be able to use the textures if they are sent out.
There is a special way to create compatible textures where the compressed HD bitmap is merged with the plain one. I can't advise on that as I haven't done it. However "MergeDXT GUI" will be your tool of choice.
It is worth noting that UEd2.1 for Unreal 227 and UEd3 fro UT200x are better for making DDS/S3TC texture packs
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5370&p=61446#p61446
Also many people miss an important step and the textures get the wrong LOD when rendered
viewtopic.php?f=34&t=3981&hilit=s3tc&start=15#p39193
The renderer shouldn't make them look more pixellated unless the configuration is wrong or it is bugged.
Renderer defaults are not great and are set for maximum compatibility not quality.
Where did you get the renderer ?
If it is from Kenties site, it is only a proof of concept version, so the DX10 version may be better.
If it is from ModDB I have no idea as I haven't tried it. I stick with the renderers from OldUnreal
(If you use nVidia GFX then you should be using a modern GL renderer)
It shouldn't effect server performance unless you are sat playing on the server.
However anyone connecting with original renderers will not be able to use the textures if they are sent out.
There is a special way to create compatible textures where the compressed HD bitmap is merged with the plain one. I can't advise on that as I haven't done it. However "MergeDXT GUI" will be your tool of choice.
It is worth noting that UEd2.1 for Unreal 227 and UEd3 fro UT200x are better for making DDS/S3TC texture packs
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5370&p=61446#p61446
Also many people miss an important step and the textures get the wrong LOD when rendered
viewtopic.php?f=34&t=3981&hilit=s3tc&start=15#p39193
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Your Unreal resources: https://yourunreal.wordpress.com
The UT99/UnReal Directory: https://forumdirectory.freeforums.org
Find me on Steam and GoG
- EvilGrins
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Re: "HD" skins and server performance
Do you mean skin for a default model or a new model?
For the most part skins tend to fit within 256x256, that's the normal size. Unless you're working on a larger model there's no need for larger textures.
Larger ones do happen sometimes, I've seen them used... but given most player models are all about the same size a larger texture doesn't necessarily make it more detailed.
For the most part skins tend to fit within 256x256, that's the normal size. Unless you're working on a larger model there's no need for larger textures.
Larger ones do happen sometimes, I've seen them used... but given most player models are all about the same size a larger texture doesn't necessarily make it more detailed.
http://unreal-games.livejournal.com/
Smilies · viewtopic.php?f=8&t=13758medor wrote:Replace Skaarj with EvilGrins
Re: "HD" skins and server performance
Hi Dr. Flay,
thx for welcoming me! .-)
https://www.moddb.com/mods/unreal-direc ... cbu-and-dx
I also installed the height maps:
https://www.moddb.com/mods/unreal-direc ... une-and-dx
I precisely followed the instructions in the readme. There weren't any modification to be made, other than copying files.
The issue occurs in Windows 10 on my virtual machine und Mac OS - that's the system I'm working with.
Under native Windows 10 (the system I use to play UT) the renderer doesn't work at all.
I tried several Direct X drivers, but sadly I didn't get them to work with the renderer. But that's another story .-(
Are you sure, that this pixelation isn't normal with such a renderer?
Here you can see some sample screenshots. The torso texture is the only one I tested, that's why I darkened the rest.
D3D11 renderer (the pixelation is most visible in the lower chest area in front view and on the shoulder plates in side view):
Note: I didn't finish optimizing the camp texture after sizing up, so that's where the bright pixels come from.
---
D3D9 renderer (here the pixelation is less obvious):
thx for welcoming me! .-)
It's - as you guessed - from the ModDB site:Dr.Flay wrote: ↑Wed Sep 16, 2020 10:31 pm The renderer shouldn't make them look more pixellated unless the configuration is wrong or it is bugged.
Renderer defaults are not great and are set for maximum compatibility not quality.
Where did you get the renderer ?
If it is from Kenties site, it is only a proof of concept version, so the DX10 version may be better.
If it is from ModDB I have no idea as I haven't tried it. I stick with the renderers from OldUnreal
(If you use nVidia GFX then you should be using a modern GL renderer)
https://www.moddb.com/mods/unreal-direc ... cbu-and-dx
I also installed the height maps:
https://www.moddb.com/mods/unreal-direc ... une-and-dx
I precisely followed the instructions in the readme. There weren't any modification to be made, other than copying files.
The issue occurs in Windows 10 on my virtual machine und Mac OS - that's the system I'm working with.
Under native Windows 10 (the system I use to play UT) the renderer doesn't work at all.
I tried several Direct X drivers, but sadly I didn't get them to work with the renderer. But that's another story .-(
Are you sure, that this pixelation isn't normal with such a renderer?
Here you can see some sample screenshots. The torso texture is the only one I tested, that's why I darkened the rest.
D3D11 renderer (the pixelation is most visible in the lower chest area in front view and on the shoulder plates in side view):
Note: I didn't finish optimizing the camp texture after sizing up, so that's where the bright pixels come from.
---
D3D9 renderer (here the pixelation is less obvious):
Last edited by neo2k76 on Thu Sep 17, 2020 11:37 am, edited 1 time in total.
Some stuff made by me:
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
Re: "HD" skins and server performance
Here are two standard skins rendered with D3d9 and D3d11 for comparison.
Note: the images need to be clicked upon to see the difference.
Note: the images need to be clicked upon to see the difference.
Some stuff made by me:
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
Re: "HD" skins and server performance
Just to be sure that I understand you right here:
That is to say, if one would directly play on the machine using the UT installation that is also functioning as the server?
Some stuff made by me:
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
Re: "HD" skins and server performance
Which one ist the original renderer? The D3d7?
Thx for the information. Sounds interesting. I'll have to check this. .-)
What are DDS texture packs?Dr.Flay wrote: ↑Wed Sep 16, 2020 10:31 pm It is worth noting that UEd2.1 for Unreal 227 and UEd3 fro UT200x are better for making DDS/S3TC texture packs
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5370&p=61446#p61446
Also many people miss an important step and the textures get the wrong LOD when rendered
viewtopic.php?f=34&t=3981&hilit=s3tc&start=15#p39193
Some stuff made by me:
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
Re: "HD" skins and server performance
EvilGrins wrote: ↑Wed Sep 16, 2020 10:48 pm Do you mean skin for a default model or a new model?
For the most part skins tend to fit within 256x256, that's the normal size. Unless you're working on a larger model there's no need for larger textures.
Larger ones do happen sometimes, I've seen them used... but given most player models are all about the same size a larger texture doesn't necessarily make it more detailed.
Hi EvilGrins,
thx for answering. .-)
I'm a bit familiar with making skins for UT99. Just somehow rusty. ,-)
I released some skins to utskins.com back in the years 2000-2001. The first skin I made and at the same time the highest rated skin on utskins.com was "Battlesuit" for the Boss model.
Perhaps I'll release an update someday. Not sure right now.
Here's the corresponding rating on utskins.com in the web.archive:
http://web.archive.org/web/200103040354 ... s/bo13.htm
You can download it here:
https://unrealarchive.org/skins/unreal- ... 1ad2a.html
I saw you mentioned it here: viewtopic.php?t=4571
Another skin of mine is the "Bloodreaper" skin.
Even though I didn't put too much effort in it, it was one of my favs.
Here's the corresponding site on utskins.com in the web.archive:
http://web.archive.org/web/200103031312 ... d/sh09.htm
You can download it here:
https://unrealarchive.org/skins/unreal- ... 21a16.html
But enough of that. I just tried the "HD Texture Pack for Unreal Tournament" released by AHaigh01 and made a screenshot of the female soldier skin. Here you can see the difference to the standard skin I posted above:
HD texture source:
https://sites.google.com/view/unrealhdtextures/home
Some stuff made by me:
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
- fudgonaut
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Re: "HD" skins and server performance
I remember the Battlesuit and Bloodreaper skins when you first put them out. Some of my favorite work - and part of what inspired me to make (and eventually remake) my Diesel skin, and Octane skin. Thanks for your great work!
25 Anniversary Map Signup
My UT stuff:
CTF-NRMC-Gravitation | CTF-Panamax | Octane Boss Skin | Diesel mkII Boss Skin | Magma NewXan Skin | Skinsect Skjaarj Skin | Gaspack Voicepack
"Also UPDATE YOUR SIGNATURE"
-UnrealGGecko
My UT stuff:
CTF-NRMC-Gravitation | CTF-Panamax | Octane Boss Skin | Diesel mkII Boss Skin | Magma NewXan Skin | Skinsect Skjaarj Skin | Gaspack Voicepack
"Also UPDATE YOUR SIGNATURE"
-UnrealGGecko
Re: "HD" skins and server performance
Hey fudgonaut! .-))
your answer really made my day! .-)
It's great to hear that someone out there is really remembering some of my stuff! And even more that it inspired you to make some custom skins! .-)
Am I right in assuming, that today no one is anymore interested in custom skins? Since it seems to be all about performing as a player these days!? What do you think?
Cheers, neo
your answer really made my day! .-)
It's great to hear that someone out there is really remembering some of my stuff! And even more that it inspired you to make some custom skins! .-)
Am I right in assuming, that today no one is anymore interested in custom skins? Since it seems to be all about performing as a player these days!? What do you think?
Cheers, neo
Some stuff made by me:
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
- EvilGrins
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Re: "HD" skins and server performance
Nice to see someone else remembers UTskins.com, and I'm familiar with that skin.
Although, now that I know you made it I gotta ask... the team color for blue on that boss skin is great but not so much red, green, and yellow. Why'd you not do the same for them?
http://unreal-games.livejournal.com/
Smilies · viewtopic.php?f=8&t=13758medor wrote:Replace Skaarj with EvilGrins
Re: "HD" skins and server performance
Some people on here are interested in custom skins - EG posts his fairly frequently for example.
I use what I can but there are so many and only so many bots (320) one can put them on - I've probably got around 2K custom skins I haven't used yet or even looked at. It's always nice to see new ones though.
The battlesuit skin looks really cool - I don't have that so will get it and try it out.
- EvilGrins
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Re: "HD" skins and server performance
I still make them, though it may explain why my skinning contest this year · viewtopic.php?f=1&t=13996 · didn't yield more results.
Going to do another one of those next year, cross your fingers and be sure to come back for it.
http://unreal-games.livejournal.com/
Smilies · viewtopic.php?f=8&t=13758medor wrote:Replace Skaarj with EvilGrins
Re: "HD" skins and server performance
The time I made that skin I didn't I play team games with more than two teams. So I thought blue vs black & red would be distinguishable enough for me. ,-)
But since I really like the CTF4 mod I'm considering updating the colors.
The skin I'm currently working on will have a more striking appearance regarding the team colors.
Some stuff made by me:
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
Re: "HD" skins and server performance
Hey OjitroC,
I'm glad you like it. .-)
Some stuff made by me:
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)
battlesuit ut99 skin | bloodreaper ut99 skin | amazon ut99 skin for abbey model - youthful folly ,-)