[Kolossus]

Hello everybody,

it's been a while since my last time around here, but I was wondering something about models.

Let's say I need to put 3-5 columns in a row, just an example, what is better?

• I place N models where each is a column
  
• I make a single model of basically 3 columns.

I hope the question is clear but if you have any doubt, just ask.

[FS HappyDay]

Most of the time it doesn't matter. In both cases the tris and faces count are the same. The only thing that might differ is the surface count. Usually a model creates very few surfaces. If your model has more than 1000 vertices (I'm not too sure about that number) you'll get a surface for each face even when you don't lightmap the model. So I'd say keep your individual models rather simple. If the surface count explodes for a certain model you should probably split it into multiple models.

[FS Frankie V]

The idtech3 engine will render models as a single unit even though made up of separate elements.

Lets say you make a building and import it into the game as a single model. If any part of that building is visible in the video port the entire model is render in full. If the same building is assembled in parts as separate elements of the same building then only the element is rendered.

The HD alpha design on the other hand optimizes mesh based objects into groupings.



The wire frame shows the groupings even though the entire map was exported as a single map and runs at frame rates higher than 125. Running under idtech3 the rates tanks.

Best practice build the map in parts and is typical of any world builder like Unity or UDK.

[Kolossus]

So having three or "split" models means that only a part is rendered for the player, i.e. what the player sees. That settles it. If I was to make all models into "one" then everything would be rendered and the FPS (among the other things) would suffer, right?

By the way, the video you posted... it reminded me of my map but it's going to be different. :P

Thanks for the help guys.

This post has been edited by Kolossus: 13 March 2013 - 10:42 AM

[FS Frankie V]

Kolossus, on 13 March 2013 - 10:42 AM, said:

So having three or "split" models means that only a part is rendered for the player, i.e. what the player sees. That settles it. If I was to make all models into "one" then everything would be rendered and the FPS (among the other things) would suffer, right?

That is correct.

[Kolossus]

Thanks again Frankie. :)