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Normal maps for game development

johann.hesters_2e9dd0ece9johann.hesters_2e9dd0ece9 Posts: 342
edited December 1969 in The Commons

The texture atlas does not create a normal map.

DAZ is going to be used more and more for game development, and in game development, normal maps are really important.
Even if a model includes a normal map, the texture atlas will not output it.

I would like to ask for a fix so that the texture atlas will output normal maps as well.
It has the option to output normal maps, but it does not does not so.

Thank you.

Comments

  • SnowSultanSnowSultan Posts: 3,648
    edited December 1969

    Normal maps aren't just important for game development, they're vital for proper PBR (physically-based rendering) and now that Iray is a priority of DAZ, the PAs should try to get in the habit of exporting them as well as AO, Curvature, and other maps directly from their modeler during the creation process.

  • FSMCDesignsFSMCDesigns Posts: 12,783
    edited December 1969

    I would not encourage any budding game developer to use DS or the DAZ models for game use. It's not what they are designed for, would take to much work to get them usable in most cases and the cost of the licenses to be able to use them is a bit high. Best to get a modeler and design your own assets from the ground up specifically for gaming purposes. Now if using sprites only, then I can see DS being useful, but them you don't really need the normal maps as much.

    The reason texture atlas does not create normal maps is that you don't have normal maps plugged into the channels for them already. Texture atlas only includes what maps it starts with when it combines them, nothing more. If you want normal maps, make some for the various textures before running texture atlas. There are quite a few normal map making utilities and Gimp even makes them.

  • johann.hesters_2e9dd0ece9johann.hesters_2e9dd0ece9 Posts: 342
    edited June 2015

    I have not yet followed your instructions on how to manually create a normal map, but I totally disagree with you that DAZ should not be used for game characters.
    The license fees that I have seen published by DAZ model authors seem perfectly fine, and also the models work just great in my game engine: Perfect rigs, perfect UVs. At least if the model is based on M5 / V5.

    Post edited by johann.hesters_2e9dd0ece9 on
  • FSMCDesignsFSMCDesigns Posts: 12,783
    edited December 1969

    We'll agree to disagree then. i work with a fair bit of game meshes and they are usually designed much differently than DAZ figures with much lower poly counts.

    try this for normal maps in Gimp
    https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Normal_Map_Creation_in_The_GIMP

  • Dream CutterDream Cutter Posts: 1,224
    edited December 1969

    FSMCDesigns said:
    We'll agree to disagree then. i work with a fair bit of game meshes and they are usually designed much differently than DAZ figures with much lower poly counts.

    try this for normal maps in Gimp
    https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Normal_Map_Creation_in_The_GIMP

    Effort is in the eye of the beholder and is measured against the value gained. Sure DAZ figures need to be converted and optimized for real-time render engien use, but its worth it IMO. The DO license is a terrific value.
    The focus of 3d publishing only for games is the limfac IMO. Most here would want to create virtual exhibitions of thier art. Its like the graphic artists are shifting from cave wall paintings to roman sculpture.

  • CypherFOXCypherFOX Posts: 3,401
    edited June 2015

    Greetings,

    Dream Cutter said:
    Effort is in the eye of the beholder and is measured against the value gained. Sure DAZ figures need to be converted and optimized for real-time render engien use, but its worth it IMO. The DO license is a terrific value.
    The focus of 3d publishing only for games is the limfac IMO. Most here would want to create virtual exhibitions of thier art. Its like the graphic artists are shifting from cave wall paintings to roman sculpture.
    ... The focus of 3d publishing only for games is the limfac IMO. ...

    ... limfac ... ... Made me google. :) limfac == Limiting Factor -- Morgan
    Post edited by CypherFOX on
  • johann.hesters_2e9dd0ece9johann.hesters_2e9dd0ece9 Posts: 342
    edited June 2015

    @FSMCDesigns

    Yes, you would most certainly want to remove some tris here and there and kill those tris covered by clothes.
    But for quick prototyping, the DAZ models are great.

    Can you explain this?

    "The reason texture atlas does not create normal maps is that you don’t have normal maps plugged into the channels for them already. Texture atlas only includes what maps it starts with when it combines them, nothing more. If you want normal maps, make some for the various textures before running texture atlas. There are quite a few normal map making utilities and Gimp even makes them."

    I also wonder why you recommend using Gimp to create a normal map for me.
    I only want to keep the existing normal map when using Texture Atlas.
    Some figures do have a normal map, but texture atlas kills them / does not output them.

    Edit: Oh.... I think the latest DAZ version (4.8 Pro) fixed the problem. I am now getting normals!!

    Post edited by johann.hesters_2e9dd0ece9 on
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