Why dynamic skyboxes should still be in Serious Sam 4

[PootisMayo]

After seeing many of Terepin’s posts and threads about dynamic skyboxes in Serious Sam, I have to say that I do agree with him there. I’ve decided to shed some light on this subject by creating my own discussion thread about these.

Sure it may not affect gameplay in any way, but it does add a lot to the environmental detail of any level. I mean, clouds can't just stay frozen in place forever; that would make a static skybox, which can make the level detail look dated. They have to move because of wind blowing them in the sky, which would then make the clouds more dynamic in video game levels. I hear you did these in SS2, but dropped them completely in later games (though the Talos Principle had rotating clouds in a few levels, but those look a bit weaker and can be improved on). Solais stated in some threads that they only use moving skyboxes in levels with special moods, but I say use them in normal moods like partly cloudy, sunny days more often.

It baffles me that other people don't really discuss dynamic skyboxes in games more often, which is why I chose to talk about it here. Croteam, as much as I love to look at clouds travelling in the sky, I want to see what you can do with these in SS4.

Edit: new trailer popped up and skyboxes are STILL non-volumetric. Just learn from your mistakes, Croteam.

[Terepin]

I just can't and won't accept the fact that after so many years of development, Serious Engine isn't capable of rendering them. And by that I mean LITERALLY rendering them. Not just a rotating sky wallpaper, but an actual fully rendered skybox. There was an argument that such thing wasn't needed before. A valid point for sure (even though BioShock Infinite was a corridor shooter that also had fully rendered skybox), however since they are going for more open-ish world in SS4, that argument won't hold anymore. SS4 would be able to and I will compare it to Far Cry 4, in which moving clouds were casting dynamic shadows and reducing the amount of sunlight. But somehow I don't think that CT will add that to SS4.

[PootisMayo]

Originally posted by Terepin:

I just can't and won't accept the fact that after so many years of development Serious Engine isn't capable of rendering them. And by that I mean LITERALLY rendering them. Not just a rotating sky wallpaper, but an actual fully rendered skybox. There was an argument that such thing wasn't needed before. A valid point to a point for sure (even though BioShock Infinite was a corridor shooter that also had fully rendered skybox), however since they are going for more open-ish world in SS4, that argument won't hold anymore. SS4 would be able to and I will compare it to Far Cry 4, in which moving clouds were casting dynamic shadows and reducing the amount of sunlight. But somehow I don't think that CT will add that to SS4.

I can't see a reason to disagree with you. Good point.

[Asdolg]

lmao, dynamic skyboxes are turning into religion

[PootisMayo]

Originally posted by Asdolg:

lmao, dynamic skyboxes are turning into religion

Not really a religion, just a largely requested feature.

OK, maybe a religion

[Terepin]

Originally posted by Asdolg:

lmao, dynamic skyboxes are turning into religion

Because we understand their importance. And it looks like CT is slowly realizing it as well, if TTP is any indication.

[The baa!]

It wouldent hurt so much if ss2 didnt have better skyboxes than ss3.

[Famix]

That cloud's been in the same place for 3 hours . . .

Seriously, just having a cloud texture really far up that moves would be better than nothing.

[PootisMayo]

Originally posted by Famix:

That cloud's been in the same place for 3 hours . . .

Seriously, just having a cloud texture really far up that moves would be better than nothing.

Sure that'd work, but what about actual 3D clouds that could change shape while moving in the skies? That's more up-to-date in video game environment design.

[Terepin]

Here, check this videos from other games and gaze upon the things that dynamic skybox can create:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brsWYP0JBx0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwi4K4x0Q3k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODN6PuCHRUU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtr-QsHBml8

[PootisMayo]

Those are perfect examples of dynamic clouds in video games. I'd sell my chest hair just to see those in Serious Sam.

[Terepin]

I'd sell my d*ck!

[Terepin]

Why no dev comments here? Are they preparing a surprise, or they don't care?

[The baa!]

Originally posted by Terepin:

Why no dev comments here? Are they preparing a surprise, or they don't care?

Well rn. its probebely them taking a holiday break.

[Terepin]

Since 13.12.?

[The baa!]

Originally posted by Terepin:

Since 13.12.?

No clue tbh. I only hope what we get is a big suprise.