FBX LOD - Feature Request¶

This feature, or set of features, would make high-poly 3D models a much more feasible option for mod creators by allowing creators to squeeze in more detail with less impact on the users game performance.

User Personas¶

The 3D Model Creator¶

As a 3D mod creator, I need the ability to set varying levels of detail (or LOD) for the models I am creating. Each LOD would be tied to a specific range of distances away from the player view.

This feature would potentially improve game performance by rendering the highest detailed version of models only at the closest range and would progressively switch to lower detailed levels at greater distances, possibly reverting to sprites at the greatest distance.

The Player¶

As a player, I desire good performance and frame rates while using mods that contain high polygon 3D models. A drop in frame rates does negatively impact my gaming experience, and could dissuade me from using the offending mods.

As a player, having the option to set the maximum 3D model render distance would empower me to find a balance between model details and performance.

As a player, having an option to limit the maximum number of models on screen would further empower me.

Feature Considerations¶

One acceptable solution would be to empower the mod creator to specify the distance that each detail level would be rendered and specifying a max distance if desired. However, this does not account for differing capabilities of computers.

A better solution would be to empower the players with some control over this by providing a “3D Model Render Distance” setting in the form of a slider. In this solution the mod creator would define a number of detail levels and the models used for each level. The actual range of each level would respond to the user defined setting.

I.e., User sets the max render distance to 4,000 units, the object model contains 4 levels of detail, so LOD level 1 is rendered within the nearest 1,000 units, level 2 is rendered within 1k and 2k units, lvl 3 between 2k and 3k, lvl 4 - 3k and 4K, and finally the object reverts to its sprites beyond 4,000 units. If the creator did not specify LOD, only one level would be rendered within the 4,000 units.

Acceptance Criteria¶

1 - models with LOD, switch between detail levels as determined by the mod creator

2 - the feature is additive and does not render existing settings, mods, or models obsolete

3 - LOD levels scale within the user defined max render distance (see next)

4 - settings options for 3D Model maximum render distance (may require a separate feature request)

5 - settings option for maximum number of models rendered (may require a separate feature request)