Would you like to see the 'Smoothing' texture detail mode become standard?

[Vice]

(example of smoothing applied to a ship in the game, right click and save the image for full size viewing)

I'm fairly certain I will be implementing this as standard in the game now, but want to run this poll for a bit before finalizing the changes in case there are players interested in keeping the more flat/angular look of the non-smoothing mode. Implementing smoothing as standard will provide the following benefits/changes:

- Smoothing will become standard across all texture modes (low, medium, and high).
- The effect will be baked into the models directly, so no additional loading time as there is now with 'High + Smoothing'.
- Expanded use of smoothing across more objects in the game for the smoother/softer light reflection behavior.
- The smoothing option will be removed from the texture detail menu.

[matchbox2022]

Definitely! All for faster loads.

[Serayl]

I'm for this, although I would have appreciated a non-smoothing image for the sake of easy comparison. Since it doesn't sound like the smoothing option will hit performance at all, the only reason I could see for not doing it is aesthetics.

[Vice]

Here are some comparison images to illustrate the difference (using the 'High' and 'High + Smoothing' option currently in the game):







And another ship specific screenshot showing the Shrike with the effect enabled:

[Raven0]

How will the game rendering decide which edges are smooth and which are sharp? Is it something we can manipulate with normals in the model file or is it an arbitrary decision based on angle of the edges between polygons?

[Vice]

It will be the same smoothing system that is available now, simply pre-defined normal smoothing in the models. So there are no changes to how it would look or work, only the smoothing option would be removed from the texture detail menu once it is standard. You'd still be able to import your own custom models and use whatever normals you'd want.

[Starwiz]

I am using the smooth option now, but I voted "No", because I would not want the player deprived of the opportunity to decide how the objects will look in the game. Not all likes smoothed edges.

[Marvin]

I am using the smooth option now, but I voted "No", because I would not want the player deprived of the opportunity to decide how the objects will look in the game.

Ditto.

[Vice]

Thank you for your votes everyone. For the two who voted no here in the forum poll, I will work on a separate dedicated smoothing checkbox option in the texture details menu that will allow you to still turn it off if you want to.

[Starwiz]

Thank you so much.