GGMAX Enhancement - Real Empty Levels

[OldFlak]

Please add ability to have proper empty levels. Currently an empty level is just flat terrain - so really it should be named just that - Flat terrain

I have a space level created using the so-called Empty Level option - with no assets added and just using a Start Marker and a 2K skybox clocked in at around 4.2.

Now as it is for a space level the terrain is turned off - or rather not rendered - so it is a complete waste of resources. As it stands the whole level with assets to date is around 7.5 gig of ram usage. More is used by the invisible terrain than the assets.

So can we please have an Empty Level as in really empty or at least a single 2 tri plane

Thanks for considering :)

[mav3r1ck1981]

Ill second. third and one hundred this! I could finally start my future project, without a truly empty level, its just not practical.

[C4ever08]

Yes i agree. It could be added as a tick box to turn off completely. it takes out the immersion in a space game when you hit invisible terrain floor, its forced me to move my assets way up high this would be beneficial.

[synchromesh62]

Its not as easy as it sounds .. Right now something needs to be there because the whole Navmesh System relies on it being there, If you just turn it off the Navmesh will not function. Its a lot of work and not a simple check box unfortunately :(

[OldFlak]

Well it is a feature request - not expecting it any time soon, and its more about removing wasted resources i.e. 4+gig of unseen geometry.

That said it may be easier than it seams - just a two try plane that covers the playable area. that gives the navmesh a base, and gets rid of the wasted ram usage for something you can't see.

In GGc you could actually walk off the edge of the map, by adding a bit of code to stop the engine preventing you. The endless terrain in MAX is not really endless, just renders stuff outside the playable area. That tho was not really thought through properly as you can get to the edge, and witness Lawnmower Dans activities in culling the grass.

So I would suggest that an empty level also allows you to walk off the edge of the map - other games types would benefit from the illusion of an endless abyss below. After all if you can't go there what is the point of endless terrain and the resources it uses anyway, you can fake that with billboards or skyboxes.

It would not need a checkbox - empty is empty - so that level will not need painted terrain or the ability to sculpt, it will rely completely on your models for walkable areas.

[firstbastion]

I like this idea too. There's lots of reasons a real empty level could be useful. And properly resource managed. And if it can't be empty, then a small 10x10 terrain just at the player start point could hopefully be a compromise. It would also have to use just the checker terrain, because all those 2k terrain textures are probably bloating up the resources.