Clouds

[XxDaSTaRxx]

What if we turn clouds into a downloadable pack, similar to HiRes textures? That way you don't see them if it kills your FR 

[Arlo]

What if we turn clouds into a downloadable pack, similar to HiRes textures? That way you don't see them if it kills your FR 

I believe clouds are considered more than eye candy. They are tactical cover. As such, the clouds have to be rendered the same on all machines.

[guncrasher]

I don't think only NVidia cards work acceptably for clouds.  I've run a dozen special events with clouds in the new system, including two scenarios.  That's enough people to cover a wide range of computer hardware.  There were very few remarks of frame-rate hits.

There is the possibility that particular types of clouds cause more impact.  For example, I haven't used the huge anvil cumulus clouds in an event yet, so I don't know whether or not they have much frame-rate impact.

brooke I have never had a problem with clouds in fso and I have seen some heavy ones.  but in a couple of maps specially the one with the center tt and heavy clouds, my fps goes down to 30.  I cant really fly around tt.  I think some maps may have a bug or two around some places.  there's also another base, I cant remember the map where my fps drop to around 20.  so I never fly around there.


semp

[Brooke]

brooke I have never had a problem with clouds in fso and I have seen some heavy ones.  but in a couple of maps specially the one with the center tt and heavy clouds, my fps goes down to 30.  I cant really fly around tt.  I think some maps may have a bug or two around some places.  there's also another base, I cant remember the map where my fps drop to around 20.  so I never fly around there.


semp

I suspect it's not the map so much as a combination of number of ground items being rendered and the thickness/type of clouds at that part of the map.

If tank town had light sparse clouds, maybe it would be OK.

[LCADolby]

See Rule #4

[XxDaSTaRxx]

I believe clouds are considered more than eye candy. They are tactical cover. As such, the clouds have to be rendered the same on all machines.

With all do respect I don't like playing with a frame rate of 30 with clouds, I'll keep my 60 at ground level thank you 

[guncrasher]

See Rule #4

[LCADolby]

See Rule #4

[Arlo]

With all do respect I don't like playing with a frame rate of 30 with clouds, I'll keep my 60 at ground level thank you 

With all do respect, I wasn't suggesting otherwise. I was simply pointing out why clouds aren't a player end option. 

[Brooke]

You guys talking about clouds giving a frame-rate hit:

-- I've run clouds in 20 special events.
-- I've run them in two scenarios.
-- I've gotten four comments of frame rate hits out of 500 or more players.

I don't see any problem with clouds and have used them and flown in them *a lot*.  I have a computer system that is equivalent of a $600 system today (i.e., quite modest).

[Arlo]

You guys talking about clouds giving a frame-rate hit:

-- I've run clouds in 20 special events.
-- I've run them in two scenarios.
-- I've gotten four comments of frame rate hits out of 500 or more players.

I don't see any problem with clouds and have used them and flown in them *a lot*.  I have a computer system that is equivalent of a $600 system today (i.e., quite modest).

Ah, but take into consideration that you've gotten responses, I've gotten them, most of the guys in my squad have either gotten them or experienced it, others on the forum have mentioned it and it's likely more than 4 we're talking about. The comments that HTC has received via their email feedback links have more impact and if they've gotten enough to act on it, then that's probably way more than 4, as well.  

Having said that, I'm not having cloud issues even when more coulds were featured ( I enjoyed them immensely)..... but it's not all about me.  

[Brooke]

it's likely more than 4 we're talking about.

I don't think so.  When I run an event, if there is something to complain about, I get complained at.  I do think out of about 500 players, about 1% have any issue that they blame on clouds.  And out of them, probably about half are not having an issue with clouds per se but don't know what they are doing to adjust any graphics settings at all, and the other half have some frame-rate hit because they are playing on ancient hardware.

The difference is that I'm using fairly light to moderate clouds in events of particular cloud types that don't seem to have much impact.

Also, 1% complaint rate for special events is not a significant amount of complaining.  I get more complaints than that about any particular aspect ("the ships are too far away", "the ships are too close", "there are too many of plane X", "there are too few of plane X", "plane Y isn't a good substitute for plane Z, so your event is crap", etc.) than I ever did about clouds causing frame-rate issues.

[Arlo]

I don't think so.

Ok. I got nothing against you, your events or clouds (actually I consider you
a valued and valuable friend from as far back as AW and have enjoyed your
events every time I've participated). Perhaps you should take it up with Dale
and company who seem to have a different opinion.

 

[Brooke]

Ok. I got nothing against you, your events or clouds (actually I consider you
a valued and valuable friend from as far back as AW and have enjoyed your
events every time I've participated). Perhaps you should take it up with Dale
and company who seem to have a different opinion.

 

I like you, too, Arlo! 

I think it might not be difference of opinion so much as difference of threshold.  For me, in special events, clouds add a lot to the realism.  So, if 0.5% or 1% of the players have some issue, we still would use them because the positive outweighs that negative.  In the MA, most players don't seem to care a great deal about clouds, and HTC would likely get a lot more negative feedback from 0.1% of the player base that thinks it has an issue than positive feedback from folks who like clouds.  The MA cost/benefit ratio is different than in events.

[Arlo]

I think it might not be difference of opinion so much as difference of threshold.  ....  The MA cost/benefit ratio is different than in events.

I consider this a valid point.