'Intermediate' Graphical Upgrade for v1.11?
Added 2018-09-10 14:52:25 +0000 UTCI'm sure most people would agree that the current character models will need to be replaced sooner or later with more detailed and realistic models in order for the game to reach the next level. These new models can come from either of these two sources:
- The same guy (Manuel Bastioni) that made the original Blender Cycles models that I converted for Unreal Engine has been making a new more photo-realistic set of models for the past few months - so I can convert them when he's done. However, he hasn't given any indication of a release date for these new models yet.
- Me hiring a professional 3d character artist to make detailed models that are tailor made to the game's needs. Unfortunately, character artists are expensive to hire and my current Patreon at a ~$50 monthly income is still some way off achieving a budget for this.
With both options basically being out of my control and having no estimated date in sight (could easily be 2019 before either becomes a reality), I'm thinking of dedicating the next update v1.11 (which was initially planned to add 'Doctor and Nurse' career path) instead entirely to graphics, an 'intermediate graphical upgrade' if you like:
Obviously, I don't have new models to replace the existing ones yet, but perhaps for the next two weeks, I can work on improving the textures and shaders for skin, eye and hair and post processing effects (especially things like subsurface scattering that mimics how human skin glows a bit pink under sunlight). The overall improvement in graphics wouldn't be huge (because it's still the same models), but should keep people happier in the meantime until the new models come, at which point a more complete graphical overhaul can go ahead.
Alternatively, maybe you prefer that I stick to the original plan of adding more career paths for now, and just continue waiting for Manuel/ funding to have a proper graphical upgrade once and for all some time in the future?
Please vote! Again, anyone can vote, but to reward my patrons, their votes count more (because votes on Patreon are anonymous, if you're a patron and want your vote to count more, please comment also with what you voted).
