Something new I want to get straight

[Sleepandeat]

Ok I have been mapping for unreal based games for a long time now and am excited about the GOW editor and the UT3 editor. But as always with a new editor release comes a slight new learning curve. The main thing I want to figure out now is what is up with adding and subtracting... I have looked at a few maps and they are mostly static meshes, which is fine because I am good with 3ds. However it seems they re-did how to "rough out" levels.

Previously a large outdoor map would be a big subtraction with terrain in it and any structures would be additives or static meshes. From what I see now you don't need to do this anymore. All the game maps are just added to the grid. So what I want to know is what was changed as far as BSP and how we should handle the use of it. As well as how this affects making terrain. I have no problem making an entire level out of meshes but for some weird reason I like to use a little BSP now and then :p

[CrysAk]

BSP is same as always

default level settings are additive world, click the new level button for sub/add options for levels if you want a subtractive world.

terrains similar to 2k4 with more features and setting it ups a little differnt is all

BSP still EXCELLENT for blocking out the level (grey boxing), then tarting up with meshs when your happy with design/flow etc blah blah

hope that helps dude

(btw i dont have GoW yet so might be wrong lol)

[Lee Perry]

FWIW, virtually no map we've made in the last 3 years started as subtractive for either UT3 or Gears. It's much easier to dig up a sky dome and slap it in, and go to town.

Sky domes with the correct flags are cheap (no decals, lighting, etc), BSP is not as cheap to render so there's no need to fill your "sky" with big empty BSP box interior polys.

Hope that's helpful.

[Sleepandeat]

FWIW, virtually no map we've made in the last 3 years started as subtractive for either UT3 or Gears. It's much easier to dig up a sky dome and slap it in, and go to town.

Sky domes with the correct flags are cheap (no decals, lighting, etc), BSP is not as cheap to render so there's no need to fill your "sky" with big empty BSP box interior polys.

Hope that's helpful.

Thanks man. I have to look into this sky dome thing now :)