[WIP] Helmet Overlays

[scrivener07]

The dimensions are still 1920x1080 but there will be an amount of art work that is off screen to accommodate the animations. The exact amounts are still wip so Id like feedback from artists.

Heres an info graphic on how a 1920x1080 overlay scales to the viewport. Should give anyone a rough idea of where the offscreen zone is.

 

http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj569/Scrivener07/Canvas.png

 

The purple is the viewport. Its the visible area thats displayed on screen. The white is the bounds for an overlay. The overlay has been scaled by 72% of 1920x1080 to (1382.4 x 777.6) and then offset from the origin to keep it centered. So the white area is the maximum distance any overlay can sway or jostle.

 

 

 

These are the DDS settings I use.

http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj569/Scrivener07/DDS_Settings.png

[megapolom]

Sounds good.

If I understand transparency in .dds I need to flatten the image before saving it right? And the invisible part is saved as alpha channel?

 

As far as dimensions go there is a + and a -. On one hand I can fit more of the texture on (or more correctly off) screen so that's good, but on the other hand, the overlays that I already created will need to be redone if I want to keep the details that I, despite the blur, managed to retain on the sides and in the corners.

 

Oh yea, don't know if you checked my previous post. What's the easiest way to send you the textures. Sorry for repeating myself if you did.

Edited September 15, 2015 by megapolom

[scrivener07]

If I understand transparency in .dds I need to flatten the image before saving it right? And the invisible part is saved as alpha channel?

When I save a texture from photoshop it uses any visible layer. The invisible parts are converted to alpha automatically, you shouldnt need to flatten it.

 

 

As far as dimensions go there is a + and a -. On one hand I can fit more of the texture on (or more correctly off) screen so that's good, but on the other hand, the overlays that I already created will need to be redone if I want to keep the details that I, despite the blur, managed to retain on the sides and in the corners.

I struggled with a good way to support overlay animations without breaking previous overlays. The best plan I can think of is to make animations optional. Where if you enable animations the overlay is autosized and positioned to 72%. If animations are disabled then the overlay is displayed in full, edge to edge. Even though the scaling wasnt in your original designs they all still look good :) You think this should work in the long run. I want to avoid any other growing pains.

 

 

Oh yea, don't know if you checked my previous post. What's the easiest way to send you the textures. Sorry for repeating myself if you did.

Direct email [email protected] or any file share site like Google Drive.

[megapolom]

Don't worry about me having extra work :smile:

For now I'm fine wih using the already made overlays. I'll start improving them after all vanila+dlc ones are done if I have time in the upcoming weeks. One by one, they will all fall before the mighty brush of megapolom :tongue:

 

As far as alpha channel goes, if I don't flatten then image before saving the partially opaque border gets all messy and ugly and stuff and that makes me very, very angry :mad:

+ When I flatten the image it shows all those dirty mistakes I made in the process :facepalm: that I didn't see before on the transparent background

 

Sent you the first 4. Tell me how it works.

Others will be done in the following 3-4 days max.

Edited September 15, 2015 by megapolom

[Leubast]

I sent you a test overlay of the Iron Helmet in .dds. Let me know if it works for you!

[scrivener07]

Thanks, I got both of your mails. The textures all worked right away. Megapolom, your chitin BLOWS my mind. Double blown with the animations. Excellent work everyone.

 

http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj569/Scrivener07/ScreenShot106.png

http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj569/Scrivener07/ScreenShot110.png

http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj569/Scrivener07/ScreenShot113.png

http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj569/Scrivener07/ScreenShot111.png

 

 

Now Im sitting on a compilation of overlays from various modders thats ready to be installed in game. With this mod I didnt want to actually include any overlay art in the main distribution. But Im also no opposed to a compilation of donated overlays on my nexus page if thats what you guys want to do. I think its in everyones best interest as authors to host your own compilations as your own nexus file. That way you get the control and recognition you guys deserve.

 

 

 

Ill start poking you guys over PM for file permissions. 1.4e is coming. I just need a little more time :smile:

[scrivener07]

OK need to ask a question about .dds :tongue:

Do I need to generate MIP maps and alpha channel

Also DXT1 or DXT5? And would I be correct in assuming these textures will not be reacting to light sources in the future?

 

Edit: Did some testing. Is it ok if I save dds file as DXT3 with explicit alpha for transparency with MIP maps generation?

Also what would be the easiest way to send you the textures (they need to contain alpha for transparency)?

I have zero idea about art stuff. I dont even know what a MIP map is haha :cool:

[megapolom]

Glad to hear you like it :smile:

As far as my textures for overlays go, you have my full permission to host the files on your page.

If you decide you don't want them for whatever reason, then I guess I'll make the compilation as my own file.

 

Note to myself: Make textures first, decide later. Decisions are hard.

 

Anyway, when I'm finished I'll send you the textures.

And I have to say that this was my first time working on a mod and thanks for all the help I got from you and Everlive. It's been and is a pleasure :smile:

[Leubast]

We could get someone that can make NMM installers so for each headgear with multiple options could be selected. We'd just have to make a big "Legendary" version of the mod with all those options available.
Then have the Main mod with scrivener07's overlays and our overlays as different optional downloads.

[scrivener07]

New version is up!

Download: http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/69611/

Modders: http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/articles/50425/

 

New version has animated overlays and an easier file format, '.dds'

There is also a new download called Community Overlays. Its a compilation of premade overlays ready to play in game. Thanks to friends at bethesda and nexus forums.