Step 9: Setting Up Streaming Layers

Objective:

Define distinct streaming rules for various categories of objects (e.g., terrains, buildings, props) by creating streaming layers.

Why This Step is Important:

Streaming layers allow World Streamer 2 to manage different object types efficiently, applying tailored streaming behaviors based on category-specific needs.

Detailed Instructions:

1. Determine Your Streaming Layers:
   • Analyze your game world and categorize objects based on their size, importance, and streaming requirements.
   • Example Categories:
     • TerrainAndTrees
     • LowPolyTerrainMeshes
     • HugeObjects (e.g., Buildings, Cliffs)
     • MediumOutdoorObjects (e.g., Market Stalls)
     • SmallOutdoorObjects (e.g., Tools, Mushrooms)
2. Create Streaming Layers in Scene Manager:
   • Open the Scene Manager via:
     Tools > Nature Manufacture > World Streamer > Scene Manager

   • Navigate to the Streaming Layers tab.
3. Add New Layers:
   • Click the Add Layer button for each category you’ve identified.
   • Naming Conventions:
     • Use clear and descriptive names, e.g., TerrainAndTrees, HugeObjects.
4. Understand Streaming Layers Functionality:
   • Each streaming layer manages how its associated objects are loaded and unloaded based on player proximity and other factors.
5. Scene Collection Manager Creation:
   • For every streaming layer you create, a corresponding Scene Collection Manager object is generated.
   • Location: These objects are stored in the Assets directory at the path specified at the top of the Streaming Layers tab.
6. Organize Scene Collection Managers:
   • Recommendation: Rename each Scene Collection Manager to match its streaming layer for easy identification.
     • Example: Rename SceneCollectionManager1 to TerrainAndTrees_Manager.
7. Note on Indoor vs. Outdoor Streaming:
   • The example setup focuses solely on outdoor objects.
   • Interiors: Handled differently, typically using collider-based streaming (covered in Step 17).

Tips:

• Hierarchy Management: Maintain a structured hierarchy by grouping similar streaming layers under parent GameObjects.
• Flexibility: You can adjust streaming layers based on game complexity and specific performance needs.

Example Setup:

StreamingLayers
├── TerrainAndTrees
│   └── TerrainAndTrees_Manager
├── LowPolyTerrainMeshes
│   └── LowPolyTerrainMeshes_Manager
├── HugeObjects
│   └── HugeObjects_Manager
├── MediumOutdoorObjects
│   └── MediumOutdoorObjects_Manager
└── SmallOutdoorObjects
    └── SmallOutdoorObjects_Manager