Step 15: Defining Loading Ranges for Streaming Layers

Objective:

Set the distances at which different streaming layers begin loading objects, tailoring loading behaviors to your game’s specific requirements.

Why This Step is Important:

Loading ranges determine how far from the player objects are loaded, balancing performance and visual quality. Proper ranges prevent unnecessary loading of distant objects, optimizing resource usage.

Detailed Instructions:

1. Access Scene Manager:
   • Navigate to:
     Tools > Nature Manufacture > World Streamer > Scene Manager

2. Navigate to Streaming Layers Tab:
   • Within the Scene Manager, ensure you’re on the Streaming Layers tab.
3. Select a Streaming Layer:
   • Click on the desired streaming layer to configure, e.g., TerrainAndTrees.
4. Set Load Ranges:
   • Definition: Determines the distance from the player at which objects in the layer are loaded.
   • Configuration:
     • Load Range: Specify the maximum distance at which objects should be loaded.
     • Example:
       • TerrainAndTrees: Load up to 3000m.
       • LowPolyTerrainMeshes: Load up to 10000m.
       • HugeObjects: Load up to 500m.
       • MediumOutdoorObjects: Load up to 1000m.
       • SmallOutdoorObjects: Load up to 2000m.
5. Enable Loading Range Min for Low Poly Streamer:
   • Purpose: Ensures that low-poly meshes are loaded based on minimum range criteria, preventing overlap with high-detail objects.
   • Configuration:
     • Locate the Low Poly Streamer settings within the corresponding streaming layer.
     • Check the Use Loading Range Min option.
6. Sync with Real Terrain Layer:
   • Function: Ensures that low-poly meshes and real terrains do not load simultaneously, avoiding visual conflicts.
   • Configuration:
     • Within the Low Poly Streamer settings, find the Sync with other layer checkbox.
     • Enable this option and select the streaming layer responsible for real terrains (e.g., TerrainAndTrees).
     • This synchronization ensures that when real terrains are loaded, low-poly meshes are not, and vice versa.
7. Repeat for All Relevant Layers:
   • Perform the above configurations for each streaming layer, adjusting load ranges based on object significance and visual distance requirements.
8. Example Load Ranges:

Important Considerations:

• Game Specificity: Loading ranges should be tailored to your game’s world size, player movement speed, and visual design.
• Overlap Prevention: Proper synchronization prevents multiple layers from loading the same area, which can cause performance issues and visual inconsistencies.

Notes:

• Base Map Distance Relation: Ensure that the Base Map Distance (from Step 8) complements the loading ranges to maintain seamless transitions between detailed and low-poly terrains.

Tips:

• Incremental Adjustments: Start with conservative load ranges and adjust based on in-game performance and visual assessments.
• Player Experience: Consider player perspective and movement patterns to optimize loading ranges for a smooth experience.