Bottom to top Approach- video/ graphic to Developers

Marksman-SpecialistMarksman-Specialist Join Date: 2011-01-18 Member: 78049Members
Don't flame me if my interpretation is wrong. I know that gaming now day requires almost extreme specification just to even play a games. But I know graphics alone isn't everything without good gameplay function. I know many/ majority of computer users have at least a duo core processor and 3-4gb of ram, but lacks good video card. Not everyone can afford high end computer that last for the next 5-6 years.

I know that the Devs are trying to put out a quality product, and trying to keep up to day with the technology and graphics. However, I not sure if its called a Top to bottom approach, because the engine right now is optimized to work with the most intense graphic first, thus leaving many of the beta testers out of reach to even run NS2. Less beta tester leads to slower development. Thus customers are unable to truly participate in the beta and help clean up the bugs.

Maybe the Dev could start from the Bottom to top Approach instead, start with not so CPU intensive specification first and then increase the graphic/ shaders/ pixel, etc by increments per patch in the settings. this way more people can participate and work more efficiently and produce polished product.

Comments

  • twilitebluetwiliteblue bug stalker Join Date: 2003-02-04 Member: 13116Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
    edited January 2011
    [Edit] Actually, I misunderstood your post. From my understanding, the game is currently not demanding on the GPU at all. Rather, the fundamental engine code is simply not optimized, as the it is time consuming, and needs to be redone every time the major change is made (which happens almost every patch). We'll have to be patient.
  • kababkabab Join Date: 2003-12-15 Member: 24384Members, Constellation
    Won't make a difference its not how it works..

    Firstly you get your game working with all the required systems, then you optimize optimize optimize there is no point doing to much optimizing upfront because by the time you have done a feature freeze much of the code may have changed and you will need to optimize again.
  • KoruyoKoruyo AUT Join Date: 2009-06-06 Member: 67724Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    edited January 2011
    Ya optimize a low version, to destroy it completely every time you implement a feature you wanted in at the firstplace to optimize it again. - Good idea!

    Its like putting spices in the oil of your pan before adding all your ingredients -> it doesn't work.
    You put in your ingredients let it cook a bit then flavor it roughly with your spices, cook a bit more, maybe add some more ingredients and slowly optimize the flavor to your desired taste.

    Atm we are cooking and flavored it roughly - we can already try it... it doesnt taste perfect (some maybe cant even stand the taste yet, the are not hungry enough to eat it, or their spoon is too tiny to have the whole flavor in one bite) but we know it will get better the more ingredients and spices are added.

    oO wtf am i writing :X does this make sense?
  • PseudoKnightPseudoKnight Join Date: 2002-06-18 Member: 791Members
    You seem to be making an assumption of their methods. There are currently some large bottlenecks in the code being worked out. It's doubtful that removing graphical features would help many players that much. There are still many graphical features to add, as well, as per your plan.
  • WarmongerWarmonger Join Date: 2003-02-04 Member: 13126Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1825323:date=Jan 18 2011, 08:09 PM:name=Marksman-Specialist)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Marksman-Specialist @ Jan 18 2011, 08:09 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1825323"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Maybe the Dev could start from the Bottom to top Approach instead, start with not so CPU intensive specification first and then increase the graphic/ shaders/ pixel, etc by increments per patch in the settings. this way more people can participate and work more efficiently and produce polished product.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Please let us know which games you've developed - I'd like to give them a look.
  • ScardyBobScardyBob ScardyBob Join Date: 2009-11-25 Member: 69528Forum Admins, Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Shadow
    AFAIK, its the server, not the client, where the current bottleneck occurs. GPU has nothing to do with it.
  • TacotaTacota Join Date: 2009-10-12 Member: 69027Members
    Yeah, thats not the problem, or how it works.
  • AlignAlign Remain Calm Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 5216Forum Moderators, Constellation
    Wasn't there a famous computer scientist that said something along the lines of "premature optimization is the devil"?
  • ThaldarinThaldarin Alonzi&#33; Join Date: 2003-07-15 Member: 18173Members, Constellation
    The devs aren't using the latest and greatest technology from what I remember. There has been a few posts saying that, I think one dev is using a 2/3 year old Macbook Pro for example.
  • kingmobkingmob Join Date: 2002-11-01 Member: 3650Members, Constellation
    No flames dude
    But your interpretation is wrong.

    In SOME areas developing software in the manner you proposed occurs.
    These areas are predominately related to systems where bodily harm can occur.
    Then a phased infrastructure approach can occur.

    In MOST areas developing software starts with a list.
    The list is implemented, Then the product is optimized.
    Sometimes optimization includes chopping items off the list.

    UW have been performing some steps at optimization while also chipping away at their list.
    Each build has shown progress and the game has become more playable...and FUN.

    While playing you should enable the fps stats and the network stats.
    This should give you an idea of whether the problems you are seeing are related to rendering (fps) or multiplayer (network) play.
    Another test would be to start a server on your machine and join it.

    Just this information will help UW make a better game.
    You can report it or simply add you name to the list of existing problems.
    <a href="http://getsatisfaction.com/unknownworlds/products/unknownworlds_natural_selection_2" target="_blank">http://getsatisfaction.com/unknownworlds/p...ral_selection_2</a>
    or you can complain about it in the forums.

    UW is very aware of the performance problems and working on them.
    If you check this page
    <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/progress" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/progress</a>
    Both these tasks are optimization related.
    Profile and optimize OnProcessMove()
    Hydra optimization (create 5+)
  • CamronCamron Join Date: 2011-01-06 Member: 76356Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1825427:date=Jan 19 2011, 10:42 AM:name=Align)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Align @ Jan 19 2011, 10:42 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1825427"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Wasn't there a famous computer scientist that said something along the lines of "premature optimization is the devil"?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    "Premature optimization is the root of all evil"
    One of my CS finals required an explanation of this quote. :)
  • HarimauHarimau Join Date: 2007-12-24 Member: 63250Members
    edited January 2011
    <!--quoteo(post=1825333:date=Jan 19 2011, 11:37 AM:name=Koruyo)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Koruyo @ Jan 19 2011, 11:37 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1825333"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Its like putting spices in the oil of your pan before adding all your ingredients -> it doesn't work.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    WHAT? No. That's actually an excellent way to cook. You flavour the oil (and in some cases roast the spices to release the oils and aromas), then the flavoured oil in turn flavours the meat and vegetables. Cooking it the other way is for seasoning the surface, like adding pepper on top of your eggs.
  • SentrySteveSentrySteve .txt Join Date: 2002-03-09 Member: 290Members, Constellation
    edited January 2011
    I like to put green beans and almonds in oil then put them in a pan; sizzle.

    Also, basil.
  • HughHugh Cameraman San Francisco, CA Join Date: 2010-04-18 Member: 71444NS2 Developer, NS2 Playtester, Reinforced - Silver, Reinforced - Onos, WC 2013 - Shadow, Subnautica Developer, Pistachionauts
    Generally I'm a pretty simple cook, I prefer to leave the oil virginal. Wait, what is the thread topic again?
  • HarimauHarimau Join Date: 2007-12-24 Member: 63250Members
    Cooking with oil, I thought?

    I like to stir-fry green beans with a bit of olive oil, some fresh crushed garlic, a bit of salt and lots of pepper.
  • KoruyoKoruyo AUT Join Date: 2009-06-06 Member: 67724Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    edited January 2011
    Very funny :,.(

    edit: i knew i should have deleted it. [At least its for the luls.]
  • Kouji_SanKouji_San Sr. Hινε Uρкεερεг - EUPT Deputy The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-05-13 Member: 16271Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
    Gottah get me some foodz and stuff... Blast you lot!
  • KoruyoKoruyo AUT Join Date: 2009-06-06 Member: 67724Members, Reinforced - Shadow
  • schkorpioschkorpio I can mspaint Join Date: 2003-05-23 Member: 16635Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1825323:date=Jan 19 2011, 01:09 PM:name=Marksman-Specialist)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Marksman-Specialist @ Jan 19 2011, 01:09 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1825323"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Don't flame me if my interpretation is wrong. I know that gaming now day requires almost extreme specification just to even play a games. But I know graphics alone isn't everything without good gameplay function. I know many/ majority of computer users have at least a duo core processor and 3-4gb of ram, but lacks good video card. Not everyone can afford high end computer that last for the next 5-6 years.

    I know that the Devs are trying to put out a quality product, and trying to keep up to day with the technology and graphics. However, I not sure if its called a Top to bottom approach, because the engine right now is optimized to work with the most intense graphic first, thus leaving many of the beta testers out of reach to even run NS2. Less beta tester leads to slower development. Thus customers are unable to truly participate in the beta and help clean up the bugs.

    Maybe the Dev could start from the Bottom to top Approach instead, start with not so CPU intensive specification first and then increase the graphic/ shaders/ pixel, etc by increments per patch in the settings. this way more people can participate and work more efficiently and produce polished product.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    as it is the engine isn't optimized at all (neither for high or low end) - thats what they are working on now, optimizing the hell out of it
  • CamronCamron Join Date: 2011-01-06 Member: 76356Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1825622:date=Jan 19 2011, 11:31 PM:name=schkorpio)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (schkorpio @ Jan 19 2011, 11:31 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1825622"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->as it is the engine isn't optimized at all (neither for high or low end)<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    That's not true. Some identifiable/visible optimizations are occlusion culling and simple graphic settings. Occlusion culling is probably the biggest optimization. There are blog posts that state that they already did a bunch of optimizing.
  • DelphicDelphic Join Date: 2006-11-02 Member: 58262Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1825598:date=Jan 20 2011, 04:46 AM:name=Harimau)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Harimau @ Jan 20 2011, 04:46 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1825598"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->WHAT? No. That's actually an excellent way to cook. You flavour the oil (and in some cases roast the spices to release the oils and aromas), then the flavoured oil in turn flavours the meat and vegetables.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    I agree! BUT don't put chilli powder in the pan with just oil unless you enjoy choking on burnt chilli fumes... chopped chilli's is probably fine.
  • broadbandbroadband Join Date: 2005-01-06 Member: 33013Members
  • BandannaBandanna Join Date: 2010-12-13 Member: 75658Members
    edited January 2011
    Back in the day people asked each other: What would Jesus do.
    Now the fight about what Unknown Worlds is doing.

    Ive quite recently found out how much better food tastes after it seasons with chili and black pepper and cream inside a fridge overnight.

    [EDIT:] Duh, I forgot Garlic, onions and cheese. That lot goes well with beef.
  • ZekZek Join Date: 2002-11-10 Member: 7962Members, NS1 Playtester, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    There are optimization problems on the client, not just the server, but the biggest ones are not even related to graphics rendering as best as I can tell.
  • IronHorseIronHorse Developer, QA Manager, Technical Support & contributor Join Date: 2010-05-08 Member: 71669Members, Super Administrators, Forum Admins, Forum Moderators, NS2 Developer, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, Subnautica Playtester, Subnautica PT Lead, Pistachionauts
    <!--quoteo(post=1825870:date=Jan 20 2011, 10:15 PM:name=Zek)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Zek @ Jan 20 2011, 10:15 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1825870"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->There are optimization problems on the client, not just the server, but the biggest ones are not even related to graphics rendering as best as I can tell.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    related to CPU being utilized properly with multiple cores alongside LUA garbage collector and onprocessmove()
    or at least... thats what i've put together myself?
  • ThaldarinThaldarin Alonzi&#33; Join Date: 2003-07-15 Member: 18173Members, Constellation
    I find the only GPU error that I have come across that makes any sort of difference is related to shadows. I'm unable to have crisp or sharp shadows, this is due to Smoothvision HD: AA on the Catalyst control panel making the game black screen if I have it enabled.

    Apart from that, nothing wrong GPU wise so far.
  • puzlpuzl The Old Firm Join Date: 2003-02-26 Member: 14029Retired Developer, NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation
    edited January 2011
    <!--quoteo(post=1825427:date=Jan 19 2011, 04:42 PM:name=Align)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Align @ Jan 19 2011, 04:42 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1825427"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Wasn't there a famous computer scientist that said something along the lines of "premature optimization is the devil"?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


    The actual quote, by Donald Knuth, is:

    <!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->"We should forget about small efficiencies, say about 97% of the time: premature optimization is the root of all evil"<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
  • AlignAlign Remain Calm Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 5216Forum Moderators, Constellation
    edited January 2011
    Hmm... Which is a rather different statement, implying more that one shouldn't bother with juggling bits until everything is finished, rather than no optimization period. I'll keep that in mind, thanks.
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