🔒 Locked

Level Storage

Started by ricekrispyw Mar 17, 2005 at 6:19 PM 2 replies 600+ views

Original Post

Mar 17, 2005 at 6:19 PM

I was just wondering how most people store their 3D levels, particularly large levels (as for an RPG). Some people save whole levels as meshes (which I don't personally like), some use heightmaps, tile systems, etc... I was just wondering if there was a standard or if it's personal preference. Also, do you store outside levels differently than inside ones? Any input is greatly appreciated.

bkt

Mar 21, 2005 at 10:51 PM

I've never dove that much into 3D programming (yet) but I assume it's something along the lines of how a 2D game will buffer screens (well, good ones) when you transition along the path. Albeit definately more difficult, and a lot more memory is going to be used, but it's going to be along the same lines no? I'm not sure how the levels are physically stored; assuming they would be in files or some sort of "zone" archtecture? I think the key to something like that would definately be reusing ground textures as much as possible.

The less loading/unloading the better. You would probably also do the loading/unloading in a seperate thread so you can have the game work nicely while you're doing so. I think WoW does a similar method just as Dungeon Siege.

l0calh05t

182

l0calh05t

Mar 22, 2005 at 1:52 AM

Here's an article on how the Dungeon Siege system works btw: http://www.drizzle.com/~scottb/gdc/continuous-world.htm

Topic Locked

This topic has been locked by a moderator. New replies are not allowed.