/3/ - 3DCG

I made some changes you wouldn't think would help with optimization, but in the end this scene maintained 15fps, when the previous scenes were at 9.
First I added a row of trees to the horizon of the skybox. So I didnt need as many trees to block out the light. Also I was previously using the 3 smallest tree model in my pack and now I am using the 3 largest. Bigger trunks, canopies, more shadow coverage and distant vision coverage with fewer trees. Although this is not fewer trees, it's the same rate of tree generation. The previous skybox also gave me a lot of trouble because it made every reflective surface appear to be glowing while in the shadows of the forest. So I disabled reflections on all the materials. Just now thought I turned it back on with the new skybox material and they all looked way more appropriate. The last thing is that there were major bald spots in my forest because trees were not set to spawn in certain areas for certain reasons. I want continuous forest, by default, and then clearings will be added purposefully for points of interest.
The last problem then is that distant trees are not receiving shadows until you get closer. One of the ways I want players to find these clearings is by seeing them from a distance. If the distant trees always look bright then you can't use it for hints.