Realistic reflections

[MaXyM 10]

I can see BIS products evolving through years, but there is one thing which, definitely got stopped years ago. I mean: light reflections.

Looks like A3 still using very basic shaders. Maybe instead of water, there is no Fresnel effect implemented, or at least the result doesn't look close to realistic. Very good example is a glass. Windows doesn't look like windows. It's valid for buildings as well as vehicles. Also some equipment is basically matte even if it shouldn't (leather, plastic, glasses etc). It's also missing on vehicles. I know that most military vehicles are matte coated, but it is not completely matte.

Of course making it realistic require to implement some complex things:

- dynamic envmap - it might be supported by static cubemaps also.

- generate blurred envmaps (or to blur main envmap) to apply for semi-glossy materials

I think those technics are not too expensive (in order to system resources) to not try to implement those features.

Hope ones we get those features in the game, because in current state, gfx looks too cartoony.

Please don't get it as moaning, rather as idea of feature which may be added to increase overall experience.

with regards

[chrisb 196]

Not quite getting what you mean.

I have this video showing cloudy sky’s, but around 30seconds in is a brief glimpse of the Visor, which seems pretty good to me (reflective), am I on the right lines here or do you mean something else..

[max power 21]

Arma 3 has static environment maps, which are blurred depending on your specular power (roughness) settings and and your gloss map per pixel, and it has a fresnel function with multiple parameters.

[sofianebilal 10]

i agree there is no reflection in the windows and many objects in the games

---------- Post added at 19:27 ---------- Previous post was at 19:26 ----------

look this picture http://astrobob.areavoices.com/files/2010/12/Sun-reflections-Dec16_20101-1024x623.jpg (185 kB)

[max power 21]

Thanks for demonstrating that glass is reflective :p

The reflection of the sun itself would not be from an environment map but from the specular properties of the glass. Everything in the game has specular properties, so I think if reflections from the sun are lacking it has something to do with the way the material is set up, not because the engine is incapable of them.

[Dwarden 1125]

if You think there is some major deficiency in the materials of some objects, then I suggest to write Arma 3 Feedback tracker ticket about it

then post the URL to ticket here so discussion can continue on BIForum ...

thanks in advance

[sofianebilal 10]

here is the Feedback tracker http://feedback.arma3.com/view.php?id=8019 :)

[MaXyM 10]

Sun reflection is one thing. It is missing indeed but also implementation may suffer. Sun light (and its reflection) is very powerfull comparing to diffuse light (from sky for example). When reflected, it should be visualized by glow (it is what we can see on reference picture attached to the ticket)

Another case is improper env reflection on car livery and windows (cars as well as buildings).

It also is clearly visible on attached pictures by sofianebilal. Looks like car has no glass in the windows at all. The same about livery. Car coating is very reflective under low angles (but reflection is weak while watching at 90*)

On cars and buildings, Fresnel function is missing or is almost missing. Glass should behave almost like mirror while looking at very low angle. But it doesn't happen in A3.

I've checked it in A3: I found that some heli has quite strong reflection on windshield. So strong reflection is possible (besides I would complain Fresnel characteristic of this glass)

I will attached additional proper pictures later.

with regards

Edited May 4, 2013 by MaXyM