"ConVar.mat_parallaxmap" "0"

mad max 6

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what is this. if i change it to 1, will it then be enabled and where will i see the efects. iv got a 9700 pro
 
I've tried this out alot on my own, I don't think it has any effect.

its suppposed to do parallax mapping for bump maps which makes them more "3d" in nature in that they depend on wher you are in the world, not on only the lighting...

It does seem to make my game load time be longer by a good 15 seconds (noticable because its usually 45s)
 
I sent an email about it, parallax mapping is currently not supported.

But Valve did plan to use it, there's some VMT's who refer to a $parallaxmap or something similar, and those refer to a grayscale heightmap that isn't there but was probably planned. I'm sure they'll add it later as the modteams request it.
 
I imagine as well that the new level that they're releasing to show off the engine on higher end systems will take advantage of this stuff.
 
Lets hope, parallax mapping makes bump maps feel so much more alive.
 
Yea parallax mapping is pretty much bump mapping on steroids (real big sense of depth, and even when you go on the side, you still feel depth... In normal bump mapping go to the very side of the object to ruin the illusion... Not dead on but a slight angle and it won't look good :( )

Can't wait for this to be put in :)
 
^neat.

So how does it work? does it break the texture into "layers" and choose what one to render depending on the angle, or is it a post-process effect like framebuffer distortions, or what?
 
FireCrack said:
^neat.

So how does it work? does it break the texture into "layers" and choose what one to render depending on the angle, or is it a post-process effect like framebuffer distortions, or what?

as far as i know it uses a graphic file to determine it. bump mapping uses a grayscale map.
though im probably wrong so you want to check it to be sure
 
ya also if you all wanna see parallax mapping, download the unreal 3 engine video. thats one of the features the unreal 3 team is boasting for the engine so its nice to see that source should be able to do it as well! dont make us wait long valve!
 
Well, no. Parallax is a term for the thing that happens when you bob your head left and right... thigns that are farther away appear to move slower because of the angles you are viewing them at.

Basically, a parallax map makes the bumpmap changes based not only on the light, but also on where you are viewing it from, creating a greater illusion of vitual depth.
 
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