Dev Diary - Rend2

Rend 2 - A More Modern Renderer​

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Rend 2 is a more modern renderer being developed by SomaZ to add features such as: Physically Based Materials, HDR Rendering & HDR Lightmaps, Parallax Occlusion Mapping, and more. Starting next release Movie Battles II will begin to incorporate those modern features in new and old assets.

With this new renderer and release, we will continue to upgrade bits and pieces of Movie Battles II to increase visual fidelity with each update going into the future. However, with an increase in visual fidelity comes an increase in cost. While Rend2 comes with a host of optimizations over the base renderer, definitely expect increased file sizes and increased memory usage when Rend 2 is active. In a coming update to the launcher, downloading Rend 2 assets will be optional for those with space and download restrictions.

For the first Rend 2 update, you can expect to see a subset of the new features in maps like: DOTF, Enclave, Kamino, Lunarbase. In player models like: Sith Trooper, Deathtrooper, Tank Trooper, Mandalorian show Imperial Commandos, as well as weapon models such as the E-22 and A-280. The largest visual difference will be on smoother surfaces with high reflectivity and metallic materials.

Check out some Before and After screenshots below! For an easier comparison open the images in a new tab and flip between the two.

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Never before have we been able to start implementing such a large visual upgrade to MB2 as we can now. We hope you are all excited for what is to come.

For Modelers, Level Designers​

Please visit the JKHub Rend2 tutorial section for some information about Rend2: Tutorials as well as look for a coming update to the mod tools in order to allow smooth addition of Rend2 content in Movie Battles 2. Levels need -deluxe added to compile lines for normal maps and reflectivity to function properly. However, that comes at a cost of adding additional lightmaps which may result in going over the max lightmap count for JAMP. There is a tool developed by SomaZ coming in the next mod tool update to separate the deluxe maps out to allow JAMP to function properly. Levels also need the new misc_cubemap entity added across the map.

As always, feel free to ask questions on how to create Rend2 content on Discord and the forums!

 

[/Logrus]

Next gen already in MBII. RTX on / RTX off

 

[Goosto]

Genuinely looks good, might even turn on enhanced glow now!

 

[TeKilla]

It's truly exciting to hear about the new features and improvements that are on the horizon, but I also wanted to take a moment to express my hope that the classic maps, like mb2_dotf_classicb, mb2_echobase etc won't be left behind. They hold a special place in many of our hearts, and it would be wonderful if they could also benefit from the updated textures and the visual improvements brought by Rend2.

Thank you for your tireless efforts in making this mod the amazing experience that it is. Your dedication is truly appreciated!

 

[MaceMadunusus]

but I also wanted to take a moment to express my hope that the classic maps, like mb2_dotf_classicb, mb2_echobase etc won't be left behind. They hold a special place in many of our hearts, and it would be wonderful if they could also benefit from the updated textures and the visual improvements brought by Rend2.

The goal is obviously to update as many things as possible, with focus on things that get the most bang-for-buck. Like updating the shiny sith troopers over someone wearing normal cloth clothes. Hopefully one day basically everything will get updated but it requires a lot of work.

 

[Latis]

yall will find any way to the delay the update further

 

[MaceMadunusus]

yall will find any way to the delay the update further

The only thing delaying release at the moment is finalizing gameplay balance and testing for bugs.

 

[Latis]

The only thing delaying release at the moment is finalizing gameplay balance and testing for bugs.

okay buddy I'll shut up and enjoy the diet reshade

 

[RogueWookiee]

Rend 2 - A More Modern Renderer​

View attachment 7587
​

Rend 2 is a more modern renderer being developed by SomaZ to add features such as: Physically Based Materials, HDR Rendering & HDR Lightmaps, Parallax Occlusion Mapping, and more. Starting next release Movie Battles II will begin to incorporate those modern features in new and old assets.

With this new renderer and release, we will continue to upgrade bits and pieces of Movie Battles II to increase visual fidelity with each update going into the future. However, with an increase in visual fidelity comes an increase in cost. While Rend2 comes with a host of optimizations over the base renderer, definitely expect increased file sizes and increased memory usage when Rend 2 is active. In a coming update to the launcher, downloading Rend 2 assets will be optional for those with space and download restrictions.

For the first Rend 2 update, you can expect to see a subset of the new features in maps like: DOTF, Enclave, Kamino, Lunarbase. In player models like: Sith Trooper, Deathtrooper, Tank Trooper, Mandalorian show Imperial Commandos, as well as weapon models such as the E-22 and A-280. The largest visual difference will be on smoother surfaces with high reflectivity and metallic materials.

Check out some Before and After screenshots below! For an easier comparison open the images in a new tab and flip between the two.

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View attachment 7606View attachment 7605​

Never before have we been able to start implementing such a large visual upgrade to MB2 as we can now. We hope you are all excited for what is to come.

For Modelers, Level Designers​

Please visit the JKHub Rend2 tutorial section for some information about Rend2: Tutorials as well as look for a coming update to the mod tools in order to allow smooth addition of Rend2 content in Movie Battles 2. Levels need -deluxe added to compile lines for normal maps and reflectivity to function properly. However, that comes at a cost of adding additional lightmaps which may result in going over the max lightmap count for JAMP. There is a tool developed by SomaZ coming in the next mod tool update to separate the deluxe maps out to allow JAMP to function properly. Levels also need the new misc_cubemap entity added across the map.

As always, feel free to ask questions on how to create Rend2 content on Discord and the forums!

so u added a shiny texture 😂

 

[FrenzY]

so u added a shiny texture 😂

It's a lot more than that. Clear your monitor of grease.

Outside of shine, textures will have actual depth now as opposed to feeling 2D. Things with texture will actually *feel* like the light is hitting them the right way as opposed to just having drawn-on shading.

 

[Valkyrie]

Will there be settings to enable/disable some of the rend2 features, while still using it as the renderer ?
for example I think some people like old games graphic because for a competitive perspective it's very readable

From a modder perspective, will there be evolution in the shader from quake that we know ? (Aka the quake shader documentation will be outdated or still the same ?)

 

[MaceMadunusus]

Will there be settings to enable/disable some of the rend2 features, while still using it as the renderer ?

Yup you can turn things on and off in the settings menus.

From a modder perspective, will there be evolution in the shader from quake that we know ? (Aka the quake shader documentation will be outdated or still the same ?)

It uses .mtr as the extension, with some new parameters and stuff added but overall still basically the same shader format. (check the jkhub tutorials section)

 

[Fang]

this really makes the models shine more, great job. also really liked the gun lighting bouncing around

 

[rat]

This plus mando rework, plus tempest would make for a fantastic expansion scale update. Can't wait to experience it at some point in my life

 

[n00b]

this really makes the models shine more, great job. also really liked the gun lighting bouncing around

r_picmip 16