Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Again, the WindLight settings are adding a dramatic lair to the ambient (or overall scene) lighting. To sup-
port that and underscore the dramatic conlict between these iconic game symbols, a single point light has
been added to the scene between them. Unlike the physical world, where you would have to ind a place to
hide a lighting instrument, you can simply make this light completely transparent, and it will hide itself from
view. Even though it is completely transparent, it will still give off the light you need for the scene, and by
positioning it between the pieces, it contributes to a deeper sense of relection and space. The sense of shared
light between these two chess pieces pulls them out from the background composition and draws the focus
of the observer's eye. Try this setup on some of your inventory objects and strive for a clear, simple lighting
design that enhances their inherent qualities and overall eye appeal. If you have made some of your lights
invisible by changing their texture to 100% transparent, the easiest way to ind them again is by using these
three keys: Ctrl+Alt+T (on a PC) simultaneously to reveal all transparent objects.
Knowing how to light effectively is essential to any virtual environment designer. You will ind these
skills come in handy for presentation “sketches,” detail images, sales and promotional displays, and your
own portfolio. Do as much experimentation as you can, trying all sorts of WindLight settings, lights, and
projectors in combination. Save your settings for the custom WindLight settings in your Phototools listings
for future use. Keep looking at great paintings and try to notice the lighting around you as often as possible.
REFERENCES
1.
Barry Lyndon
—Cinematography, Wikipedia article, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Lyndon. Accessed January
16, 2013.
2. Shimbun, Yomiuri, Blue Streetlights Believed to Prevent Suicides, Street Crime,
Seattle Times
, December 11, 2008,
http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2008494010_bluelight11.html. Accessed January 21, 2013.
3. Shadow Mapping, Wikipedia article, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadow_mapping. Accessed January 26, 2013.
4. Ambient Occlusion, Wikipedia article, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambient_occlusion. Accessed January 26, 2013.
5. Per-Pixel Lighting, Wikipedia article, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Per-pixel_lighting. Accessed January 27, 2013.
