@Andy Igoe:
I do understand what you're saying. :) And, I partly agree.
If you spend a lot of time looking through a movie camera, then you'll certainly see lens flares as a natural and realistic element. But you're right-- lens flares generally don't happen with the naked eye. Certainly not the type that I've demonstrated here---however, I've been noticing lately that a certain kind of glare *does* occur naturally: if you squint at a light source you'll see a cross spread. If you wear glasses, this is even more pronounced. Even if you don't wear glasses or squint, you can see a glow around the light source. In any case, there are more subtle kinds of flares that do add to realism, even if this type is a bit strong for your liking.
My hope is that girls like big flares. ;) But if you think they'd prefer little ones (*snicker*) ...then have a go with my demo at making a more subtle type of flare. And be sure to post your settings and flare image!
Something else to remember: As long as your game is seen through a monitor, it will *never* be the same as viewing the virtual world directly with the naked eye. So I think that using the conventions of a video camera do lend a sense of realism. I've found that most attempts at the extravagant kind of flare I've demonstrated are lacking in realism as seen through a camera. I think my demo gets a good deal closer than I've seen before... but it can still go further.
@VIP3R:
Good idea! I'm working on adding several new features to handle all your flares automatically and to allow a greater variety of flare styles. So, I think I'll post to the showcase when that's ready.
I do understand what you're saying. :) And, I partly agree.
If you spend a lot of time looking through a movie camera, then you'll certainly see lens flares as a natural and realistic element. But you're right-- lens flares generally don't happen with the naked eye. Certainly not the type that I've demonstrated here---however, I've been noticing lately that a certain kind of glare *does* occur naturally: if you squint at a light source you'll see a cross spread. If you wear glasses, this is even more pronounced. Even if you don't wear glasses or squint, you can see a glow around the light source. In any case, there are more subtle kinds of flares that do add to realism, even if this type is a bit strong for your liking.
My hope is that girls like big flares. ;) But if you think they'd prefer little ones (*snicker*) ...then have a go with my demo at making a more subtle type of flare. And be sure to post your settings and flare image!
Something else to remember: As long as your game is seen through a monitor, it will *never* be the same as viewing the virtual world directly with the naked eye. So I think that using the conventions of a video camera do lend a sense of realism. I've found that most attempts at the extravagant kind of flare I've demonstrated are lacking in realism as seen through a camera. I think my demo gets a good deal closer than I've seen before... but it can still go further.
@VIP3R:
Maybe you should post it in the Blitz Showcase thread too, you may get a lot more feedback.
Good idea! I'm working on adding several new features to handle all your flares automatically and to allow a greater variety of flare styles. So, I think I'll post to the showcase when that's ready.