I am not talking about multiple particles. I am talking about multiple emitters. It would work very easily in 2D.
Blimey, I am understanding less and less.
If I understand correctly
- an emitter is a controlling object for particles.
- the vertex array for the particles for an emitter is sent to the API.
- the vertex buffer is used to keep this information for multiple use pf the emitter and all its particles (such as torches).
- the particles are likely to be scaled, rotated, coloured, alpha'd so the vertex data changes each cycle.
- the Vertex Array needs to be resent each frame so the vertex buffer gets changed each frame.
So, the use of Vertex Arrays still seem an obvious benefit (although those who have tested say it isn't that noticeable) but the use of Vertex Buffers, in the case of a 2D Particle system, still seems pretty limited.