Yea i really don't want to get into explaining optimization like func_detailing lol. Duppy man, you should see some of the maps from ppl that have followed my tuts, they're far from optimized in every sense of the word. Explaining func_details is complicating things a lot.
Here's the thing in general that I've found after mapping for awhile now:
USUALLY, your map will run just fine without any optimization techniques, even if you have a complete disregard for nodrawing, overlapping blocks and whatnot. As long as it's nothing major like a leak or your entire map is in one area like jump_annex_v3, the map will run fine. Not func_detailing that cylinder or not creating so many cuts will have a negligible effect on in-game performance.
Gradually, I've valued "speedmapping" over being a clean mapper; the time saved is way worth it.
To address the issue of longer compile times, that's what the cordon tool is. As I mention in the vid, you're really only ever working on a tiny portion of your map at once. Compiling the full map or work in progress all at once should be a rare occurrence. Not to mention if you leave rad off, even if your map is pretty big, compile time will be less than 20 seconds or so. Fullbright lighting is good enough for testing. So really, your final compile should be the only thing that takes any significant amount of time.
The only real times you should strive to optimize your map is if you plan on it being so detailed that you need all the optimization techniques you can use to ensure smooth gameplay. Another argument for optimization is that not everyone has a decent computer, which is true, but it's something I personally overlook since it doesn't affect that many ppl thanks to TF2's customizable graphics cfgs and whatnot. These are not valve maps where every tf2 player is going to come into contact with them at some point so accommodation for ppl with crappy comps isnt as vital.
TL;DR Time spent optimizing = usually not worth it. Furthermore, optimization for such a simple level like in this tutorial is overkill. The level will run perfectly fine with or without it.
edit: though i do personally func_detail things just cuz it's as simple as ctrl+t. Not going to bring it up in the tutorial though, just cuz it's too complicated to explain fully and will inevitably be used incorrectly.
« Last Edit: March 26, 2013, 05:08:27 PM by Afterglow »
---------------------------
|