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Custom Skybox

  • Highly Optimized

    The method in creating this sky sphere uses a very efficient way to save resources.

  • 3D -> 2D

    Rendering 3D Geometry Clouds into a 2D texture.

  • Custom Composition

    Ability to use any Mesh with any composition that works efficiently.

This Cloud Tool uses a Blueprint Tool in unison with a few Material Graph’s to achieve this cheap yet stunning look.

Iteration #1

This video shows a very early iteration of this Custom Cloud Sky Tool. It uses an Offscreen buffer which stores the information into a Render Texture. This 2D texture can then be projected in a material acting as the sky sphere. 

This gave me the ability to use 3D models, stored into a 2D texture, allowing for a higher grain of detail, full control over the composition of the sky, as well as a very optimised sky sphere.

Additionally, another optimisation for this cloud tool involved implementing a camera mask. This approach allowed the camera to render only the designated areas within the mask, further enhancing performance through reducing unnecessary processing

Iteration #2

This next iteration implemented several new features including:

– Custom Gradient Sky Atmosphere

– Rim Highlight around clouds closest to the sun

– More cloud variations and noise maps

– Colours adjusted by the Sun’s atmospheric position 

Iteration #3

This third iteration focused on:

– New cloud meshes

– More refined composition

– Sunlight Light Rays

 

Iteration #4

This final iteration of the Clouds concentrated on refining establishing work:

  • Improving Cloud Meshes and Composition
  • Adjusting Colours 
  • Using Flow Maps to direct the displacement of the clouds

This Tool gives extensive customisability over colours, composition, flow direction, displacement, intensity and more! All optimised and efficient!