Question about optimising models for game engine

DesignByKivi

Hey!

Which would be cheaper to render in a game engine, such as UDK?
One solid mesh with slightly more geometry(B), or two meshes (A)?

Ark

Id say it depends on how the model is gonna be lit. Option B would suit vertex lighting better.

cryrid

'A' would have less polygons to look at, but the vertex count doesn't appear to be much different (I'd wager the difference would be so minor that Unreal and modern hardware isn't going to care). This small cheapness also comes with some disadvantages too such as some wasted UV space, and if you want a normal map to make them appear blended then you'll have to spend more time manually trying to add padding to the back plate than it would have taken to model it like B.

If its a truly minor world detail that may not be noticed due to the style or camera and there are a large number of these on the screen, then it may be less frugal to go with A. Otherwise, spend the pocket change and go with B.