Is this kind of texturing method possible? (mutlisub+tiling+diff textures))

Shuriken UK

I was thinking to myself that it would be really great if it was possible to create a material on a mesh in a way that would require only a single material to be applied in the game engine, but covers multiple tiling textures, and even details all in one setup. Im finding it pretty hard to explain what Im getting at, so heres an example:-

Say I have a huge building (already split up into modular segments) ready to be textured. The building will use a multi-sub object material consisting of about 8 layers in total. Most of these layers will use a tiling UV layout so I can get really high-res seamless textures going for things like the base "body" of the building, such as large areas of concrete or metal, or a layer which makes up the material of all the windows. A few of the layers will be for other details which need to be mapped out properly (things like logo's, decals, decorative features etc).

Is this kind of method possible? I know UDK can handle multi-sub object material meshes, but is it possible for one layer to be tiling (as in the UV islands are extremely enlarged and outside the "UV box") and another to be detailed and all inside the box?


Thanks in advance!

Kurt Russell Fan Club

Yep, you can do that. Multi/sub-object is essentially identical to using multiple meshes - each multi layer has its own shader and textures and are drawn separately.

Anything that two meshes can do (except be drawn separately!) a multi/sub-object mesh can do.

Shuriken UK

Brilliant! This is great news, it means I can texture these buildings the way I was hoping to! Now Im off to watch some Kurt Russel movies by John Carpenter, in honor of your name! The Escape From NY themes just started playing in my head too. Apt!

Thanks