TUTORIAL How to only show objects during race

So here is what I found out about this CSP Spectators settings and how we can use it for not even spectators with a work around.

So what does these settings do? Let's see it as 3 modes:

mode 1 (default):

in race mode you can see spectators that are defined in camera_facing.ini
in practice mode these spectators are hidden
doesn't effect [SPECTATORS] parameter in ext_config

mode 2:

in race mode you can see spectators that are defined in camera_facing.ini
in practice mode these spectators are also shown.
doesn't effect [SPECTATORS] parameter in ext_config

mode 3 ("Adjust amount of spectators" tick doesn't matter):

in race mode spectators that are defined in camera_facing.ini are hidden.
in practice mode these spectators are also hidden.
meshes defined in ext_config like this:

Code:

[SPECTATORS]
meshes=people01, people02, people03

are also hidden.

I asume most people will use mode1 so hiding meshes with [SPECTATORS] option doesn't make much sense.
But how can we hide an object like a cameraman or a parked safety car in practice mode?
Well here is another CSP option we can use which will allow the following work around:

define a condition

Code:

[CONDITION_...]
NAME=SPECTATORS_EVENT
INPUT=SPECTATORS
LUT=(|0=0|0.5=0|0.5=1|1=1|)

So we get a on/off condition depending on spectator amount
Use it to change material alpha values like this:

Code:

[SHADER_REPLACEMENT_...]
DESCRIPTION=replace ksDiffuse Shader
MESHES=mesh01, mesh02, mesh03
SHADER=ksPerPixelAlpha
BLEND_MODE=ALPHA_TEST

[MATERIAL_ADJUSTMENT_...]
MESHES=mesh01, mesh02, mesh03
CONDITION=SPECTATORS_EVENT
KEY_0 = alpha
VALUE_0 = 1
VALUE_0_OFF = 0
KEY_1 = ksAlphaRef
VALUE_1 = 0.5
VALUE_1_OFF = 2

In shader replacement we replace the shader from a normal ksPerPixel shader to ksPerPixelAlpha so we will be able to set an alpha value in material adjustment.
Changing BlendMode to Alpha test might also be needed for transparent obects.

in material adjustment:
alpha value = 0 makes the material transparent so the mesh is hidden but still we can see its shadow.
With ksAlphaRef = 2 (value largen than 1) we can hide the shadow, too

I will use this for an updated Norisring (release later today on RD) where I hide cameras, 3Dpeople, cranes, small tents, camping chairs, etc in practice mode.
So you can have a look at it how it works.

 

That is really cool. Thank you for the detailed breakdown! Im gonna give it a try at Vancouver!

 

mh it would be cool to remove stuff with this, but i am afraid its only invisible and not really removed from rendering-pipeline, i guess - and i might be wrong - its just hidden.

In case you intended that stuff is just not there in practice thats a valid way to do it!
Though i dont see many reasons over lowering world details and using ...KSLAYERX names...

 

Nice write up!

To add: input=spectators can also be used to control any additional crowd sounds from custom soundbanks.

Current limitations: this won’t work with skinned mesh objects, like animated people.

 

Thanks! Good to know.
So no skinned animation.

But it works on "standart" animation like helicopter movement

 

Yes. That's right. Objects are still there, only hidden. I tried different ways to get them out of the rendering pipeline but without success.

It is not meant for performance reaaons. Just visual.
But you can combine it with kslayerx of course