Version: MSFS 2024 - 1.2.11.0
Frequency: Consistently
Severity: High
Context: All Aircraft
Bug description: The default interior Glass Cube Map Reflection (Assuming HDRI) is placing shadows on the glass for window cutouts that do not exist on most aircraft models.
Repro steps: Load up and fly any aircraft and bank the aircraft in high-lighting conditions until you can see the reflection shadowing.
Attachments: Included Video Below (From FloxTrot’s Twitch Stream)
Hello @Jonx
The cubemap has been reworked to get rid of this cutout in SU2 beta.
However, keep in mind that this is a generic cubemap and that it will never match your cockpit layout perfectly.
Regards,
Sylvain
Perhaps this could be made a Feature Request? Either a slot for a custom cube map, or better yet a way to generate it in-engine. This would be a huge visual improvement and, if generating an alpha at the same time, would be useful for engine devs to neatly assume how much light is entering the cockpit vs. the cockpit itself, and balance the IBL colour influence accordingly. In-engine cubemap generators have been around since HL2 in 2004, and, given MSFS’ reliance on cubemaps, it seems logical that an improvement in this aspect would have a positive knock-on effect elsewhere.
Currently, I spend a significant amount of my art dev time on offsetting unwanted effects of the cubemap and IBL in the interior, which would all be unnecessary should custom cubemaps be possible. My understanding is fully custom cubemaps were not added due to a fear it would disrupt the intentional art style of the game, but if the cubemap is generated in-engine, that wouldn’t be an issue.
Let me know if you’d like me to submit this separately as a feature request, though.
Hello @FNXDave
It’s worth creating an idea so the community can vote on that suggestion.
It was discussed but ruled out based on the time available at the moment this system was designed.
One thing that requires clarification in the documentation is that for a native 2024 aircraft, the cubemap can be selected through the cockpit.cfg cockpit_type parameter.
You can explicitly select one of the 6 available cubemaps if the one selected by default is not the most appropriate
Regards,
Sylvain
Hi @FlyingRaccoon,
Thanks and indeed we do use this - however the effect is still largely problematic for many types of interiors with different panel colours etc.
I’ll submit a Feature Request but fully understand it would be a low priority item, I’ll see if I can generate some examples in the sim that may help show where it could be useful.
P.S You and the team have been fantastic of late, it’s hugely appreciated that we’re getting so many thorough answers to pretty much every single query. As a developer it brings more confidence to explore the SDK and play with new features knowing the excellent support level provided here. Thank you😊
