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This article concludes a series of publications and is dedicated to real-time volumetric effects baked into sprite sheets. A standard sprite sheet texture typically holds up to 64 frames (an 8x8 grid). With a resolution of 512x512 pixels per cell, the texture size reaches 4K, which is one of the most common sizes. However, when animation significantly exceeding 64 frames is required, it becomes necessary to increase resolution and add new frames. A more effective approach is retiming. ...

Introduction Volumetrics are widely considered one of the most intricate technologies within the realm of computer graphics. The inherent complexity arises primarily because traditional rendering techniques struggle with volumetric objects due to their complex structure involving both depth and transparency. Unlike solid surfaces that require calculations at a single point, volumetric models necessitate that each sample delve into the object, demanding significantly more computational power to determine accurate lighting. ...

Creating seamless looping simulations for effects like smoke or fire is a common challenge in game development. While real-time volumetrics are becoming more prevalent, sprite sheets remain a practical solution. Traditional methods often result in visible seams or noticeable transitions, detracting from realism. This is particularly problematic when aiming for realistic effects, though such artifacts might be acceptable in stylized contexts. I’ve developed a technique that, while not universally applicable, is particularly effective for generating smoke or fire simulations that appear consistent at both the start and end of the cycle. This approach enables the creation of a seamless volumetric effect presented as a sprite sheet comprising 64 frames. ...

Getting Started When I learned I had a month for this project, I decided to tackle a demo I’d been wanting to make for a while. With such a tight timeline, careful planning was crucial - I had to be strategic about where to invest time and where to cut corners without compromising quality. From Concept to Model I started by generating an insect concept in Midjourney - something fly-like but with its own character. ...