Movable Sky_Camera

Technology and Gaming Help and Support
#1

I’m currently working on a map that takes place on a train, and was thinking about a good way to create detailed terrain moving past (NPCs don’t like moving objects, so moving the train is out). In this thought process I went through the idea of a moving skycamera, allowing for displacements in the terrain. This is obviously impossible as the sky camera is unparentable, but it did get me wondering if there is any reason why it can’t move, and if it is actualy possible to make it move (modifying some code somewhere. I don’t know, I have no experience coding).

So my question is, is it possible?

#2

I don’t think it’s possible at all, even if it was you’d get a seam effect when it repeats it’s course of motion. Your best bet is to use an animated texture on the surrounding displacements.

#3

On the subject of moving trains, this video has something similar, although not perfect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lMXPRhcJ0g

#4

The only real reason I want the moving sky_camera is so I can include displacements (as far as I know they are immobile.) Otherwise, I can easily use models and brushes.

The video basically illustrates what I’m going to do.

#5

Rather than trying to move the camera, you could try moving the environment around the camera.

#6
#7
#8

Yes, Yes, I got it. Although I’m not sure if you would necessarily get a seam. We’ll find out, sans displacements, when I get around to doing it. Someday. Later.

#9

Why not use a model instead of displacements?

#10

Because I can’t model.

#11

i often wondered how 2do this and i know it is possible since i used to play on an old css zombie server where u was on a train moving thru a tunnel.

havent used hammer in a good year so im a bit rusty on things mapping related

#12

The Stalker train in EP1 is also made in the way that the environment is moving while the train stays in place. Check the developer commentary in the train.

EDIT: here it is:

commentary\stalkertrainmodels.wav

#13

Only that sequence doesn’t have displacements, it uses models and brushes. His question was about an open environment. You could try using Logic_measure_movement, assuming it works on sky_camera the collision issues shouldn’t be a problem, since it’s just the 3D skybox.

#14

Nevermind. Delete post please.

#15

Sky_cameras can’t have names, so it won’t work.

#16

Then try adding a name, or using the classname. Always try everything you can think of before giving up on an idea.

#17

I didn’t think of that. Thanks for the idea.

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