[General] Optimization/Compression: Skins vs Models

[Silverfish423]

Hi everyone. I was curious if multiple custom skins or multiple custom models compress better when used on the same type of unit.

In my map, there are roughly 6 different factions that all use the footman model. However, I would like to differentiate them by changing their aesthetic appearance through custom models or skins (I understand there is a way to have both the original and skinned model in game at the same time without causing a problem). But, I would first like to know whether skins, or models, would be the better option in terms of having a smaller filesize.

 

[TwoVenomous]

Hi everyone. I was curious if multiple custom skins or multiple custom models compress better when used on the same type of unit.

In my map, there are roughly 6 different factions that all use the footman model. However, I would like to differentiate them by changing their aesthetic appearance through custom models or skins (I understand there is a way to have both the original and skinned model in game at the same time without causing a problem). But, I would first like to know whether skins, or models, would be the better option in terms of having a smaller filesize.

any model size are usually larger than skin size. but there are also a skin which size is larger than models, so you need to choose carefully between two of them, choose a skin is good enough and have a small size, or choose a model which is good enough and have smaller size than the skin.

I always prefer to use skin though.

 

[ap0calypse]

On top of what TwoVenomous said, as far as I know you have to extract the footman model and change their required texture 5 times, then import those 5 different footman-models into your map.
So all-in-all, you need to import 6 skins (5 if you still use the default one) and 5 models (edited footman-models) if you wish to differentiate between them. Then it doesn't become a matter of skin-or-model, as you need to import both.

TwoVenomous' post still counts though: choose your skins and models carefully .
Make sure the aesthetic value is greater than the file size it occupies.

 

[Adiktuz]

Since you want 5 footmen, I believe your only option is the custom model [and maybe + custom skin too] approach...

I think if it's minor edits, try to edit the model alone... though most probably, you'll end up needing to edit the skin...

 

[Silverfish423]

Very true, I will take that into consideration. I didn't think to factor in the various filesizes that can be associated with skins and models in and of themselves. Thanks for your help everyone!