Due to not having a graphic card I am unable to use a lot of lights. For that reason I have been playing around with game-play lighting and color palettes more actively. These are unfinished pieces done in a few hours. The rules are simple. Try and light something in an hour and then share what could be better. That means there might be some self critical pointers on what I could have done better. #whatwentwrong Since I really dislike this piece I am being fairly short this time to share the thought process and experiment. These blogs are about being honest and share the critical mind that goes into creative work.
In the above image you see the lighting view where I tried getting some interesting shadow coming into the area. Since the player is starting here and need to be directed to the other side of the room, I kept the furthest area darker with more blue. Although this area could have been more gradient and variety, as it is kind of flat here.
In the image above you see the locked door that the player will notice, if the player goes to the very bright orange red light area then they will realize it is locked. Hence a darker red color over the door. But still bright enough to separate it from anything else nearby. Although, this area might have too strong direct light as it is clipping a bit.
In the above shot I translate the dominant orange into more blue and higher contrast. I tried making it clear that I want the player to go this way into the room. I also tried having some interesting shadows. Although, I do have reflection issues here.
In the image below you see specific reflection probes and no fill light being used. It does have a nice transition from bright, dark to bright. Although, I should have added accent lighting on top and background to inform player about the origin of the warm lights to the left. And I should have boosted the warm light from the left.
In the image above you see the two lights being used. One up close to the light fixture and another one to push the light with shadow out to the hallway. Although, it could have been more interesting to place it on the side to have interesting shape to the lighting.
As you see much clearly on top image here it is fairly flat in some places, it could use gradient by blocking out light from one of the window.
As you see in the top image it ended up too bright on the direct light. Commonly known as clipping the highlights.
As you see in the top image the reflection is not working correctly, so the metal objects are almost black. I also do no like the lighting in the end around this area. Probably the least.
As you see in the above image it is fairly boring back at the wall and the highlight on the floor is clipping here too.
As you see in the image below it is probably the best shot of this gameplay lighting practice. Although, I could use orange light on the roof, by the plants in the back you probably do not see and stronger light on the left going further up the wall to build the mood better.
That is about it. I hope you like that I share imperfect and unfinished pieces and discuss the reasoning but also what went wrong. If you like this please leave a like and comment. Thank you
