In Farming Simulator 22, surfaces will appear more realistic and natural. Thanks to Parallax Occlusion Mapping we implemented in the GIANTS Engine 9. Parallax Occlusion will make the terrain and other surfaces in the game look more detailed and dynamic if the feature is turned on in the settings. Let’s take a look and see what’s actually happening. 

We’ll try to explain it as simple as possible: Parallax Occlusion Mapping is a technique that basically boosts the details of a textured surface to give it depth. Like the tire tracks on your field, trenching in the ground. They’re deeper now, and here’s why:

In the first step, Parallax Occlusion Mapping reduces a geometric complexity of a 3D model. Like the gravel on a road or even bricks in a wall, for example. The reduced surface details are transformed into a flat texture. When the model is rendered in the game, the surface details are put in a so-called “height map”. That’s what it looks like:

The height-map basically adds a depth to the otherwise flat surface. Imagine the height map as a geographical map with hills and valleys. Different colors mean different depths. As you can see in the height-map above – the darker the surface, the deeper it is. Based on this info stored in the image, the surface is then reconstructed in the game, appearing three-dimensional and realistic.

Roads, fields, walls and buildings: You’ll notice the improved surfaces everywhere when walking around in Elmcreek, Erlengrat and… well, the third one we’ll show you soon. 

We’re still working on Parallax Occlusion Mapping feature for FS22, but with those first comparisons, you should get a good sense for what to expect.

Please take in mind that the effect may not be properly reflected in still images compared to live gameplay when Farming Simulator 22 with finalized Parallax Occlusion Mapping is released and running on your system.

Source: official Farming Simulator blog