Lighting

Lighting: Player Guidance & Design Tool

• Lumen Technology

• New in UE
• Brings “incredible lighting techniques”

• Lighting Purposes

• Beyond atmosphere/visuals
• Primary: Player guidance
  • Points of interest
  • Path indication
• Can be used for misdirection
  • Hidden loot areas
  • Secret paths
  • Trap locations

• Scene Examples

• Cliff emphasis
  • Signals climbing needed
  • Hints at:

    Climbable surfaces Rope options Wall jump spots

• Statue highlight
  • Could trigger:

    Boss encounter Equipment collection

• Highlight Techniques

• Intensity varies
  • Subtle: Soft glow
  • Obvious: Clear path marking
• “Breadcrumb” approach
  • Balance of standout elements
  • “Huge part of iteration process”

• Design Applications

• Mood setting
  • Fear
  • Joy
• Gameplay elements
  • Hidden secrets
  • Puzzle clues
  • Player guidance

Lighting serves as both a visual enhancement and strategic design tool, fundamentally shaping player experience and gameplay flow. Its implementation can range from subtle guidance to dramatic reveals, making it a versatile element in game design.