Graphic Resolution

[Kraezymann]

Lately I've been making my graphics at a higher resolution than what I guess is the "standard" size these days of 800x600. And it's made me curious as to what sort of graphic resolutions people play at. So I would like your opinions!

What resolution are you currently running at?

Does my current "go to" size of 1366x768 seem prudent? Or would there be a better resolution size to make them? I only decided to make them that size at the request of rCal, and liked what I saw.

Would higher resolution graphics inspire anyone into making more? Could we get away with something like a "HD" pack, with high resolution graphics and high quality music, or would a pack like that be to bloated?

I'd like to hear from you!

[gold stinger]

I use 512x160 for signatures & banners in Stepmania, and screw the background graphics because 80% of people that actually dump time into Stepmania usually have the background disabled in one way or another. 9_6

800x600 seems like a good size because it's the default for both ITG & Stepmania, not sure on a different resolution size because I myself haven't practiced with it, would be nice to see what others think about it though.

[Jousway]

1920x1080

[kmay]

last i saw... krunkykai played full screen... thats the only person i know of that does that...

[Kraezymann]

I do too. I play pretty much everything full screen

Originally Posted by gold stinger

800x600 seems like a good size because it's the default for both ITG & Stepmania, not sure on a different resolution size because I myself haven't practiced with it, would be nice to see what others think about it though.

But we have so much power at our hands with computers these days, it seems silly to keep it so small!

[Gundam-Dude]

You're already well aware of what my stance is for graphical dimensions in StepMania so I won't need to delve into it all over again.

In that respect though, I believe the major contributing factor as to why no one is completely on-board with this idea is simply because a large demographic of seasoned and adept players here all still use 3.9 and 3.95 religiously. All of which have their own reasons as to why they're reluctant to upgrade to the current SM5, anywhere from:

• "I'm used to 3.9/3.95, so I'm reluctant to learn and re-adjust to the new versions/build."
  "I get better scores on 3.9/3.95 than on SM5."
  "I don't like the user interface of SM5."
  "I don't see the purpose of replacing something that isn't broken and works for me."
  "I'm too lazy to download and upgrade."

With that in mind, take into consideration that most of the aforementioned adept players play with a background percentage of 0%, making backgrounds at this point completely redundant to their demographic. I mean, sure a full set of graphics are absolutely nice to have, but realistically they only appeal to the simfile authors themselves, the people designing them, and just plain casual players that are playing for solely enjoyment.

From a logical standpoint, it only makes sense that with the advent of new technologies in computer hardware and peripherals, and software versions/builds that we as people re-adjust accordingly. But the issue here is that a fairly large demographic refuse to budge from stone-age graphical limitations, which is keeping this from turning into an entire "movement" of sorts. Top that with personal vendettas on swapping versions and other factors relating to gameplay (like the 0% background brightness).

If you're designing for a 16:9 resolution, those still using 4:3 will quite obviously experience skewed and compressed background graphics, which will really detract from the quality, especially to the designer. And of course, the completely inverse of that where 4:3 backgrounds will be stretched on 16:9 displays—it's impossible to please both worlds/audiences at the same time without getting too tedious and complicated.

It's great you've taken the initiative, Kraezymann, and I have to give you my respects for that. But realistically if you're designing to meet said demographic's specifications, I don't see many people hopping aboard on the higher resolution train. 800x600 is really only a standard size because it's by far the most popular display resolution for those playing 4:3, it's relatively small in file size, and it's just universally accepted, even outside of StepMania (regardless of how outdated it is).

[Kraezymann]

Dang, all that stuff I needed to hear haha.

I suppose everyone is different when it comes down to their playstyles, preferences, etc. Even I'm old fashioned when it comes to making charts, so I suppose I'm no different. Either way, I think I'd like to continue making them at this size, it just seems nicer.






... I should work on my charting

[Kyzentun]

Originally Posted by Gundam-Dude

If you're designing for a 16:9 resolution, those still using 4:3 will quite obviously experience skewed and compressed background graphics, which will really detract from the quality, especially to the designer. And of course, the completely inverse of that where 4:3 backgrounds will be stretched on 16:9 displays—it's impossible to please both worlds/audiences at the same time without getting too tedious and complicated.

There's been a preference for background fitting in SM5 for 5 months, so stretching shouldn't be an issue anymore. Letterboxing/pillarboxing happens, but that's unavoidable.

[Kraezymann]

Yeah but that's just for SM5, which like GD said is only being used by certain players. It's true that there are probably plenty more people who play with widescreen than 4:3 but is SM5 the only one that has that option?

[Kyzentun]

Honestly, I used 3.9 for about a month in 2007, then moved to SM4 CVS, then updated every year or so from then on. So I have no idea what people are attached to in 3.95 or what special stuff it had.
If it stretches backgrounds and there's no way to change it, well, that's part of the price people using it have to pay for staying 10 years behind.

Personally, I play stepmania full screen, 1920x1200 (16:10), so technically larger graphics would look better for the size I play at.

[Jousway]

Originally Posted by Gundam-Dude

"I don't see the purpose of replacing something that isn't broken and works for me."

o





rip

[Palm_Tree]

2880x1800.

[TheRapingDragon]

3840 x 2160

4K is the future.