Visibility of Shadows

[S7]

I'm creating a map that revolves around shadows (or general darkness); I was wondering if shadows were not integrated or unavailable for certain players (perhaps because of their settings or inept computer). If in fact you can disable shadows in BL, is there a method of enforcing it on your server?

I also can't seem to find the difference between the shaders and the shadows (I'm not even sure if I have seen shaders in BL -- integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics, 1.90GHz if any of that info helps). Maybe it's automatically disabled for me.

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[Pacnet2012³]

I don't think you can force shadows and shaders on your server, but you can adjust visibility of them by playing with the Environment controls. I'm pretty sure to see shadows your Options > Shader Quality must be set to Low or up.

[pecon98]

No, the server cannot force clients to have a certain shader setting. This was a problem I ran into with my Death Maze, it really wasn't any good if shaders were off (among other things).

[Extrude]

Somebody needs to make a mod that autobans anybody who has no shaders enabled.

[TeeJay]

Somebody needs to make a mod that autobans anybody who has no shaders enabled.

Then I would be banned constantly. There is no need for that mod.

Anyways, one way i've found it to LOOK like having shaders when not, is doing this:

1. Go to Enviromental Controls
2. Advanced tab
3. Change ambient light to total black.

Looks like shaders, without them!

[lolz??]

Somebody needs to make a mod that autobans anybody who has no shaders enabled.

so, ban anybody who has a laptop?

[Pacnet2012³]

so, ban anybody who has a laptop?

Some laptops may support shadows / shaders, so we can't assume that.

[Ticonderoga]

Some laptops may support shadows / shaders, so we can't assume that.

Any Alien Ware. A lot of Asus'. I can run shaders on minimum... But shadows aren't even visible then.

[pecon98]

I think what is really important is the new lighting, not necessarily shadows. And for that you only need to use minimum. I hope Badspot removes fixed function mode (the old lighting) soon.

[S7]

I experimented with turning off my shaders (then restarting Blockland) and starting a server. Then I used one of the preset skies (the one with black and white buildings) and everything was still dark. Does that skybox/setting work regardless of your settings?

[JPSC]

How about you just tell your players to enable shaders for best gameplay experience?

[RagnaTheBroedge]

How about you just tell your players to enable shaders for best gameplay experience?

give them a minute grace period, then if they don't have them enabled for one reason or another automatically kick them

[JPSC]

automatically

yes and how

I have an idea. What if the server requires a special GUI installed to join the server? The GUI could automatically enable shaders and if the user tries to disable them, it would tell them that they will be kicked from the server if they disable it. Many City RPGs use custom GUIs.

[S7]

yes and how

I have an idea. What if the server requires a special GUI installed to join the server? The GUI could automatically enable shaders and if the user tries to disable them, it would tell them that they will be kicked from the server if they disable it. Many City RPGs use custom GUIs.

I think I would be limiting my audience by a large margin if I did that. On the other hand, the game I'm creating depends on darkness actively (you blend in shadows perfectly against blank print blocks, while you are visible against stud surfaces). I guess it comes down to priorities, then.

[S7]

NEW QUESTION: I have, instead of using a preset shader configuration, gone to the Advanced Settings in the 'Environment' options for the server; I changed ambient color, shadow color and basically made everything dark in color. This creates the same effect, but does it allow users who have shaders turned OFF to experience it the same way? (i.e. unable to see a player against black surfaces, lights penetrate the darkness, hard to see in darkness, etc.)?