Game backgrounds : skyboxes or ... what ? (reducing download size)

[c_lilian]

hi,

Let's say I have a 3D game (let's call it "Jack F") which uses skyboxes as backgrounds.

What else could I use to reduce download size, without compromising too much the display ?

Currently I've got 4 skyboxes, which look good as png files, but weight around 1 Megs each. I'd like to reduce it to 1 Meg for the four backgrounds, or less.

I've already tried to convert to GIF/JPEG, but the compression or dithering artifacts are too much visible and don't look good.

I've been thinking of :
 - building a background in 3D (a large textured model) + clouds as billboards or particles
 - reducing the vertical size of the boxes (as the bottom part of the images remains invisible)

- any other ideas ?

The game is based on Xith3D, but I think the suggestions that might arise will be independant from the engine.

Many thanks !

Lilian

[Breakfast]

Have you thought of generating your background graphics? Something like this, maybe: http://freespace.virgin.net/hugo.elias/models/m_clouds.htm

[c_lilian]

Interesting, I've read it long time ago but forgot about it.

This would cover sky/clouds, but I also need some horizon (mountains, etc). may be by using a set of 3d models.

any other suggestions ?

Lilian

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[Riven]

For terrain a good texture and (perlin-)noise would do the trick. Then render it to the skybox.

In theory it's easy, in practice you're spending a heck of a lot time to get the terrain good looking.