Any news on your development?
I was inspired by your project, so I decided to write my own client in JavaScript. Currently looks like this:
Most parts of making the client are okay, but 3D is really hard. I didn't even know what a mesh was when I started this project a couple of months ago, so I have to fight every step of the way! As you can see, I'm still working on getting the RSM models positioned, and rotated to where they belong. I know I must be doing something wrong, but at the moment I'm totally stuck with this error!
Performance seems to be okay so far, but then again I haven't added any of the lighting. Loading a map with models only takes a couple of seconds before it's ready to render. (Well, at least when I'm getting the map files and textures from the local computer...) Typed arrays and buffers also helped a great deal when dealing with network packets, file format loading etc. Previously I'd just been getting the data as plain text, which was a lot of unnecessary work when reading typed structures. Hopefully when I get the map display down I can start on displaying actors and integrating the network and GUI.
I'm wonder a bit on file loading though. I wrote a parser for GRF, but downloading a huge file kinda defeats the point of a browser client. I'm wondering if it would be a good solution to just preload a GRF with stuff like SPR/ACT files so the I don't have to worry about latency when displaying characters, and then download the map files and textures when entering a new map. Also I'm thinking about merging GND, GAT and RSW into one file and combining textures to save HTTP calls. Using fewer materials might give a nice performance boost too.
Anyway, would be nice to see some more updates on your project. It's been a while since your last video so it'd be exciting to see how much further you've come!
