Object Aggregation

Simplygon's aggregator tool combines multiple objects into a single model, simplifying the scene by reducing the number of draw calls and streamlining mesh transformations.

The process often utilizes material aggregation and culling to further optimize the asset.

• Material Merging: Consolidates different materials into one, allowing the cluster of objects to be rendered in a single draw call.
• Culling: Removes non-visible triangles, such as internal geometry in kit-bashed assets or parts hidden under terrain or intersecting with other assets. This reduces triangle count, overdraw, and internal shadows.
• Visibility Culling: Removes triangles not visible from any in-game camera angle, which is beneficial for reducing unnecessary geometry in inaccessible areas or large vistas reused as background environments.

Aggregation of object clusters is typically automated in a game’s build pipeline through Scripting, enabling level designers to focus on constructing environments while Simplygon handles optimization. Object aggregation with material merging and culling preserves the surface of the object, making it suitable for optimizing assets without visual degradation.

Additional features that complement object aggregation include:

• LOD Chain Creation: Clusters of objects can first be optimized with object aggregation to remove internal geometry and merge materials. The Triangle Reducer can then create a Level of Detail (LOD) chain for the combined model.
• Partial Model Aggregation: With Scripting and the Scene Graph, specific sections of a model can be aggregated, offering more control over optimization.
• Automated Asset Pipeline: Object aggregation combined with Distributed Batch Processing can automate the asset pipeline, including tasks like baking Ambient Occlusion Casting maps to a large number of assets.

For over 16 years, Simplygon has been the tool of choice for AAA game developers, playing an integral role in optimizing some of the biggest game productions worldwide. If you are interested in evaluating how Simplygon can enhance your game’s performance, contact us for an evaluation.