[WIP] Procedural lightning

[n00854180t]

@SiggiG;119631

I’ve been having some fun with procedurally generated lightning :o Based on a simple L-system concept I found outlined on this blog: http://drilian.com/2009/02/25/lightning-bolts/

Everything is done in C++, currently using instanced cylinder meshes. I want to do this in a more optimal way and I’m thinking about either a custom particle system (similar to the beam type) or using a method like the cable component uses to draw the cable. Any ideas or suggestions?

There are also a few things I need to fix with the branching logic to make it more detailed.

I just finished the first pass at animation, later on I want to put a bit of upwards movement in the bolts between flashes (click download, the Dropbox preview is low quality):

Dropbox - WIP_Lightning01.mp4 - Simplify your life

Maybe use splines and the spline/mesh rendering?

Looks awesome!