Hello everybody,
I was wondering if there is a general interest in “Landscapes” created with the Terrain features in Unity. I have done plenty of environments (which I can’t show due to NDA) in the past but I just don’t know if it’s worth the time it takes creating them.
If there is interest then please try to be specific with your ideas/requirements so I know what you guys are interested in.
Thomas P.
I would probably be interested in ones that were more difficult with the terrain engine (maybe requiring some extra modeling) like a canyon/cliff or a craggy mountain. I’ve found those kinds of environments the hardest to make.
I would be interested in the landscapes, if it included tips or a tutorial on how to achieve such.
I’m trying to learn how to make very good landscapes with the terrain (not using models for mountains and cliffs), though I have used some of the rocks from the asset store. And some of the things I have struggled with are beginning topics like…
How to place grass to make it look realistic
lighting - ambient light vs directional light for the sun, and how to make them work together
Why do my trees look fake/like clay?
@Jason - Canyons/Cliffs/Mountain terrain requires indeed a lot of extra work. The terrain engine in Unity doesn’t provide enough features so there would be a lot of extra modeling necessary (which isn’t a problem really).
@jc_lvngstn - There is nothing wrong with using rocks, stones and other various 3D models to your landscapes. Actually, without these the landscapes would look rather dull and not really lifelike. Lighting always depends on a few factors and can’t just be explained in a few sentences. I always try to keep “harmonies” in textures, lighting as best as I can. Are you looking for landscapes for RPG’s or FPS’s or what are you after?
Yes, I am also interested in terrains like the image you posted. With obvious hills and valleys and possible river bed.
Mostly realistic\rpg settings, outdoors.
I realize you need non-terrain assets to make a landscape look less bland 
I just mean that I’m interested in getting good results, without say…entire mountains or cliffs (canyon walls, etc) modeled in a 3rd party app. The nature of my project sort of depends on the actual terrain being modifiable, so that makes depending on 3d models as large pieces of terrain sort of a no go.
For example, you did a great job with the picture you posted above…I don’t see any 3d models used in that one, other than the usual grass and such.
@24pfilms - Glad to hear!
@jc_lvngstn - The image above is actually I scene/landscape I just started the other day. Obviously this landscape won’t have much of a mountain range or anything like that. It’s more like a hill/grass landscape with lots of wild grasses and wild flowers, rivers, lakes and such. That was the idea anyways. The current terrain size is 512x512 set in the terrain dialogue. I hope that is big enough for people interested in it?
As you noted, there aren’t any extra meshes currently in the scene but that will likely change (a few rocks, river stones etc will be added).
Thomas
I would be very interested in such a landscape you are showing on both pictures.
Would even pay for some customizing
Hey there Holger,
Glad you like it What kind of customization/requests do you have in mind? Feel free to contact me via PM or email.
Thomas P.
Thomas,
both those Landscape look great, i would like those low lying lands, also some swamp ones , and highland looks aswell.
Hans old buddy 
Glad you like it. Well I will continue on this grass/hill type of terrain and finish it up. Will probably take a week. I’d gladly do more if there is enough interest! Also, I do terrains on request on a freelance basis if anyone is interested.
Thomas P.
Sent yah a PM Thomas
Thomas that looks very nice. I would be interested in package with skybox, plants and ground textures but i dont mind about terrain becouse i wont need it.
I think the idea of selling landscapes has merit if they have some intelligence to the way they are designed, and are designed to be playable. There is a big difference between making a pretty landscape and making a pretty playable landscape. Two things come to my mind in regards to this:
Clear but subtle boundaries - The player should never be able to access a point where he could see outside of the map, but he should also never feel like he’s in a “room without a ceiling”.
The illusion that the landscape is much larger than it is - possibly extending the landscape outside the playable boundaries, or using a skybox and secondary meshes).
Clear boundaries:
illusion of vastness:
In my experience, its pretty difficult to achieve these things without secondary rock/cliff/mountain meshes. The slope-y nature of heightmap-only landscapes makes it too difficult for players to determine what is playable and what is a boundary without enforcing lame artificial limits.
Well there are Skybox packs available already in numerous places I can certainly add many ground textures and a few plants/trees to any of my landscapes though so one could use that to further enhance or create new terrains from it.
Very well said, and truly the key to amplifying the immersive experience. +1 Legend411
Yes, I’m interested, looks good.
I am interested too!
Legend that is right. I have noticed that landscapes that were most attractive to me very valley styled landscapes with huge mountains in background. Actual playable area of map was actually really small, but that didnt bother me all, becouse well designed landscape, rocks, and terrain skining brought its illusion. I think that package with few skyboxes+dozens of rocks+mountains+grass textures and ground textures would sell well.
Very interested, I’ll buy no problems.