[i.imgur.com]


Well that was exciting news last thursday when I read that Valve gave skin creators the option to include a normal/bump map in their submission. For those that do not know what a normal/bump map it is an additional texture sheet we can create to tell the engine how the lighting in the level should interact with the gun. This way a creator is able to create a fake sense of depth without adding geometry to the actual model of the gun. This is a pretty huge update for most skin creators because it brings in a lot of new possibilities and gun skins in general will become a whole lot better looking with the right normal map applied.


Personally I have experience with normal maps because I am working on a map called de_Studio where I create a lot of materials that need a normal map to look good. Therefore I would say it was a rather simple process to create a normal map for my already existing skins. Since all my layers are seperated in Photoshop I could easily export those to Substance Designer and have them at different intensity levels for the best possible result. When I tested the skin in the actual game I was pleasently surprised how much of a difference the normal map has on the Distressed skins.

The wood now actually looks like it has depth instead of it being a flat surface that looks like wood. The grip patches on the Glock-18 look as if they are engraved in the surface and now the glossiness is much better.


Nothing has really changed, the metal oxidizes when the skin wears.


This is a super welcoming addition to the workshop because it will turn already great submissions into even better submissions. Besides that, the quality of a lot of upcoming work and cases will be drastically increased and in the end that is what it's all about. Good looking skins for the community to enjoy :D

I am currently in the proces of creating normal maps for gun skins that I think will really improve with one. The G3SG1 Ivory will receive an update very soon because the difference a good normal map makes is huge to say the least. I will only be using normal maps for my skins when I feel like they actually add something to the overal look. I will be creating more oxidized skins now but I will also look at new possibilities with these normal maps :)

Have a good one!