"Depth of Field" feature reveal?

Games Other Halo
1

I wish to begin with an apology if the following has already been covered in a previous post by another member of the community. I watched the new IGN video in which the map “Abandon” was revealed (link provided bellow). Whenever Kynan Pearson (lead War Games map designer) switched to the observation mode there appeared to be a depth of field mechanic. For anyone who isn’t familiar with depth of field, I suggest you follow this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_field

To summarize: Depth of field in this case is the attempt by cameras (or lenses to be specific) to simulate the human eye in regard to focusing on an object or multiple objects. In latent terms, when you watch a movie and the subject on screen is in focus (crystal clear) and the background is out of focus (blurry), the difference in visibility between the two is referred to as “depth of field”.

As Kynan moved the camera around the map, the depth of field adapted and the focus shifted appropriately. In previous Halo titles, the observation mode in Forge and in the “Theater” option lacked depth of field. Everything was in focus. Thus, when people recorded the game in order to produce machinima (or fan films using the game’s engine) the visuals lacked depth and, in turn, visual realism. I am hoping that the feature which is clearly visible in the IGN “Abandon” walkthrough is not just a developer tool, but is in fact a tool which will be available in the shipped build of the game. This will open up a flood gate (see what I did there) of creative opportunities and avenues down which fans can explore.

In giving the community a tool as pivotal as depth of field, 343i will build upon and further solidify the collaborative efforts of the ever expanding Halo community.

IGN “Abandon” walkthrough: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=W7vwD0L0iWs

Thanks for reading

  • Nico Porcaro
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Interesting. I had not previously noticed that. Thanks for pointing it out and yes, I do hope that is a feature in Halo 4.

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Will be a cool tool for machinimas and montages.

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I did notice it throughout the majority (if not all) of the videos 343i has officially released. Though, it wasn’t until this most recent tour of “Abandon” that I noticed the dynamic changes in depth of field during the observational movement.

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It was shown off when we first saw Halo 4 in action earlier this year. Nobody talked about it or really paid any mind of it, so it’s understandable why someone would just notice now.

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I feel like a dunce, I don’t notice any difference :confused:

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so are you confirming it or what I don’t get this post

DOF is featured in 360 games like Forza 4

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As a photographer I will be stoked to see this in a Halo game… :smiley: I think extra features for theater would be excellent. DOF or f-stop, Shutters Speed, Focal Length, ISO… I’d love if all of these variables were adjustable.