Another choice for you :D

Hey community!
First, thank you again for the massive reaction to the last poll. I’m really happy with the result, and all your comments were super useful. I truly believe my idea has been refined thanks to your comments. That’s why I want to share another important choice with you today.

LDR has never aimed for realism, and that means a big decision needs to be made:

👉 Should we go for realistic-stylized graphics with heavy lighting effects (better reflections, global illumination, realistic physics, etc.)?
👉 Or should we embrace a more stylized art direction, focusing on handcrafted beauty, strong artistic vibes, and optimization over technical realism?

Think Satisfactory (realistic, tech-heavy) vs. Genshin Impact (stylized, optimized, but beautiful in its own way).

The second option (stylized) would make optimization much easier. That means:

• More NPCs in the same place.

• Bigger/more detailled environments

• Simplier lighting and physics.

⚠️ Warning: if we choose the stylized direction, the current map (which will be replaced sooner or later) will look very ugly in some places – especially building interiors – because right now all the lighting was created with global illumination.

💡 Random info: with my latest optimization test (general improvements + GI removed), I’m reaching 150–200 FPS in the city with NPCs around.

Personally, I feel this choice would let us push for a unique and recognizable artistic identity for LDR. Even if I work with asset packs, I can customize, rework, and swap them to create something truly personal and original as I’ve already started showing you.

This choice will strongly shape the game’s future, so I want to know what you think.