UPDATED the image with a better comparison!

http://i.imgur.com/o37E3DI.jpg" style="max-width:100%">

It might not be exactly representative, because the map is different from up to down. But basically, the upper screenshot has no background art (behind the isometric map) while the screenshot on the bottom has it. They're generic background art to represent the zone/location/area.

Which one looks better? I have actually also another idea, to have some sort of black shroud around the map so it gets more focus, might try to do a mockup later if I have time

I think with background is more immersive

Right now, I am leaving more to without, the background is a little distracting if I want to focus on the battle. I'll have to see if it'll be less distracting with the black shroud

Another user on twitter suggested more opaque floor tiles, which is also a good idea I think.

Option to toggle background requested.

Heh that's always a good solution indeed. We have already toggle near/far wall on/off (though probably makes sense only near walls) so we could just add that and solve the dispute

Would be interesting to see how the background looks once all tiles are uncovered. I fear it might not be that great. Also, some kinds of background may distract (the muted tones shown should be OK). My vote is for without.

True, here's a screenshot with background and fully explored map:

http://i.imgur.com/Xqf034a.jpg" style="max-width:100%">

Hmm... the vote seems to go "with background"... I still like the bare background better, as it seems my opinion is in the minority.



Maybe you should make sure there is nothing relevant in the obscured part, and that the background does not change meaning somehow once the map is uncovered. There may be any number of pitfalls - but WW is an experienced studio full of professionals so you will avoid the pitfalls of course.

The majority of votes was cast BEFORE I put this last image so I don't think is really representative, since I think that with the background ultimately gets too much confusing. I think it should be more transparent otherwise it risks to get in the way... anyway I enabled changing votes, so people that see the new image can change the vote in the poll (also updated the first image).

Since a toggle was mentioned, and if practical it would be the best solution. As for me I like the artwork soo UP with the background images!

Things to keep in mind: cutscenes will likely just bring this BG back up anyway, so you're looking at constant BG replacements, or fading the map in and out. Also, this is a larger map example. There will be many maps that will be smaller, so there's either more BG to see or more empty space.



We could also just obscure the BG by overlaying the blue hex BG over it.

We could also just obscure the BG by overlaying the blue hex BG over it.

I think that could be a good solution, even in "background on" mode, to reduce the contrast and keep the focus on the map

I will post here, to keep the background-art discussion in one place...



I saw the video in the other thread (WANT! WANT NOW! ) and there the background art was not too distracting. It was clear where the action is, and the maze did attract the attention as needed. This would change, of course, if the background becomes too bright or has too dominant colors or so. Which reduces my objection to estethics.