Why is ZOS obsessed with the color gray? A look at art direction in ESO

willlienellson

I can't?

DM_ESO

A lot of times my costume looks black no matter what I dye it because the colors are so strong everywhere I go. I shouldn't be navy blue when standing in the shadows (which shouldn't be full dark) under a merchant stall at noon in Daggerfall. Then I shouldn't turn full yellow when stepping out of those shadows with almost full black shadows on me. Yes shadows and sunlight are those colors, but they should be a lot subtler.

This is a problem with the Elder Scrolls series as a whole. They always use strong direct lighting with nothing to account for ambient light or global illumination. Even indoors with torches only we should have some ambient light filling most spaces.

Pops_ND_Irish

Hehe now its color !
I guess some people are so bored !

RealLifeRedguard

MoTeets wrote: »

Hehe now its color !
I guess some people are so bored !

You seem like someone who gets offended when anyone gives an opinion or criticism that doesn't suit your own. This is a forum.

psychotrip

DM_ESO wrote: »

A lot of times my costume looks black no matter what I dye it because the colors are so strong everywhere I go. I shouldn't be navy blue when standing in the shadows (which shouldn't be full dark) under a merchant stall at noon in Daggerfall. Then I shouldn't turn full yellow when stepping out of those shadows with almost full black shadows on me. Yes shadows and sunlight are those colors, but they should be a lot subtler.

This is a problem with the Elder Scrolls series as a whole. They always use strong direct lighting with nothing to account for ambient light or global illumination. Even indoors with torches only we should have some ambient light filling most spaces.

To be honest I can only really remember Skyrim having this problem, and even then it wasn't as bad as ESO. The Elder Scrolls was never a dark, gritty looking world in terms of art style. ESO is the exception, not the rule, and even then it's not even consistent within itself if we look at vibrant places like Hammerfell and Reaper's March.

Tandor

Smepic wrote: »

willlienellson wrote: »

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I love the art direction of ESO.
It's honestly one of the few reasons I ignore the other problems with the game.

@willlienellson

You can not deny that the game is filled with unnecessary fog and gray.

That rather depends on your system specs and game settings, wouldn't you say?

RealLifeRedguard

Tandor wrote: »

Smepic wrote: »

willlienellson wrote: »

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I love the art direction of ESO.
It's honestly one of the few reasons I ignore the other problems with the game.

@willlienellson

You can not deny that the game is filled with unnecessary fog and gray.

That rather depends on your system specs and game settings, wouldn't you say?

Actually, I needed to use a mod to remove the fog and fix some of the washed out colors. My system has everything set to max.

DragonBound

Smepic wrote: »

willlienellson wrote: »

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I love the art direction of ESO.
It's honestly one of the few reasons I ignore the other problems with the game.

@willlienellson

You can not deny that the game is filled with unnecessary fog and gray.

I agree, colors can have psychological effects as well, maybe they where just trying to appeal skyrim fans shrug. There are add ons that get rid of the grey for me though atleast I do not notice it.

Tandor

RealLifeRedguard wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

Smepic wrote: »

willlienellson wrote: »

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I love the art direction of ESO.
It's honestly one of the few reasons I ignore the other problems with the game.

@willlienellson

You can not deny that the game is filled with unnecessary fog and gray.

That rather depends on your system specs and game settings, wouldn't you say?

Actually, I needed to use a mod to remove the fog and fix some of the washed out colors. My system has everything set to max.

Out of interest, AMD or Nvidia?

RealLifeRedguard

Tandor wrote: »

RealLifeRedguard wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

Smepic wrote: »

willlienellson wrote: »

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I love the art direction of ESO.
It's honestly one of the few reasons I ignore the other problems with the game.

@willlienellson

You can not deny that the game is filled with unnecessary fog and gray.

That rather depends on your system specs and game settings, wouldn't you say?

Actually, I needed to use a mod to remove the fog and fix some of the washed out colors. My system has everything set to max.

Out of interest, AMD or Nvidia?

Nvidia

Tandor

RealLifeRedguard wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

RealLifeRedguard wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

Smepic wrote: »

willlienellson wrote: »

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I love the art direction of ESO.
It's honestly one of the few reasons I ignore the other problems with the game.

@willlienellson

You can not deny that the game is filled with unnecessary fog and gray.

That rather depends on your system specs and game settings, wouldn't you say?

Actually, I needed to use a mod to remove the fog and fix some of the washed out colors. My system has everything set to max.

Out of interest, AMD or Nvidia?

Nvidia

Same as me then, although I don't use any addons and don't feel the need for them. Interesting.

Seraphayel

You are definitely right. Most Daggerfall zones are pretty similar but... I really like it. I tried the other alliances but I couldn't play them. I always returned to DC. Glenumbra is gray, Stormhaven is gray and Rivenspire is gray as well but... I like it. I like the dark, grey and desolate art style of those zones. I don't know why I just like it. Yes, sometimes everything is too similar but it's still my favorite art style in game. I never liked Auridon. It's so awful, ugh.

Acrolas

The game was developed during the Game of Thrones meta. So of course 90% of the game looks like:

RealLifeRedguard

Seraphayel wrote: »

You are definitely right. Most Daggerfall zones are pretty similar but... I really like it. I tried the other alliances but I couldn't play them. I always returned to DC. Glenumbra is gray, Stormhaven is gray and Rivenspire is gray as well but... I like it. I like the dark, grey and desolate art style of those zones. I don't know why I just like it. Yes, sometimes everything is too similar but it's still my favorite art style in game. I never liked Auridon. It's so awful, ugh.

Well no one can blame you for liking what you like.

Acrolas wrote: »

The game was developed during the Game of Thrones meta. So of course 90% of the game looks like:

Just like how Oblivion completely changed Cyrodiil after the LOTR movies came out. I really think this is less about an artistic vision and more about chasing what's popular at the time. But at least Oblivion didn't suddenly suck out all the vibrancy from the world in an attempt to look gritty. Morrowind was gray and dark too, but I think that goes back to the OPs point about being dark without being dull.

Sinthrax

I can't say I totally disagree. However, its better than those games that have purple, pink, baby blue, orange, lilac, and millions of other bright colors and no earth tone colors. Look at the world around you. I am not saying it isn't a bit brighter but most things are actually earth tone colors with the a few brights around. Overall, its not that bad.

It might have a bit to do with performance on PCs as well. I would assume earth colors are easier on your PC that tons of bright colors, for those with older PCs.

Also, you are talking about a subjective topic. I may not like your forum name but...hey, who am I.

Sinthrax

RealLifeRedguard wrote: »

MoTeets wrote: »

Hehe now its color !
I guess some people are so bored !

You seem like someone who gets offended when anyone gives an opinion or criticism that doesn't suit your own. This is a forum.

I don't see anything in his post that points to him being offended. Now, yours on the other hand.... You said it best..it is a forum and he stated his opinion. Take your own advice.

Sinthrax

Tandor wrote: »

RealLifeRedguard wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

RealLifeRedguard wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

Smepic wrote: »

willlienellson wrote: »

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I love the art direction of ESO.
It's honestly one of the few reasons I ignore the other problems with the game.

@willlienellson

You can not deny that the game is filled with unnecessary fog and gray.

That rather depends on your system specs and game settings, wouldn't you say?

Actually, I needed to use a mod to remove the fog and fix some of the washed out colors. My system has everything set to max.

Out of interest, AMD or Nvidia?

Nvidia

Same as me then, although I don't use any addons and don't feel the need for them. Interesting.

Tandor wrote: »

RealLifeRedguard wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

RealLifeRedguard wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

Smepic wrote: »

willlienellson wrote: »

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I love the art direction of ESO.
It's honestly one of the few reasons I ignore the other problems with the game.

@willlienellson

You can not deny that the game is filled with unnecessary fog and gray.

That rather depends on your system specs and game settings, wouldn't you say?

Actually, I needed to use a mod to remove the fog and fix some of the washed out colors. My system has everything set to max.

Out of interest, AMD or Nvidia?

Nvidia

Same as me then, although I don't use any addons and don't feel the need for them. Interesting.

Its because the entire subject is subjective. It really is a useless subject to speak of. I am sure there are people here trying to convince you that there opinion is right. I don't like WoWs old graphics so guess what. I don't play it. Millions still do.

RealLifeRedguard

Sinthrax wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

RealLifeRedguard wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

RealLifeRedguard wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

Smepic wrote: »

willlienellson wrote: »

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I love the art direction of ESO.
It's honestly one of the few reasons I ignore the other problems with the game.

@willlienellson

You can not deny that the game is filled with unnecessary fog and gray.

That rather depends on your system specs and game settings, wouldn't you say?

Actually, I needed to use a mod to remove the fog and fix some of the washed out colors. My system has everything set to max.

Out of interest, AMD or Nvidia?

Nvidia

Same as me then, although I don't use any addons and don't feel the need for them. Interesting.

Tandor wrote: »

RealLifeRedguard wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

RealLifeRedguard wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

Smepic wrote: »

willlienellson wrote: »

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I love the art direction of ESO.
It's honestly one of the few reasons I ignore the other problems with the game.

@willlienellson

You can not deny that the game is filled with unnecessary fog and gray.

That rather depends on your system specs and game settings, wouldn't you say?

Actually, I needed to use a mod to remove the fog and fix some of the washed out colors. My system has everything set to max.

Out of interest, AMD or Nvidia?

Nvidia

Same as me then, although I don't use any addons and don't feel the need for them. Interesting.

Its because the entire subject is subjective. It really is a useless subject to speak of. I am sure there are people here trying to convince you that there opinion is right. I don't like WoWs old graphics so guess what. I don't play it. Millions still do.

I wasn't aware discussing opinions on a forum was useless. Maybe you should go to another topic?

bg22

I absolutely agree, OP. The storms feel like sunny days, and sunny days feel the same as night. Dark isn't dark enough and light isn't light enough.

AzuraKin

psychotrip wrote: »

Publius_Scipio wrote: »

I believe the devs have openly said that they try to keep the game rooted in that "realistic fantasy" plane. Obviously it's a fantasy game but it doesn't escape what forests, ruins, etc would look and feel like irl. The ES games maintain that medieval times look which is cool.

Auridon during the day is very colorful with the purple leaf trees and all that.

That doesn't in any way explain the actual changes to previously established structures. Why make the ayleid ruins cement gray? Where did they get that idea from?

And Auridon itself is beautiful. The architecture is colorless and clashes with the landscape.

cemet grey? think something wrong with your vid card then, they marble white to me.

Franieck

I also love it as it is.

Rohamad_Ali

What is a good add on for making the graphics look better ? Is there one on minion ? My laptop can handle max graphics settings but if this can be improved I'm all for that .

Luigi_Vampa

Seraphayel wrote: »

You are definitely right. Most Daggerfall zones are pretty similar but... I really like it. I tried the other alliances but I couldn't play them. I always returned to DC. Glenumbra is gray, Stormhaven is gray and Rivenspire is gray as well but... I like it. I like the dark, grey and desolate art style of those zones. I don't know why I just like it. Yes, sometimes everything is too similar but it's still my favorite art style in game. I never liked Auridon. It's so awful, ugh.

Finally, someone with a like mind. Give me Glenumbra over Auridon anyday.

patrykplawskib16_ESO

There's a MOD that help's with the colors but does take some extra performance to run it. It's called SweetFX, there is many version with different color settings and it adds more rays and so on.

Link: (http://www.nexusmods.com/elderscrollsonline/mods/68/?)

Ajaxandriel

psychotrip wrote: »

And this is what they look like in ESO:



We went from opulent, weathered white marble to dull gray stone. Again, the graphics are obviously better in the latter, but the basic idea couldn't be more different. This is beyond a color change. Are the ayleids using a completely new building material that will magically change into marble by the time of Oblivion? Even if the style in Oblivion was too bright, why go so far in a different direction?

So why does Zenimax insist on making half the world so dark, dull, and gray?

Agree... This is nonsense.
It's like our city stones going grey because of the urban pollution... Where are the traffics of Auridon and Daggerfall then? haha


This is an interesting document @Danikat

Even if this would have been a bit too "childish" or cartoonish... There would have been a warm touch that the actual game often misses. Wood architecture is warmer anyway. It's obvious considering orcish style, khajiiti, bosmeri, etc.
The Altmer one is lacking the white marble, almost translucent architecture, with rose windows ! (Maybe they just don't know how to encode glass-crystal matters ?)

That said, I found the DLC content zones far more inspired than most of the classic zones. Orsinium is still gray but nicely snowy... The Gold Coast makes the job of a mediterranean atmosphere. And I just loved Khefrem.

DragonBound

patrykplawskib16_ESO wrote: »

There's a MOD that help's with the colors but does take some extra performance to run it. It's called SweetFX, there is many version with different color settings and it adds more rays and so on.

Link: (http://www.nexusmods.com/elderscrollsonline/mods/68/?)

Thats the one I use, I have not tried to tweek it though but this is likely the best one if you want more color.

SirAndy

psychotrip wrote: »

This is what ayleid ruins looked like in Oblivion:

And this is what they look like in ESO:

Funny you mention the Ayleid Ruins ...

During the 24/7 Psijic beta testing i filed several bug reports about the exact same issue and even had an email exchange with some of the developers, sending them screenshots from both Oblivion and ESO.

After several days of going back and forth they finally came back with the statement that this was on purpose and followed the art direction that was handed to them.

The Ayleid Ruins in Oblivion looked and felt awesome, the ones in ESO, not so much ...

Sausage

willlienellson wrote: »

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I love the art direction of ESO.
It's honestly one of the few reasons I ignore the other problems with the game.

Grey is good.

Before you start complaining about colours, tons of money has been made with "grey" games, like Battlefield or Call of Duty series, Skyrim? Bethesda's biggest success yet. I think they should keep the grey in the series, it gives them good recognition within fantasy genre, where most devs seems to favor colours.

Banana

Alot of stone is actually gray

Ghanima_Atreides

I disagree. Tamriel has a very diverse, dynamic weather/lighting system that changes from gloomy and foggy to sunny and bright depending on location, time of day and whether it's cloudy or sunny. Yes, there are some places that are permanently gloomy for in-universe reasons (just like there are permanently sunny and bright ones, such as Alik'r, Hew's Bane, the Gold Coast etc.). Here are a few shots from all over Tamriel to demonstrate the point:



















They aren't ultra-saturated and cartoony, no (which is a good thing IMO and one of the things I like about the game) but not what I would call grey and drab either.