Unsure about image optimizing.

ikhoata

I use ImageOptim to optimize the PNG-24 image.
But when I import (replace the old one), Gamesalad converts it back to the big size again.
I saw some different ideas:
1. Some say we don't have to do this kind of optimizing because GameSalad (or Xcode on server-side) will revert the work.
2. Some say they are happy with the optimizing results, as they replace the images using Finder, not by Gamesalad.
As I saw Gamesalad use XML file to store file names and file sizes together, I don't know if the second solution has some downside.
Do you optimize your images like this and have solution for this? Maybe I'm missing some trick...
Thank you.

tenrdrmer

GameSalad runs its own optimization when you publish your build. Unless your images are just ridiculously oversize I have rarely seen anytime when doing my own optimizing was not a waste of time.

ikhoata

Hi tenrdrmer.
Excuse me but I don't understand your advice (my English is not good).
Does that mean I don't have to optimize my images if it's not too big?
Is it like, optimizing using ImageOptim for Gamesalad will not speed up the game loading process on devices?
Thank you.

ericzingeler

@ikhoata

The only case I found where it was worth it for me to replace images via finder was for very large 2048x2048 non-transparent backgrounds. After import, I swapped out the .png's for .jpg's and edited the XML accordingly.

Now, one thing to keep in mind. If you're looking to reduce app download size, then ImageOptim will be helpful.

If you're looking to improve performance (reduce image ram load), then ImageOptim won't be too helpful. You can reduce image RAM load by either reducing image dimensions or changing file bit depth.

You're going to need 24-bit png if transparency is required.

Use 8-bit png for non-transparent images.

ikhoata

Thank you, ericzingeler.
Right now may be I'll stay with the original PNG because I won't be able to deal with error or mistake I'll make with new handy solutions.
When I'm confident enough, I will follow your tips.
Thank you.

Socks

If you're looking to improve performance (reduce image ram load), then ImageOptim won't be too helpful. You can reduce image RAM load by either reducing image dimensions or changing file bit depth.

Whilst reducing image dimensions can reduce RAM use (only if you lower the size to within the next lower power of 2 size) reducing the bit depth has no effect as both 8-bit images and 24-bit images are held in RAM as 24-bit colour.

You're going to need 24-bit png if transparency is required.

Use 8-bit png for non-transparent images.

8-bit PNGs can support transparency.

tenrdrmer

yes what I'm saying is in most cases you are wasting your time.

ikhoata

Thanks Socks and tenrdrmer
Sometimes I feel like it's too much for an indie game developer really, everything needs to be cared by one man, oh my ">

tenrdrmer

Your Welcome.

The_Gamesalad_Guru

Basically compression is only worth the effort to stay under the 50mb cell download limit not game performance.

ikhoata

Thanks FryingBaconStudios.
From what I read in this forum, you gave me faith in Gamesalad even sometimes I (and maybe some folks) have troubles with it

tenrdrmer

Everyone has trouble with it. Just because GameSalad is easier than code doesn't mean it makes perfect sense and a monkey could use it. You still have to teach the monkey.

The_Gamesalad_Guru

Although GS makes some things easy there are a host of other things if one is going to be involved in creating tech. One needs an understanding of Apple's store and system as well as Android or any other platform. One needs a basic understanding of the devices and how they work such as what exactly is retina and how much MB of ram is available for a game not to crash et.. Most of us veterans have spent years reading, studying leaning all we can. The source material is out there you just have to put in the effort to find it and lean it. There is a lot of work involved in doing this right. There is no easy road. Even for us veterans the learning never stops as tech changes quickly. I always read the latest tech news, trends and chatter. If it's a hobby then have fun with it. If one is serious about it then you have to live and breath it. There is no way around it.

You think it's bad now, when most of us vets got started years ago, there was little to no guidance. What you find now on the forums and videos are an accumulation of years of hard work, testing, trying, guessing, exploring ideas by the veterans around here. The new users are benefitting from the people who everyday put in the hard work and effort. Because of them there is now a load of knowledge to draw from. Most of us don't need to do this, or be so generous with our time and knowledge.

This is why you see veterans get ticked off when lazy people post questions that with a simple Google search they can find the answer or demand help. Trust me when I say we've seen it all before. We've seen hundreds of people come in and say they have the greatest idea since sliced bread. If I had a dollar for every time in the last three years I saw that I'd own my own island by now. What you new guys don't understand is we have seen it all, Heard it all and been there done that. We see the people come and go. I can tell by a persons first few posts if they're going to make it or not. Why because we've seen it a thousand times before.

Count yourself fortunate to be part of a community with so many dedicated veterans who are so giving of their time for nothing in return. I see a lack of graditiude around here and lots of good knowledgeable veterans I know just don't even bother with the forums anymore because of it. When you act demanding and ungrateful you're only hurting yourself as most of us already know the answers or can figure it out on our own.

ikhoata

Yes I think all veterans here and there needs more respects and cool questions/discussion from us newbies.
Also indie developers are muti talented.
That's why I always feel awesome when I shout "I'm an indie developer" in front of the mirror ">

Thanks...

fogarty

@FryingBaconStudios In case you missed it, I have been shouting from the rooftops all week about how awesome the GameSalad community is--especially the people who donate their time to help newbies like me.

I mentioned you specifically at the end of this article: http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/Create_an_app_Its_easier_than_you_imagined_47188.aspx

And here's another more general one: http://behindthegrammar.com/2013/08/grammar-pop-the-power-of-community/

I'm pretty sure I've watched all of Tshirtbooth's videos and I discovered yours more recently. I could never have made my game without the help of the GameSalad community. So...RESPECT and THANKS from this corner.

fogarty

BTW, I always try to find the answer on my own before asking a question too, but sometimes, I don't know the right search terms or just can't find the answer.

The_Gamesalad_Guru

@forarty I hope people don't assume I meant all users there are many like you who are appreciative and apply the advice we veterans give. People like you are the reason we do it. There is no fame here to be had on GS..lol we do it because we love making games and want other to succeed in doing it. So thanks!

ikhoata

These words make me feel I'm not an indie developer any more. I have great team of veterans on this forum. I'm no awesome now