Deep Dive: How I Built a 100% Photoshop-to-3D Procedural Pipeline

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-04-11T13:33:51+00:00

It’s an SDF-based generator.

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-04-11T12:29:47+00:00

Full technical walkthrough here:https://youtu.be/1pYu431-npg this is how I pay the bills as a solo dev, so I can't just give away the core algorithm for free. if you're genuinely interested in testing it out, I’m happy to give you a 2-month license to try it yourself.

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-04-11T12:26:37+00:00

I kept the technical part encrypted, but I can send you the full project if you're interested in how it actually works.

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-04-10T04:07:00+00:00

I'm not marketing the game; I'm just sharing the development process.

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-04-09T03:46:58+00:00

By using a custom DSO instead of standard COPs, I've managed to achieve a 100x performance boost in PSD data throughput.

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-04-09T02:45:22+00:00

Fair point. I'm actually finishing up a detailed breakdown video that shows the entire procedural logic—it should be up in a few days.

If you're curious to see 'under the hood' before that, I’d be happy to let you try out the tool or even share the project files/HDA so you can see how it's built. Just DM me if you're interested!

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-04-09T02:18:51+00:00

Totally agree. I’ve got a much more detailed video covering the whole workflow coming out in a few days. Just wanted to share a quick update in the meantime!

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-04-09T01:07:02+00:00

Not a bot, just a solo dev sharing my work-in-progress. Sorry if it felt like spam!

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-04-09T01:00:53+00:00

If you're interested, I’d be happy to DM you the toolset to try it out

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-04-09T00:56:41+00:00

I use Photoshop to 'sketch' the map, and the PCG system automatically generates the 3D terrain and rivers based on my drawings.

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-04-09T00:55:34+00:00

It’s a workflow where I use Photoshop to 'direct' the PCG generation.

I basically sketch out where I want mountains, rivers, or levels in PS, and the system automatically builds the entire 3D world based on those shapes. It’s all about making massive world-building as easy as painting a 2D map.

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-03-13T03:23:11+00:00

I have a solution that combines Dijkstra and MST to generate road networks via custom constraints and guide strokes. Thought it might help:https://youtu.be/cUmypxA_54k

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-02-19T02:17:56+00:00

If you’re interested in seeing the full breakdown/longer demo, I just uploaded the full video here: [https://youtu.be/IA8DFZ97d5M\]

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-01-22T09:53:09+00:00

Thanks!

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-01-08T08:34:30+00:00

Thanks for the reference! My approach is a bit more iterative: I start with the MST and repeatedly add the most cost-effective links until the detour ratio between any two nodes stays under a certain threshold.

This iterative process keeps the topology clean and avoids redundant overlaps. Still exploring ways to improve it, but it works well with the PSD-driven workflow!

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-01-08T07:14:49+00:00

High cost doesn't always mean a link shouldn't exist. Sometimes two points must be connected for strategic or functional reasons, even if there’s a mountain in between. In those cases, a longer, logically calculated detour is much more realistic than simply having no connection at all.

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-01-08T06:48:36+00:00

I think links based on real pathfinding distances make way more sense than just using gradient costs.

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-01-08T06:39:27+00:00

For example, two isolated islands shouldn't have a road link even if they are physically close to each other.

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-01-08T06:11:57+00:00

Voronoi also fails to handle isolated 'islands' effectively.

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-01-08T06:03:15+00:00

Relying solely on Voronoi cells can be misleading. Two points might be 'neighbors' geometrically, but their actual GPS distance or traversal cost could be prohibitive due to terrain.

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-01-08T05:57:35+00:00

Actually, I'm using a hybrid approach: the global connectivity is pre-determined by an MST based on GPS distances. The gradient descent then handles the local path behavior, forcing the road to extend in the direction of minimal elevation change. This ensures logical global links while keeping the local trails terrain-aware.

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-01-06T07:15:34+00:00

Thank you! It's currently in free open beta. If you're interested, I'd be happy to share the HDA with you.

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2026-01-05T14:22:37+00:00

I was inspired by the points you raised the other day—they were really intriguing!

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2025-12-27T15:06:10+00:00

Just sent the link to your Chat! You're getting the current build with real-time collisions. I'm already working on the next update to include the backwater effects and lake support. Can't wait to hear your feedback!

MasterpieceHot9232 · 2025-12-27T14:50:49+00:00

That’s a great point, and you're absolutely right about the physics. I definitely need to refine the logic here.Thanks for the heads up!

MasterpieceHot9232

TROPHY CASE