Getting more in depth with the torch handle.

Because I'm having some issues with the nParticle system in maya, I've diverted some of my activity into making the torch handle flicker seem more realistic.

Initially with the flicker being a loop it meant that it didn't match up with when the light is actually brighter . So I've written a simple script and expression to link the two attributes.

In combination these two take the Frame extension of the incandescence map, and the intensity of the light in the torch, and compare them.

The torch is a random intensity between 8 and 9 , so after arranging the textures in order of their intensity , i made a series of if statements so the dimmer the torch, the dimmer the handle incandescence.

I feel that this will be very helpful for conveying a sense of realism in my project, but also relevant to games as its an efficient way of lighting an object in a situation where having more items to illuminate will slow down game play.