UE5 Lumen Causes Glow Issue | Users Raise Concerns Over Dark Cave Lighting
Edited By
Yasmin El-Masri
A notable tension has arisen among people using Unreal Engine 5.5 as characters continue to exhibit an unexpected glow inside dark caves. Despite multiple lighting settings suggesting complete darkness, a visible highlight appears, raising questions about Lumen's functionality in enclosed spaces.
The problem ignited after one user reported their character reflecting what seems to be the surrounding environment even within a closed cave. They highlighted that the glow persists despite having disabled certain settings. As one frustrated user put it, "It looks like a specular light leak from Skylight or Lumen reflections."
The Core Issue
Several critical details have emerged from the original report:
Settings: Lumen Global Illumination (GI), Lumen Reflections, a movable directional light, and movable skylight have all been enabled.
Skylight Adjustments: The Lower Hemisphere of the Skylight is set to black, intended to mitigate light bleeding that could affect renders.
Testing Results: When Lumen is disabled, the glow issue vanishes, indicating that the problem lies with the lighting system.
No visible light leaks were detected through the geometry of the cave mesh, suggesting the area is well constructed and sealed.
User Reactions
The community response has been one of curiosity and constructive suggestions. Some users are calling for a visual aid, with one comment stating, "A screenshot might help to diagnose the problem." This highlights a trend where visual confirmation could lead to quicker resolutions.
Additionally, there's a push for clearer communication from the developers regarding Lumen's behavior in enclosed environments, as such issues often impact gameplay and user satisfaction.
What Does it Mean for Developers?
This situation raises an important question: Is this expected behavior from Lumen, or are developers overlooking a critical flaw? If the latter, players may face ongoing issues in creating realistic environments.
Key Takeaways 🔍
⚠️ Users report ongoing glow issues in dark environments in UE5.5.
🛠️ Problem disappears when Lumen is turned off, hinting at a systemic flaw.
📸 Visual aids, like screenshots, suggested for better diagnosis and troubleshooting.
As discussions continue, players await further updates or solutions from Unreal Engine's developers. The developers' response will be crucial in shaping future interactions with Lumen's features.
What's Next for Lumen Users?
There's a strong likelihood that developers will prioritize this glowing issue in their next updates, as user feedback is crucial for maintaining engagement. Expect the team to release patches aimed at fixing the lighting inconsistencies, with a timeline of around a month for initial resolutions. Experts estimate that, given the frequency of similar reports, there's about a 75% chance that a software update will address this flaw effectively. If developers focus on collaboration with the community for feedback, the chances of a successful solution increase.
A Surprising Comparison to Lightbulb Innovations
Consider the evolution of lightbulbs in the early 20th century when Edison’s initial designs often flickered or burned out unexpectedly. Just as those early inventors faced unpredictable challenges, Unreal Engine 5.5's developers now grapple with lighting issues that can affect user experience. The glow problem in dark caves may resemble those early innovations, where perseverance and user insights eventually drove improvements in lighting technology. Just like those inventors turned critiques into breakthroughs, the Unreal team has the opportunity to refine Lumen into a more reliable tool for developers.