Scatter Variation Generator

Generate distinct environment variations using seed mutation and delta perturbations

Designing vast game worlds requires visual diversity. Reusing the exact same scatter configurations across multiple levels or forest zones leads to repetitive, recognizable patterns. Level designers often waste time duplicate-saving scatter profiles and manually altering offsets to introduce subtle variations.

The Scatter Variation Generator automates this by creating profile iterations. By applying mathematical perturbations to seed values, density thresholds, scale ranges, and rotation offsets, the generator compiles multiple unique layout variations from a single master profile.

Variation Algorithm

The generator works on the active ScatterProfile and applies a series of user-configurable seed mutations and floating-point delta offsets:

1. Seed Mutation

Every scatter session is governed by a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) initialized with a specific seed value. The Variation Generator mutates this seed using a high-entropy hash function: \(\text{New Seed} = (\text{Base Seed} \times 1103515245 + 12345) \pmod{2^{31}}\) This ensures that every generated variation features a completely unique layout distribution, even if all other parameters remain constant.

2. Delta Perturbations

To prevent layouts from looking like simple random shuffles, the engine applies delta offsets to existing parameters:

  • Scale Delta: Alters the min and max bounds by a user-defined percentage (e.g. $\pm 5\%$), simulating different growth stages or flora ages across environments.
  • Rotation Delta: Shifts random yaw angles or introduces subtle tilt variations to simulate uneven ground forces.
  • Density Delta: Slightly increases or decreases target counts (e.g. $\pm 10\%$) to mimic dense forest thickets and sparse clearings.
[Master Profile: Seed 1024] ──> [Mutator Engine] ──┬─> [Variation A: Seed 3409, Scale +5%]
                                                 ├─> [Variation B: Seed 8912, Scale -3%]
                                                 └─> [Variation C: Seed 1105, Density +10%]

How to Use the Variation Generator

Open the variation manager via Tools → Decnet → Scatter Variation Generator. The window features a premium dark header with a distinct amber accent.

  1. Source Profile: Assign the master ScatterProfile you wish to vary.
  2. Variation Count: Select how many distinct profile variants you want to compile (ranges from 1 to 10).
  3. Perturbation Limits:
    • Density Jitter: Limit the percentage variance in candidate density ($0\% - 30\%$).
    • Scale Drift: Set the maximum scale deviation from the base prefab limits ($0.05 - 0.5$).
    • Rotation Deviation: Limit the maximum additional yaw or pitch offset applied to prefabs.
  4. Compile Variants:
    • The engine automatically duplicates the master profile, appends suffix tags (e.g. _Variant_A, _Variant_B), applies the delta perturbations, and saves the new assets in the same folder as the parent.
    • Alternatively, use the Apply Perturbation Live button to temporarily preview the variation in your active scene view without creating permanent assets.

[!NOTE] Since all generated variations are saved as native ScriptableObjects, they retain full compatibility with your standard scene placement pipelines, including undo steps and static mesh combining.

[!TIP] When setting up biome grids or chunked loading systems, generate 3 to 4 variations of your main ground-clutter profile. Distribute these variants randomly across adjacent terrain chunks to break up structural tiling and render a seamless natural landscape.

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