Add option to pre-compile particle materials at game load or scene load

[coldays]

Describe the project you are working on

Ludum dare + other hobby projects

Describe the problem or limitation you are having in your project

When using particles in projects, the norm as stated in this godot issue is to display the particles at one frame at the start of the scene/game. Although I could not get this working for web export, which could be a skill issue, it would make it much easier for people to start using particles.

Describe the feature / enhancement and how it helps to overcome the problem or limitation

Add a option to the GPUParticles3D/2D to prewarm or precompile the particleshadermaterial or directly on the particleshadermaterial.

Describe how your proposal will work, with code, pseudo-code, mock-ups, and/or diagrams

When the option is checked, all particlematerials will be compiled on start-up of the game, so the player won't experience a lag spike from shader compilation.

If this enhancement will not be used often, can it be worked around with a few lines of script?

As stated in this godot issue, this can be worked around with displaying particles for a frame at the start of the game

Is there a reason why this should be core and not an add-on in the asset library?

This is available in other game engines like Unity's prewarm particle system option

[Calinou]

godotengine/godot#90400 in 4.4.dev handles this in the RenderingDevice-based rendering methods already, but not Compatibility (which is the only rendering method you can use on the web platform).

Unfortunately, it is not possible to do a straight port of godotengine/godot#90400 to Compatibility. Without this approach, it's impossible to know in advance which shaders will be needed by the project during gameplay.

[coldays]

That's good news!
I think it would be nice for Compatibility as well, especially since web shader compiling is slow.
Are there any plans to do this for Compatibility? In that case, we can just mark this suggestion as closed

[Calinou]

Are there any plans to do this for Compatibility? In that case, we can just mark this suggestion as closed

Some kind of dedicated solution will be needed at some point for Compatibility, but I don't know what shape it would take. There are also many kinds of shader types to cater to (spatial and particles at least) to avoid stuttering during gameplay.