Development of the Cockpit for the Stealth Bomber and relevant Code Optimization in Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS)
Industry:
Simulation and Game Development
Challenge:
Optimize such that the loading times of the Stealth Bomber are faster while preventing if from being blocked by the loading process.
Outcome:
vResolv.io successfully designed and optimized the Stealth Bomber model in MSFS resulting in a major improvement in loading times and a bump in sales figures for the company.
DEVELOPING THE STRATEGY
vResolv.io adapted its development strategy to cater for the client’s requirements for their product.
Challenge #1
Make loading times faster in a single-threaded environment.
Challenge #2
The User Interface (UI) should be quick and responsive.
Challenge #3
The thread should not be blocked by the loading process of the Stealth Bomber.
THE SOLUTION
In their approach, the vResolv.io team meticulously analyzed the codebase to identify potential areas for enhancement. Their focus lay particularly on optimizing the code responsible for loading processes. Leveraging the robust capabilities of C++ as their primary programming language, alongside the efficiency of tools and libraries such as RapidJSON, they endeavored to streamline and refine the loading operations, ensuring optimal performance and seamless functionality within their tech stack.
Tech Stack Implemented:
Programming language: C++
Tools & Libraries: RapidJSON
IMPLEMENTATION OVERVIEW
The vResolv.io team began by analyzing the codebase and identified several areas for improvement. One notable instance involved parsing information for the gauges of the Stealth Bomber, where they initially utilized Nlohmann JSON, a slower method. After benchmarking both libraries using a test program, they replaced it with RapidJSON for its superior speed. Additionally, they optimized the loading process for various Stealth Bomber plane gauges by dividing them into different frames.
This approach ensured that the user interface remained responsive while maintaining the fluidity of the simulation. Furthermore, they responded to user requests by implementing additional gauges for the Stealth Bomber, including the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI), Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), Vertical Velocity Gauge (VVI), and others.
THE PAYOFF
An optimized model of the Stealth Bomber in MSFS with much improved loading times and all the requested features implemented. The customer was greatly satisfied and as a result, awarded vResolv.io with another fighter jet project.
RESULTS & OUTCOMES
By the end of development and integration, vResolv.io was successful in satisfying the client’s requirements.
Outcome #1
An 88% increase in the parsing/loading times of the gauges resulting in the simulation not getting delayed anymore.
Outcome #2
Designed and optimized gauges of the Stealth Bomber.
Outcome #3
An optimized codebase with inefficiencies and memory leaks eradicated.
Outcome #4
The Stealth Bomber being a direct match to its real-world counterpart.