Some Interesting Technology... 3D from 2D (Patreon)

Something that probably isn't obvious since I'm using a game engine made in like 1995 is that I'm always on the lookout for innovative technology that could create a unique visual presentation for future projects. This one was suggested by our new artist (who is asking to be referred to as, uh, "Tikkler & Krotch" from here on out... and who shall be referred to as "TK" for short). The basic concept is that you can make any 2D image 3D (within certain bounds) by adding a "depth map", which is basically an additional layer that describes the third dimension (depth). Well, since our renders are from 3D objects, TK created a depth map shader that, when applied to the characters, will render out as the above images. The shade of gray describes how far away a specific point is from the camera. Using these, we used an app to create the attached GIFs, which basically emulate 3D from the 2D processed artwork. What we're hoping is that in the near future someone with more time than us will make a client-based viewer so that we could offer camera-controlled 3D versions of the artwork (a little more fashionable and functional than goofy GIFs). And before you ask, there's unfortunately and definitely no way RPG Maker could utilize this... but maybe for a future project!