ParticleLightsModule And AlphaOverLifetimeLinearGradient Issue On Particle System Causes Flashing - Seizure Warning Discussion

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a serious issue reported in Resonite that can cause some pretty intense flashing lights. This problem occurs when using the ParticleLightsModule in conjunction with the AlphaOverLifetimeLinearGradient on a particle system. It's so severe that it warrants a seizure warning, so let's get right into the details.

Understanding the Issue

When particles are set up with both the ParticleLightsModule and the AlphaOverLifetimeLinearGradient, the result can be an extremely rapid and intense flashing effect. This isn't just a minor visual glitch; it's a full-blown strobe effect that can be very uncomfortable and even dangerous for some users. Think of it as the virtual equivalent of a flashbang – not exactly the kind of experience you want in a virtual world.

This issue has been reproduced and confirmed by multiple users, making it a significant concern for the Resonite community. The flashing is so intense that it can be visually overwhelming, making it crucial to address this bug to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We need to understand why these two modules, when combined, create such a problematic visual output.

The core of the problem lies in how the AlphaOverLifetimeLinearGradient interacts with the light emission from the ParticleLightsModule. The gradient is meant to control the transparency of the particles over their lifespan, creating smooth fades and transitions. However, when coupled with the light emission, it seems to cause a rapid oscillation in the light intensity, resulting in the harsh flashing. Imagine trying to dim a light switch rapidly on and off – that’s the kind of effect we're seeing here, but on a much more intense and potentially harmful scale.

To put it simply, the AlphaOverLifetimeLinearGradient is fighting with the lighting module, creating a visual tug-of-war that results in the seizure-inducing strobe effect. The challenge now is to figure out exactly what part of the interaction is causing this and how to fix it. Is it a matter of timing, intensity scaling, or perhaps an unintended feedback loop? These are the questions that developers and the community need to explore to find a solution.

How to Reproduce the Flashing Issue

To replicate this issue, you can follow these steps:

1. Access the World: Use the resrec link provided: resrec:///U-ModernBalloonie/R-d2fc34c6-2a4e-4ef9-9a3f-731d82762c24. This will take you directly to the world where the issue is present.
2. Enable the Module: Once in the world, locate the particle system and enable the AlphaOverLifetimeLinearGradient module.
3. Observe the Flashing: As soon as the module is enabled, the flashing lights should become apparent. Be prepared for an intense strobe effect.

This straightforward reproduction method makes it easy for developers and other users to experience the issue firsthand, aiding in the troubleshooting and resolution process. It’s always helpful to have a clear and repeatable process when trying to squash bugs, and this one certainly fits the bill.

By following these steps, you can quickly confirm the issue and see the severity of the flashing. It's important to approach this with caution, especially if you or someone you know is sensitive to flashing lights. This issue is not just a minor visual annoyance; it’s a potential health hazard, which underscores the urgency of finding a solution.

Expected Behavior vs. Actual Outcome

The expected behavior for these particle systems is smooth, controlled light emission that fades in and out with the particle's alpha over its lifetime. The AlphaOverLifetimeLinearGradient should provide a way to smoothly adjust the transparency, creating a natural and visually pleasing effect. This is how it's intended to work, and it's a common technique used in visual effects to create things like glowing embers, magical trails, or other subtle light-based effects.

However, the actual outcome is far from the intended smooth fade. Instead, the lights flash intensely and rapidly, creating a strobe effect that is not only visually jarring but also potentially harmful. This unexpected behavior completely undermines the purpose of these modules and makes them unusable in their current state. The flashing is so severe that it overwhelms the intended visual effect, making it impossible to create the kind of subtle, controlled lighting that the modules are designed for.

The discrepancy between the expected and actual behavior highlights a significant bug in the system. It's not just a matter of tweaking a setting or adjusting a parameter; the core interaction between these two modules is fundamentally flawed. This is why it's so important to identify the root cause of the issue and implement a fix that restores the intended functionality.

Imagine trying to create a beautiful, ethereal scene with softly glowing particles, only to have it ruined by an epileptic-fit-inducing strobe effect. That's the reality of this bug, and it underscores the importance of addressing it quickly. We need to get these modules working as intended so that creators can bring their visions to life without the risk of causing harm to their users.

Visual Evidence: Screenshots

The provided screenshot clearly demonstrates the severity of the issue. The image captures the blinding flashes emitted by the particle system, making it evident that this is not a subtle visual glitch. The intensity of the light is so high that it washes out the surrounding environment, making it difficult to see anything else in the scene. This visual evidence is crucial in conveying the urgency and importance of fixing this bug.

Screenshots like this are invaluable for developers because they provide a concrete example of the problem. It's one thing to describe a flashing light, but it's another thing entirely to see it in action. The visual representation helps developers understand the scale and nature of the issue, which can guide them in their debugging efforts.

Moreover, the screenshot serves as a clear warning to other users. By seeing the intensity of the flashing, they can understand the potential risk and avoid using the affected modules until a fix is implemented. This kind of transparency is essential in maintaining a safe and positive user experience within Resonite.

Technical Details: Version and Platform

This issue was reported on Resonite Version Beta 2025.7.30.1428, indicating that it is a relatively recent bug. This information is crucial for developers as it helps narrow down the potential causes by focusing on changes made around that version. Knowing the specific version allows them to examine the codebase and identify any recent modifications that might have introduced the problem.

The bug has been confirmed to occur on Windows, but it's important to note that this doesn't necessarily mean it's exclusive to this platform. It's possible that the issue also exists on other platforms, but further testing would be needed to confirm this. The more information we can gather about where the bug occurs, the better equipped developers will be to fix it comprehensively.

The reporter also specified using both a Desktop setup and a Quest Pro headset. This detail is valuable because it suggests that the issue is not specific to a particular VR setup. Whether you're using a high-end VR headset or a desktop display, the flashing problem persists, indicating that the root cause is likely in the core rendering or particle system code rather than being tied to a specific hardware configuration.

By providing these technical details, the reporter has given the developers a solid foundation for their investigation. The version number, platform, and hardware information all contribute to a clearer picture of the bug, making it easier to diagnose and resolve.

Log Files: A Deeper Dive

Log files are an essential resource for debugging complex issues like this. The reporter has provided two log files:

• DESKTOP-QBGCSAQ - 2025.7.30.1428 - 2025-07-30 23_41_31.log
• Player.log

These files contain a wealth of information about what was happening in Resonite at the time the issue occurred. They can include error messages, warnings, and detailed information about the state of the game engine. Developers can use these logs to trace the execution path of the code and identify exactly where the flashing is being triggered.

By analyzing the logs, developers can look for patterns or anomalies that might indicate the cause of the problem. For example, they might find that a particular function is being called repeatedly in a short period, or that there's an unexpected spike in resource usage. These clues can help them pinpoint the source of the bug and develop a fix.

It's like being a detective and sifting through clues at a crime scene. Each log entry is a piece of evidence that can help solve the mystery of the flashing lights. The more detailed the logs, the better the chances of finding the culprit and bringing it to justice (or, in this case, squashing the bug!).

Additional Context and Related Issues

The reporter mentioned a potentially related issue: #5042. This cross-referencing is incredibly helpful because it suggests that the flashing problem might be connected to another known bug. By looking at the details of the related issue, developers can gain additional insights into the underlying cause of the problem.

It's like connecting the dots in a puzzle. If two issues seem to be related, there's a good chance that they share a common root cause. By investigating both issues together, developers might be able to find a solution that addresses both problems at once. This can save time and effort, and it can also lead to a more robust fix.

The reporter also mentioned "testing the splittening all day aaaaa," which, while a bit cryptic, suggests that they were actively working with particle systems and lighting effects. This context is valuable because it indicates that the reporter has a good understanding of the Resonite engine and is likely to provide accurate and detailed bug reports. It’s always helpful to have input from users who are deeply engaged with the system and have a keen eye for detail.

Conclusion: Addressing the Flashing Light Issue

The flashing light issue caused by the ParticleLightsModule and AlphaOverLifetimeLinearGradient is a serious problem that needs to be addressed promptly. The intense strobe effect can be harmful to users, and it undermines the intended functionality of these modules. By providing a detailed bug report, the reporter has given the developers a solid foundation for their investigation.

The next steps involve developers diving into the code, analyzing the log files, and experimenting with different solutions. It's likely that the fix will involve modifying how the AlphaOverLifetimeLinearGradient interacts with the ParticleLightsModule, ensuring that the light emission is smooth and controlled rather than erratic and seizure-inducing.

In the meantime, it's crucial to avoid using these modules together to prevent any potential harm. Spread the word about this issue so that other users are aware of the risk. Together, we can help make Resonite a safer and more enjoyable virtual world for everyone.

By working together, the Resonite community and developers can tackle these kinds of issues head-on and ensure that the platform continues to evolve and improve. Let's keep the feedback coming and keep making Resonite the best it can be!