Web Driver 3.0 allows you to load image and audio files directly without taking the
extra step to encrypt and compress them. This lab demonstrates loading the
3 different types of images Web Driver can read, being .jpg, .png, and .bmp and
also demonstrates the playing of uncompressed .wav files. This exposed ability should be useful in bringing standard Web
assets into the Web Driver at runtime.
You should always use WildCompress to convert images and audio from their native
.jpg, .png, or .wav formats to get the best compression and security on your assets.
Direct File loading can be used to load assets that would change on a web
server, such as random images or advertisements.
Direct File loading may also be useful to use from a tool perspective,
allowing artists to update materials used in the Web Driver without having to
compress the asset after each change they make.
As with all images, compressed or uncompressed, it's important to use square
power of 2 sized images if you're applying them to something 3D. If they
aren't, you may end up wasting video memory which could otherwise be used to
store more images.