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Should I get into 3D modelling?
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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by Toast King on Mon May 8th at 1:40pm 2006

Since Ive started mapping for Source, I have lost alot of intrest in mapping, maybe because Im using other peoples Props? But anyway, I would like to start modelling, not only for making Source props, but just general 3D creation of that genre (Like even creating short films) and I downloaded Blender, and so far it seems quite nice (And the tutorials are good). WHat do you guys think? Can I create props for Source in Blender? And do you know of any websites/forums similar to this which deals with moddeling. I prefer the field of modeling, such as creating cool looking aircraft, machines and stuff, as opposed to creating 'worlds'. Are there any other modellers here? Do you think blender is a good choice, otherwise I would go XSI, but it is big and I already have a bit of knowledge in Blender (And I have Blender). Just give me general info on the whole topic.



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by Pvt.Scythe on Mon May 8th at 1:53pm 2006

I already gave you links to the .smd exporter for Blender and a tutorial how to use it in the 'Begun Mapping for Source' thread, but here goes again:

Here is a tutorial on making props for HL2 with Blender:
http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Modeling_props_with_Blender

And here are the plug-ins. I don't know which one of them is the most advanced, by there aren't too many of them so it will be easy to find out:
http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Blender#Plugins



''Everyone wades in s**t until they're competent enough to walk on it. Jesus style.''
Dystopia - Empires



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by Toast King on Mon May 8th at 2:09pm 2006

Thanks alot. That will be VERY usefull!
But generally, how many people here model? Obviously I might map from time to time, but I would prefer to make models, contributing to mods and maps.


Hahaha! Im using the INTERNET!



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by Pvt.Scythe on Mon May 8th at 2:16pm 2006

Fishy, nooba, ReNo(I don't know if he does Source though) and there are others too, but can't quite remember them all. I model at times, but I haven't gotten into Source modeling yet(which was my initial plan when I started fiddling with Blender)... I guess I could do a couple of test props someday, shouldn't be too hard.



''Everyone wades in s**t until they're competent enough to walk on it. Jesus style.''
Dystopia - Empires



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by Toast King on Mon May 8th at 2:19pm 2006

What is the difference between Source moddeling and HL1 moddeling?


Hahaha! Im using the INTERNET!



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by Pvt.Scythe on Mon May 8th at 2:27pm 2006

Not much as far as I know, although I haven't done either one of them. Mainly the amount of polygons and the fact that HL2 models can use normal maps.



''Everyone wades in s**t until they're competent enough to walk on it. Jesus style.''
Dystopia - Empires



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by Toast King on Mon May 8th at 3:07pm 2006

Uh oh, this may sound quite lame, but Ive already lost my appetite for moddeling <img src=" SRC="images/smiles/sad.gif"> Unfortualy, seems way to time consuming and difficult, and once I have a model, what can I really do with it? Obviously I can incorporate it in a map, but I wont have time for mapping if I model?


Hahaha! Im using the INTERNET!



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by Pvt.Scythe on Mon May 8th at 3:28pm 2006

Of course you will have time... Once you learn the ropes you'll be faster at it.
There's no point in quitting before you've even gotten started. Both mapping and modeling are time consuming tasks.



''Everyone wades in s**t until they're competent enough to walk on it. Jesus style.''
Dystopia - Empires



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by Toast King on Mon May 8th at 4:16pm 2006

Thats the problem... I cant have TWO time consuming tasks, can I?
Tis a pity I agree, but I seemed to lack ethuisasm when trying. i suppose because it is such a specialised field? I would rather incorporate the time into improving my skills at Gimp2 and thus creating some custom materials.


Hahaha! Im using the INTERNET!



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by ReNo on Mon May 8th at 4:25pm 2006

LOL, mapping, modelling, then textures huh? You jump ship fast <img src=" SRC="images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif"> No harm having a play around and finding out where your interests lie though <img src=" SRC="images/smiles/icon_smile.gif">

There are plenty of people out there who both model and map. In fact, in many companies, you use modelling programs to build levels, hence the two are quite closely related. There isn't necessarily a NEED to do both, nor is there a need to specialise in one alone. Do what you enjoy, thats all the advice I can give really.



Designer @ Haiku Interactive | ReNo-vation.net



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by Toast King on Mon May 8th at 4:31pm 2006

Yeah, I love the way ReNo always has such sensible replies <img src=" SRC="images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif">
Yeah, but unfortualy me being in school in Grade 10 blah blah not much spare time <img src=" SRC="images/smiles/sad.gif">


Hahaha! Im using the INTERNET!



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by ReNo on Mon May 8th at 7:27pm 2006

I'm a sensible kinda guy I guess <img src=" SRC="images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif">

If you wanna play around with modelling, but don't wanna spend weeks learning some obscure software, you might wanna take a look at SketchUp...

http://sketchup.google.com/tutorials.html

Watch those video tutorials and you'll see how easy it is. I'm planning on playing around with it when I get some free time, as I've heard good things about it. You won't be getting models from it into Source (at least not without getting your hands on the pro version...which costs $300 or something), but it looks like fun anyway <img src=" SRC="images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif">



Designer @ Haiku Interactive | ReNo-vation.net



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by Orpheus on Mon May 8th at 7:56pm 2006

? quoting ReNo
I'm a sensible kinda guy I guess

I can recall a time or three where Master Duncan was... Less so.

/runs

*whispers*

"You sensible stud muffin you"





The best things in life, aren't things.



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by Captain P on Mon May 8th at 8:27pm 2006

That program looks interesting - I'm downloading it right now. <img src=" SRC="images/smiles/icon_smile.gif">

I still use the low-poly modelling tool Milkshape for both HL and HL2 modelling, though I don't model much for these games anymore these days. The modelling tool is usually not the problem (unless it lacks some serious functionality like, say, the ability to animate), you simply need an exporter to convert your meshes and animations into .smd files.

// Just tried SketchUp. It's much like a sort of Cad, only easier. I feel it lacks precision and high-level tools, so it's not really a modelling tool but rather an architectural tool.


Create-ivity - a game development blog



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by fishy on Mon May 8th at 8:46pm 2006

lego


i eat paint



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by Dr Brasso on Tue May 9th at 2:43am 2006

.....at my age, an erector set....

Doc B...:dodgy:





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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by wil5on on Tue May 9th at 10:15am 2006

You like playing with your erections?


&quot;If you talk at all during this lesson, you have detention. Do you understand?&quot;
- My yr11 Economics teacher



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by Orpheus on Tue May 9th at 11:55am 2006

/me giggles

Gotta love it when "Age" interferes with a joke don'tcha Doc.

Model construction- With Lego's, and Erector sets.

Oh well, even if thats not how the joke unfolded, thats how I read it. <img src=" SRC="images/smiles/icon_lol.gif">





The best things in life, aren't things.



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by Naklajat on Thu May 11th at 12:28am 2006

I recently got back into modelling. I started on Gmax years ago, but forgot about it after a while. It's a real shame Autodesk doesn't offer Gmax anymore, only a 30-day trial of 3D Studio Max. I'm a big fan of the max interface, but there's only one package now, and it's $3,500 USD...

Anyway, having these two or three time-consuming tasks (probably three since models don't look too good untextured), while leaving you with less time for each, will give you a lot more freedom in creating. If you keep a focus in your work and do lots of planning throughout the project (mostly at the beginning though image ) you'll most likely end up with something you're damn proud of. Plus, your finished product will be set apart in most people's minds from all of the custom maps utilizing stock content, just for the fact that it's got custom content in it. That doesn't mean your maps will all of a sudden become uber good though image

The way I see it, mapping, modelling and texturing an entire project from beginning to end is somewhat more beneficial educationally than just mapping it. It'll take more effort, but the payoff will be greater.


Some free modeling programs:
Maya has a free version, I've never used Maya, and I hear it's not as easy as many others.
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=6902573

Softimage|XSI of course is the official modeling package for Source, that being said I don't like the interface much.
http://softimage.com/downloads/default.aspx

Milkshape is just fine for static props in Source IIRC, I've never used it though.
http://www.swissquake.ch/chumbalum-soft/index.html

Blender has been mentioned in this thread, it's only good for static and phys props since it doesn't have good SMD support. But if you're only using it for modelling props for your levels then there should be no problem image
http://www.blender.org/cms/Home.2.0.html


Then for textures, the only free thing I can think of that would be good for texture creation is GIMP, GNU Image Manipulation Program.
http://www.gimp.org/windows/


=o



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 Re: Should I get into 3D modelling?
Posted by pepper on Fri May 12th at 2:30pm 2006

Autodesk DOES offer G-max, but its linked to turbosquid where also the reg form and the help fforum aare stored,

sorry of you cant read it, the text im typing ius black and invisble to me.<html><head><link rel="stylesheet" href="themes/standard.css" type="text/css"></head><body topmargin=2 leftmargin=2>


RUST Gamedesign
pepper design

The strength of the turbulence is directly proportional to the temperature of your coffee.




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