| A 3d Model is a three-dimensional object you put into | | | | free trial period which gives you then chance to learn |
| a video game. The most common model is that of the | | | | and test before you buy. |
| player in the game. But it can also be almost anything | | | | How is a 3D model made? |
| else you can imagine. Here is an overview of how you | | | | There are a few different paths to making a model |
| make 3D models for video games. | | | | for a video game. Here is a generic overview of the |
| When you make a video game most of the design is | | | | process steps. |
| done the same way an architect would design a city | | | | 1. You design a skeleton of your model. Think of this as |
| or a building. It is all very static. You define the shapes | | | | the bones and joints underneath. You won't see any |
| of the objects then you insert textures and colors. But | | | | of this when you play the game but these bones and |
| this is just the static world that everything happens | | | | joints are very necessary because they tell the game |
| inside. The real adventure of a video game comes | | | | how the model moves. Exactly the same way your |
| when the models are inserted into the game. And if | | | | bones and joints define how you move. 2. You design |
| you are learning how to make a video game using | | | | a colorless and texture-less skin around the bones and |
| some of the more common software like Reality | | | | joints. This is how your model will look in shape. 3. You |
| Factory you don't have a whole lot of options for | | | | color in the skin to get the exact look of the model. |
| making models. This is where 3D modeling software | | | | This is the details of the model. You make the final |
| comes in. | | | | look here by putting in eyes, clothes, or anything else. 4. |
| To Make a 3D Model you need some 3D modeling | | | | You define how your model will behave. You tell the |
| software | | | | model what joints will move in what directions. This is a |
| There are many different modeling software | | | | big time saver with modeling software because you |
| applications and most of them are very suitable for | | | | just tell it the beginning and ending locations and the |
| making models for games. Some of the more popular | | | | software draws in all the middle steps. 5. You export |
| packages are: | | | | the model into a format that video game design |
| ? Maya - A high end 3d modeling package, which is | | | | software understands. 3D modeling software has this |
| used by professionals and often, used to make | | | | export tool built in and most programs will export to a |
| movies. It also has a scaled down version which is | | | | wide variety of formats for lots of game development |
| more affordable ? 3Ds Max - Another high end | | | | software. |
| modeling package that is very popular within the game | | | | Making 3D video game models is not a really hard |
| making industry ? Lightwave - This is a professional | | | | process and in no time you can make some nice |
| package at a reasonable cost. If you are serious about | | | | models for your games. But, modeling is a profession |
| 3d modeling this is a good option ? Blender - This is a | | | | that some people devote full time efforts to. If you |
| free open source software package that has some | | | | want to get really good at modeling you are going to |
| amazing abilities. If you have no budget this is the way | | | | have to put in many hours of practice and you are |
| to go. ? Milkshape 3D - Very inexpensive and easy to | | | | going to have to develop your talents as an artist. |
| use 3d modeling package. They have a nice 30-day | | | | |