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