19 réponses à ce sujet

[Furdinand]

 I was wondering how complex it would be to in effect create a new monster or race?

[Karma]

I've never actually built a brand new creature from scratch before, but I believe the basic procedure is building the model in a 3D modeling program, creating the textures for it in an image editing program, setting up a GDA file to get the toolset to recognize the new model, and then creating a creature file in the toolset. I can't say how complex the first two things are since I have never dared to do it myself, but I can say the last two parts are pretty easy.

[Furdinand]

Is there a good free modeling program? not looking for student versions, I am not a student. Just looking for something . well I suppose I could be argued out of a couple hundred for something older even.

[Karma]

Gmax is free. I use that for modifying existing models. Others may have other suggestions.

Modifié par satans_karma, 06 août 2012 - 01:26 .

[DarthParametric]

Blender is pretty much your only other free alternative for DA work. Be aware though that organic modelling isn't something you just pick up in an afternoon.

As to setting up new creatures, the process doesn't necessarily need new models. You could use reskinned versions of existing models if you wanted.

[Furdinand]

the models just wont work for what I'm imagining.

so you are saying Gmax or Blender?

[Furdinand]

See I found a bunch online, but I want to be certain I using the best I can get my hands on for relatively affordable. This is a fairly in depth dive and I want to be certain if I sink time I will be at least using good tools.

[Furdinand]

The other thing is, if I do create a full model what will happen in the case of animations? I wonder if I have to recreate animations as well. Doesn't have to be super detailed I just want enough variance that I can distinctly tell an apple from an orange without trying to carry disbelief the whole way.

looking more at lower detail, but hand crafted sculptured creatures, and or races.

Looking at short term investment. I think I can get a fair grasp on the DA Toolset in a couple weeks to a month ... willing to spend about same time to sculpture creatures and pleasing effects of them.

[DarthParametric]

A few weeks to learn how to use the toolset, how to model, rig, and animate. I would suggest you are kidding yourself, but only one way to find out.

The easiest option for new models would be to use one of the pre-existing DA creature rigs and their associated animations. Pick the one that most closely matches your creature's shape and construct the mesh to fit the rig. Bipeds are easy as you have a number of rigs to choose from, but more unique creatures may require partial or completely custom rigs.

[Furdinand]

I respect your opinion, I was just throwing numbers out there.

Your answer tells me enough that this is a massive undertaking.

I'm guessing I should start with modeling to get where I want to go with this. any more thoguhts I will take all the advice I can get and ty for youyr responses , both of you =)

[DarthParametric]

Well it's not completely impossible if you have a natural aptitude for it, but I would suggest it's a tad optimistic if you have no prior modelling experience. If that's the case, you'll want to start by checking out some tutorials for whatever your app of choice is. As much as I loathe Max/GMax's interface and workflow, I found Blender to be even more impenetrable. I'd grab both and watch some intro tutorials on Youtube to see which you prefer. Once you've chosen your app and learned the basics of interface, start with some basic modelling tutorials. There should be plenty on Youtube and elsewhere that a Google search should turn up. The two main approaches are box modelling and point-to-point modelling (AKA edge modelling). Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and neither is right or wrong. Try both and see which you prefer.

[Furdinand]

I've downloaded a few, and have seen they differ in approaches ...

I've heard from more than 1 source (on Gamasutra) now that as far as freeware goes blender is probably the best route.

[Furdinand]

I think because I starting to see some horizon on this issue is tool around with blender a bit and watch some demos, like you suggest.

[sea-]

I can attest that modeling is something you don't pick up overnight. I've dabbled in it and while simple things are easy to do once you get a hang of the interface, building complex 3D creatures requires potentially years of experience to do well. Start out simple, and keep going if you feel you have a knack for it, but there's a reason why modelers and animators are some of the most well-paid people in the games industry.

[DarthParametric]

A big part of modelling is the natural talent of the user. Take me for example. I have been modelling for nigh on 10 years and I can't do organic modelling to save my life. I just have no aptitude for it, in much the same way as I can't draw, paint, etc. If you have some artistic flair then you may pick it up quickly. And if that is the case, you may find digital sculpting to your taste, so something like Sculptris might be up your alley (although you still have to deal with traditional 3D apps to export a usable game model).

[sea-]

DarthParametric wrote...

A big part of modelling is the natural talent of the user. Take me for example. I have been modelling for nigh on 10 years and I can't do organic modelling to save my life. I just have no aptitude for it, in much the same way as I can't draw, paint, etc. If you have some artistic flair then you may pick it up quickly. And if that is the case, you may find digital sculpting to your taste, so something like Sculptris might be up your alley (although you still have to deal with traditional 3D apps to export a usable game model).

Having a tablet is a huge boon for this sort of thing. It allows much more fine and precise control than using a mouse. I agree that having natural aptitude is part of it, but don't underestimate your computer setup as well. Again, there's a reason most artists use 30-inch multi-monitor workstations with $500+ tablets.

[Furdinand]

Ty guys for the directive help again, been dabbling with Blender in my off hours for a week alrady and using Blender tutorials on You Tube to learn the ropes.

It is pretty involved, and I'm just starting to see the size of the mountain in the distance .. instead of the horizon.

On the other hand I'm still having fun.
I want the multi monitors .. but I'm fooling around now .. the tablet is something I will look into also.

[Furdinand]

DarthParametric wrote...

A big part of modelling is the natural talent of the user. Take me for example. I have been modelling for nigh on 10 years and I can't do organic modelling to save my life. I just have no aptitude for it, in much the same way as I can't draw, paint, etc. If you have some artistic flair then you may pick it up quickly. And if that is the case, you may find digital sculpting to your taste, so something like Sculptris might be up your alley (although you still have to deal with traditional 3D apps to export a usable game model).

My biggest downfall I think will be my lack of programming, I will probably have to audit a course for C+ or somesuch.
But I'm also taking part of my time and sketching (I'm very inexperienced). It's fun nonetheless to fream .. and even a little headway in this keep the excitement going.

Even if I can't design and "on par" model,my goal is too simply make a substtute for something I want to see in the game.

[Furdinand]

So if I can with a little practice doodle a head a body and imagine the movement of the figure I can move toward a lifeform shape

[DarthParametric]

Programming, or more correctly scripting, has nothing to do with creating creatures or other models, or getting them into the game. If, however, you want to create some whole new module with custom quests, etc., then yes, scripting is the core skill involved. But that's a whole other kettle of fish. I would suggest you may want to temper your expectations about what one person can feasibly manage by themselves. Few people are good at everything.