Curious about 3D modeling

[shamgar03]

I was wondering, is modeling for 3D games such as far cry pretty similiar to using a AutoDesk modeling program or is there more programming involved. For instance in autocad inventor you create 3D models from 2D sketches that are attached to cetain solids and then you can extrude, rotate cut. There is way more functionality but thats an example. You can also do motions with inventor using one thing as a drive contraint which as it changes, something else changes. Is that similiar to modeling tools for games or am I way off?

 

[screw3d]

I would think so, yes!

 

[shamgar03]

Sweet...I'm actually good at that. I will have to get SDK for Far Cry. Hehe, I made a potato launcher in AutoCad, just imagine what I can do with this, I could add an explosion!! What will my engineering friends say now...

 

[Gaunt]

This is just a guess, since I haven't seen or used an SDK or mod pack for a game since UT, but I don't believe the 3D modelling tools are packaged with the SDK.

You are definately right about how it works though. I believe most of the game studios use a modelling package such as Maya or 3DS Max. These are very complex 3D modelling environments that have tons of tools and options for modelling and animation. Since AutoDesk was the original creators of 3DS Max (not sure what happened, maybe a spinoff, cause Discreet owns it now), there are alot of elements of 3DS that are quite like AutoCAD (or were, it's been a while since I was a student and had access to such expensive software).

If you want to do some modelling without depending on limitations of a specific game, maybe check out the personal learning edition of Maya, it's free, and can be found here.

That being said, give the Far Cry SDK a try too, cause I've got no clue what will be packaged in it.

 

[manko]

GMax is a free version of 3D Studio Max for game modders:

http://www.discreet.com/products/gmax/

 

[shamgar03]

sweet thanks

 

[DaveSimmons]

You might also check out GamaSutra.com and the GameSpy.com game-specific websites, they probably have a "PlanetFarCry" -- you can find other modders and maybe some sample models to look at. If you email other modders they might loan you a model or two if you agree not to use them in a competing mod.