book

3ds Max Modeling for Games, 2nd Edition

by Andrew Gahan

January 2013

Intermediate to advanced

459 pages

11h 39m

English

Routledge

Read now

Unlock full access

The Quad MenuSetting Up 3ds MaxGame Art TerminologyGeometryStitched Geometry and Floating or Intersecting GeometryLODsTexturesTypes of Texture LayoutsTiling TextureUnique TextureA Unique Texture with Tiling Elements
Model 1—Cardboard Box3ds Max ShortcutsTexture-Mapping Your BoxCommon ProblemsRendering Your ModelModel 2—Creating a Plastic BarrelPerforming the BooleanFixing Your MistakesCreating the Texture for the BarrelTexture-Mapping the Barrel
Creating the BlockoutCreating the Final ModelScene SetupSmoothing GroupsUnwrapping and Texturing the Floor Buffer
Creating and Using Alpha Maps/ChannelsCreating the Diffuse Textures for VegetationModeling Vegetation
Creating the Texture Map for the TruckThe Finished Truck
LOD 1LOD 2LOD 3LOD 4
World Space and Object Space Normal MapsTangent Space Normal MapThe Process of Creating a Normal MapTips for Creating Normal Maps
Are you ready? OK, let’s go!The 2D PlanBlockoutConceptProductionLighting and Rendering the Final Scene
IntroductionOur “Pipeline”Before You Start: The ConceptAn Extensive Knowledge of AnatomyAsk QuestionsCollecting ReferencesGetting Ready to Start—Setting Up Image PlanesStarting to Build the CharacterExpert Mode, Hotkeys, and ScriptingViewport PreferencesGetting the Basic Proportions RightCutting in More DetailThe High-Resolution Mesh: Breaking Up the ShapesThe Shell ModifierThe High-Resolution Mesh: Adding More DetailHelmetMaskVestShoulder PadsForearm Pad and KneepadGas TankGloveBelt and DetailsCodpiece and Other DetailsShin PadsKneepad and ShoeChemical SuitBreathing PipeSubdividing Your Model with TurboSmoothMicrobevelingMicrobeveling the Shoe EdgesFinishing the Symmetrical DetailsMaking the UVs in UV layoutThe Asymmetrical Details: Making the Folds and CreasesFlow, Flow, Flow!Gravity, Tension, and the Feel of the FabricThe Ambient Occlusion BakeFinal TweaksTexturing Eats Your RAM!Baking the Basic ColorsMasking Each Layer3D Paint ApplicationsGraphics TabletsRendering the UV TemplatePainting the Dirt MapPainting the Scratch MapLayered Scratch MasksPainting the High-Frequency Detail LayersNormal and Specular MapsNormal Mapping the High-Frequency DetailsAdding More Small DetailsThe Danger Label on the Gas TankMetal TexturesGlowing BulbsMicro Bumps LayerThe High-Resolution Specular TexturesThe GunIn-Game Mesh ModelingIn-Game Mesh UVingBaking Down the High-Resolution DetailsRendering Your CharacterThe Studio WallThe CameraCreating the LightsMaterials in TheoryMaterials in 3ds MaxThe Final Renders
PortfolioWhat to Include in Your PortfolioWhat Not to IncludeProducing the WorkOrganizing the ContentFinal Presentation of Your PortfolioApplying for a JobResume or Curriculum Vitae and Cover LetterAt the Interview

Overview

With 18 years under his belt in the game industry, a key contributor to the MotorStorm series, and the creator of the 3ds Max in Minutes video series (at FocalPress.com), Andrew Gahan delivers the expert techniques in 3ds Max Modeling for Games, 2nd edition. This updated edition is packed with new tutorials that will enhance your modeling skills and pump up your portfolio with high-quality work in no time. Along with Anthony O'Donnell and a team of experts, Gahan covers all of the fundamental game modeling techniques, including character and environment modeling, mapping, and texturing. Finally, a bonus section in 3ds Max Modeling for Games offers readers insights and tips on how to get their careers started in the game industry.

New, expanded tutorials take readers of all abilities through full character and environment modeling from beginning to end

Companion website (3d-for-games.com) offers a robust, supportive forum where readers can get commentary on new work, develop skills and portfolio art, as well as network with other game artists on a variety of projects. Also features project files for all tutorials in the book and enough support images and photos to keep the budding artist busy for months

Completely updated gallery allows the reader to build on various models