High-quality 3D content is an integral part of modern game development. The content can be characters, objects, or the environment of the game world. This text will help novice 3D modelers understand the basic concepts and understand the sequence of creating game content.
Search for references
A reference is an auxiliary image: a drawing or photograph that a 3D artist uses as a rough representation of what he would like to see for further processing in modeling.
When creating 3d modeling for games, be it realistic or stylized, the use of references is one of the most important parts of the workflow. Unfortunately, this aspect is often overlooked by many inexperienced artists. The quality of your work is largely determined by how much effort you put into finding and using references at the very beginning.
Let’s take a look at the main steps in order to divide the 3D artist’s workflow when creating content for games.
In this article, we will open the curtain on how you can create a 3D object for your game and what programs will help you with this.
Many of us remember 2D games. In them, the characters have only a projection for movement along 2 axes: X and Y. To translate a character, you just need to draw the position and movement of the legs in several periods and loop the frames. The best example of a 2D game is Tetris and Mario.
Modern technologies have gone far ahead, now only 3D modeling for the visual three axes is in high esteem: X, Y, Z.
Users of computer 3D games have the opportunity to interact with a large number of elements and feel the reality of what is happening. Today, 3D objects are much more realistic and beautiful, when compared with two-dimensional versions, the difference is enormous.
What is the game engine?
A game engine is a computer environment that standardizes some tasks, such as the physics of an object, so that programmers do not need to worry about a new physics system every time they write another game. Game engines like CryEngine and Unity are free. Blender has its own engine, which gives certain advantages when creating game assets.
Modeling and creating a 3D object
3D modeling for the gaming industry originates from the formation of a high-poly model of the desired object in 3D projection or character. To create models, programs are used: 3D MAX, somewhat less often – Maya. MudBox and ZBrush are used for finishing.
The second stage of creating an image is an image of an object in volume on 3 planes. A similar layout is passed on to the artist, who uses it to paint textures and then apply them to the model.
Next, they adjust the materials, which create more detail and realism of the model. The current stage is final, after the final sharpening, the object is sent to the library.
Low poly 3D models are used for the computer industry. The reason for choosing them allows you to reduce the requirements of the game to both software and hardware. To obtain a similar model, a previously prepared highly polygonal product is used. Creation by copying a model at any stage of modeling.
Highly polished versions of the drawings are realistic, small details and the world are visible on the models: shadows, skin features, small textures, etc. As an addition, auxiliary textures are made from the models:
- drawing – diffuse;
- relief – a bump;
- reflection – specular, etc.
After the final readiness of the models and textures, they export to the game engine – this handles all game processes. In similar ways, create the character itself in 3D, as well as the environment and successful objects see here .
