10 replies to this topic

[adem3311]

What software could I use to make 3D models of objects for a computer game I am designing? I would need these objects to be exported in a format so i could use them with almost any editor. Also, it would be great if this software was cheap or free. Thanks.

[WingedPanther]

It will depend a LOT on the 3D engine you are using. I think there are a few standard formats, but I'm not familiar with them myself.

[TkTech]

Fairly ancient formats that are supported by any editor worth its salt is OBJ and *usually* either 3DS or 3DMF, although none of those are optimized for gaming. Find out what engine your going to use first, and find out what's supported the best by that engine before you make your decision.

[FakeRobotGymnast]

Either use Maya or 3DS Max. They're both by AutoCad.

Very expensive tools, but they're piratable. Personally, I use Maya. It's very powerful and agile. Has a rather steep learning curve, but once you're past that... the sky's the limit.

P.S. COD4+5 used Maya for their meshes.

[MrGamma]

I am fairly certain DXF is a widely supported format. A few years ago I do remember it being the most widely supported bare bones style 3d format out there.

[ffirat]

Once upon a time I was involved in 3d graphics using OpenGL. I used 3DS file format, you can find file specs easily and some opensources to read 3ds files. There are also some opensource game engines like Quake and they use bsp file format in general.

[deer dance]

FakeRobotGymnast said:

Either use Maya or 3DS Max. They're both by AutoCad.

Very expensive tools, but they're piratable. Personally, I use Maya. It's very powerful and agile. Has a rather steep learning curve, but once you're past that... the sky's the limit.

P.S. COD4+5 used Maya for their meshes.

If you download Maya 8.5 instead of 2008 or 2009, it's 100% free if you sign up on the AutoDesk website, it's basically the same as the newer versions, except

autodesk.com/maya

[tossy]

There are many different modeling software applications and most of them are very suitable for making models for games. Some of the more popular packages are:

* Maya – A high end 3d modeling package, which is used by professionals and often, used to make movies. It also has a scaled down version which is more affordable
* 3Ds Max – Another high end modeling package that is very popular within the game making industry
* Lightwave – This is a professional package at a reasonable cost. If you are serious about 3d modeling this is a good option
* Blender – This is a free open source software package that has some amazing abilities. If you have no budget this is the way to go.
* Milkshape 3D – Very inexpensive and easy to use 3d modeling package. They have a nice 30-day free trial period which gives you then chance to learn and test before you buy. Hope these could help you.

[curadebt_complaints]

You can design 3D objects in Flash and XARA.

[micheljaw]

I want to make 3D objects for Adobe After Effects. What app do I need?

[zeroradius]

adem You could use blender. It is free (unlike the others sugested above) and pretty powerful. It has a built in python game engine, but if you have a diffrent engen in mind it will export your moddel as a whole list of diffrent formats. It also allows you to do animations so that you can do your cut scenes. A lot of people complain that it is to hard and I admit it is confusing at first but if you take the time to learn it you will not regret it. My advice is to buy the books. There are a lot of tutorials out their but the books stream line it for you.

the site is : blender.org

Good luck in your game.
~Zero