3D Modeling

[bcronje]

Alas, when I use my MS DirectX viewer it crashes, both on my laptops and my home desk top. Thanks for taking the time to look.

There is a problem with the December release DX SDK Viewer. Try using the October release of DX SDK, that viewer is working fine.

Beyers

[Nemo Krad]

Thanks all.

I have now found out why my blender models were exporting badly, you have to "Join" each of the meshes for them to take on the new dimensions given. I do this by first grouping them then selecting the group and then hitting alt J to join them, they then export fine

I have also been given a resource for blender: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Blender_3D:_Noob_to_Pro

I have not used it yet, but it has got to be better then nothing  :

I will be dropping GMax, I prefer it's UI, but it's export to .x is even worse then blenders (it's not meant to any way, you have to bolt some stuff on to do it). So I guess I am a blender convert, I just have to learn how to use it.

bcronje,

Thanks for that, glad it's not just me I will get the October release.

[SpaceShot]

This discussion is a little over my head.  I am happy to know a few other people are using Blender just so I'll have people to ask.

But let me tell you, my complete lack of being an artist is a shortcoming.  All I can do is make a sphere and import it into the game (or move vertices around to get ugly looking rocks).  So I am completely useless at helping out here.

I feel in a way I am hitting a wall because I can code all I want and it doesn't make the objects look any better.

[Nemo Krad]

I think I am in the same boat as you, I am about as artistic as a turd!

But, all you can do is your best, I imagine if you came up with a good game with a solid engine and good playability then you would not have a problem to get an artist that would re-do your models for you and put the icing on the cake.

[SpaceShot]

Oh I agree.  I am puttering away at an engine and developing tools so third party artists and so on and easily find the work they create pop into the game.  I think its really important to establish that kind of fun factor so work becomes fun. 

[Nemo Krad]

OMG!

How good is blender! I am a total convert, that noob to pro book is awesome, cleared up so much for me. All I have to do no is get good at using the tool 

So now all I have to do is:-

• Master programming with the XNA framework
• Learn 3D modeling along with how to use blender
• Fully understand shader programming and the 3D pipeline
• Become a graphics artist
• Master Digital sound creation
• Lear how to fully use XACT
• And get my self clued up on GCSE and A-level maths (I flunked out of school...)

And I might have somthing to put up for DBP!

All that while keeping down my job, feeding and clothing myself and my family and having a social life........Somethings got to give..

[mikeschuld]

hahahah. Well make sure it's not the family that gives I wouldn't want to be indirectly responsible for that.

[bcronje]

This discussion is a little over my head.  I am happy to know a few other people are using Blender just so I'll have people to ask.

But let me tell you, my complete lack of being an artist is a shortcoming.  All I can do is make a sphere and import it into the game (or move vertices around to get ugly looking rocks).  So I am completely useless at helping out here.

I feel in a way I am hitting a wall because I can code all I want and it doesn't make the objects look any better.

You can always download great looking free 3d models, or buy excellent models if you have the $$. There are tons of free XNA-Compatible 3D Models over at http://www.turbosquid.com/xna . For instance have a look at this excellent free Ferrari Enzo model http://www.turbosquid.com/FullPreview/Index.cfm/ID/305203

Some other links for free models:

http://www.3dcafe.com/
http://www.klicker.de/models.html
http://www.amazing3d.com/free/free.shtml
http://www.users.on.net/~sparky/models.htm
http://3d.faws.org/objects.php?LANG=uk
http://samadhi.jpl.nasa.gov/models/
http://www.3dvalley.com/phplinks/index.php?PID=11
http://www.3dnuts.com/models.shtml

Free 3d plants
http://3dplants.0catch.com/download.html

Hope this helps a bit.

Cheers

Beyers Cronje

[SpaceShot]

Thanks for the list.  I had found a few of these on my own, but a grouped list like this is nice.

[precious roy]

try out the deled 3d tool thats the one i work withe and ther are lots of inport and export plugins :}

http://www.delgine.com/

[DaphydTheBard]

Another option.

Milkshape is OK but I find it a bit hard to use.

Download and use Wings3D (completely free) which is FANTASTIC for both quick model production and for texturing models.

I then export the models from Wings, and load them into milkshape, and then use THAT to export to JT DirectX format.