3ds Max: Game Prop Creation

Explore the world of modeling and texturing game props and assets in Autodesk 3ds Max. Author Adam Crespi demonstrates how to create both small and large props, from tools to shipping containers. The course begins with cloning and instancing objects for ease of modeling and unwrapping, and segues into multiple methods of unwrapping and painting texture by hand in Adobe Photoshop. Adam looks at various plug-ins that assist with normal map generation as well as sculpting in Mudbox, a digital sculpting application that can add realism and detail to your models. Finally, the course shows how to add lights to a scene and preview the objects in-game.

Note: A familiarity of basic modeling and unwrapping techniques in 3ds Max and a working knowledge of Photoshop will help you get the most out of this course.

Topics include:

• Laying out the overall form
• Planning for modular textures and models
• Adding the framing components
• Laying out the UV coordinates
• Creating bump maps
• Painting diffuse textures
• Setting up a library of textures
• Converting bump maps to normal maps
• Testing maps
• Laying out a texture sheet for multiple tools
• Using a high poly to low poly workflow
• Baking out normals and ambient occlusion for rusty and dirty surfaces
• Modeling furniture