[gameprogrammer] Re: MaxStudio, Maya...

I agree with Darren, definitely pick up "Focus on 3D Models".
To answer your questions, if you're using DirectX, you could export the models to the DirectX .X file format, and use the DirectX Utility library (D3DX) to parse the files for you, which is easier than writing your own model format. However, if you're determined to have your own model format, then both of these packages come with SDKs that allow you to write plugins for them, including exporters. This can be a bit of a pain in the butt as documentation on the SDKs tends to be somewhat limited.

If you search on the net, I'm certain you will find many people that have written their own exporters that they've freely made available to the public. As for which one is better, personally, I like Maya because I have more experience with it and I love the way it works. However, I'm also learning 3D Studio Max, and I'm enjoying the time I've used it. So, it truly is a preference of the artist, and what they have access to at the time. If you download Deep Exploration, you can very easily work with both modeling packages, as DE can export to/from many, many model formats.

HTH,

Kevin


From: Infinite Possibilities <List@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Reply-To: gameprogrammer@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: gameprogrammer@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [gameprogrammer] Re: MaxStudio, Maya...
Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2005 12:53:05 -0700

3DMax and Maya can both be used to create the models for your game. In fact any 3D modeler can be used. You just have to make the game able to read the file format. Or port the model to your own file format.

As for the best option? Depends on your artist really. 3DMax has always been a favorite for artists for a long time, but from what I understand Maya is becoming the new favorite. Aparently Maya is capable of more, though I couldn't tell you any specifics.

If you are just starting out reading file formats I would stay away from the Maya binary format. I've never seen one more ugly to try and parse. 3DMax is well documented for the .3DS file format, and the Maya ASCII file format is nice and clean. But you may want to check out other formats if you have any special needs from your models.

A good book to check out is - Focus on 3D Models - Its a nifty book if you are just getting into 3D models. It also offers up some good advice about what to consider when deciding on a file format.

Have Fun,
Darren
--
If one is to assume an Infinite Universe, one must also assume an Infinite number of Possibilities.

Fernando Arturo Gómez Flores wrote: 
Hello all.

I'd like to know if it is possible to integrate 3DMaxStudio or Maya with a
game application --that is, making the animation, textures, etc, with one of
these programs, and then use the results with a DirectX or OpenGL app--.

My explanation seems to be somehow abstract; that is because I don't know
the possibilities of these programs for game developing. So I'd like to know
how to use these programs to gain some advantadge.

Kevin Jenkins wrote in a past email that he was using 3DS Max, so I see this
might be possible.

Any suggestions, any book references, any idea?

Finally, which one between Maya or 3DSMax would you consider the best option
for this development?

Thanks a lot! Hope I made myself clear...

Fernando Gómez

bug, n: An elusive creature living in a program that makes it incorrect.
The activity of "debugging", or removing bugs from a program, ends when
people get tired of doing it, not when the bugs are removed. -
"Datamation", January 15, 1984






---------------------
To unsubscribe go to http://gameprogrammer.com/mailinglist.html







---------------------
To unsubscribe go to http://gameprogrammer.com/mailinglist.html






---------------------
To unsubscribe go to http://gameprogrammer.com/mailinglist.html


Other related posts: