3DS MAX for Games - Module II

Why should I take 3DS MAX for Games - Module II?

This course will build on the skills covered in the first module of the 3DSMAX for Games series of classes. Course content will center on organic modeling skills, UVW mapping techniques and advanced polygonal modeling principles. Most tutorials will focus on skills that will immediately transfer well towards building in game assets and characters (exportable to a game engine). Course contents can be used to create game assets or higher poly meshes, but in either case the skills needed to create exportable game engine assets will be covered in this class.

What will I learn if I take this course?

You will learn how to use advanced components of the 3DS MAX software to create multi- object and seamless organically structured models.

The lessons cover the following topics:

• Use maps instead of actual geometry to represent details in a model.
• Control polygonal face count through the various object parameters, such as segments and sides of primitives, path and shape steps for loft objects and tessellation controls for some modifiers.
• Understanding more advanced techniques of box modeling.
• Create Opacity, specular, luminosity, ambient occlusion and normal maps and learn to apply them correctly.
• Create environmental props of various complexities making sure that the relative scale and details match other objects in the environment.
• Create props and static meshes.
• Build error free and exportable game engine meshes in 3D.
• Develop shallow space diffuse maps that simulate real world surfaces.
• Create character or organic based meshes from your own concept.

  NB:

For more detailed information on the topics covered by this course offering, please download and review the 3DS2 Lesson Plan.
(To view this PDF, you will need to ensure that you have installed the free Acrobat Reader 7.0 or above.)

Who should take the course?

This course is an excellent second stage for those wishing to pursue a career in game modeling. The course is designed to create professional game based textured assets and character meshes for use in an entry level portfolio.

What are the prerequisites to understanding the course material?

Rudimentary knowledge of Microsoft™ Word (or compatible) software is required. You should also be comfortable moving through the Microsoft™ Windows desktop environment. Some knowledge of the 3DS MAX (version 7, 8, or 9) or have taken 3DS MAX for Games Module 1. Some experience with Photoshop™ would also be beneficial but is not required.

What materials are necessary to complete the course?

• You will need the 3D Studio MAX™ software (version 8 or higher recommended). MAX will only run in Microsoft™ Windows (2000, XP). All Game Institute 3ds Max™ courses now include the option to purchase a copy of the 3ds Max™ 9 software, complete with a 1 year student license for only $170!. To include a copy of the 3ds Max™ 9 license and software with your purchase, simply follow the instructions during the checkout process. Create stunning 3D objects, characters and scenery for your games using cutting edge technology from the industry leaders in the field of 3D modeling and rendering.
  
  
• Adobe Photoshop™ (7.0, CS, CS2, and CS3) and a Wacom (or other compatible) tablet is also recommended.
  
  
• This course also includes a number of optional weekly reading assignments from the textbook "Creating the Art of the Game" by Matthew Omernick. (ISBN: 0-7357-1409-6). While not required, it is strongly recommended that you purchase a copy of this book to get the best experience possible from the course. This textbook can be purchased during the course checkout process if you would like us to ship the textbook direct to you, or can be purchased separately from an alternative outlet (such as Amazon).