3DS Max for Games - Module III

Why should I take '3DS Max for Games - Module III'?

Characters are extremely important in games these days. Characters get better with each new generation of games. The main character can be the most recognizable symbol for the game, often the most important branding for the game franchise. In many types of games, the main character is on-screen for the vast majority of the time the game is played. For these reasons and many others, a game character animator is a high-paying and high-profile job.

It is quite satisfying to play a game and see your own artwork gracing the environments or menu screens. It can be even more satisfying to see the characters in the game and to know that you were the one that gave them life.

This course will teach you about the tools and practices of 3D game animators. You'll learn how game characters are created, and take your own ideas from initial concepts to full-blown 3D animated character. You'll leave this course with a framework and foundation upon which to build your character animation skills into an enjoyable and gratifying career.

What will I learn if I take this course?

You will learn how professional animators bring characters to life. You will learn how to generate your own character designs and take them from initial concept to fully animated 3D character.

The lessons cover the following topics:

• Inspiration and archetypes
• The character design process
• Modeling a game character
• UVW mapping for game characters
• Setting up a skeleton for a character
• Skinning a character
• The Principles of Animation
• Animation for game characters
• Game Animation

  NB:

For more detailed information on the topics covered by this course offering, please download and review the 3DS3 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?

Anyone who wants to learn about creating and animating game characters should take this course. If you want to be an animator, you should take this course. If you want to be a game artist, but are undecided about being an animator, this course will reveal all that you need to know to make that decision.

What are the prerequisites to understanding the course material?

A good working knowledge of 3D Studio MAX is a must. Good traditional art skills are also important.

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™ 10 software, complete with a 1 year student license for only $170!. To include a copy of the 3ds Max™ 10 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.
  
  
• Drawing Supplies.
  
  
• This course also includes a number of optional weekly reading assignments from the textbook "Game Character Design Complete" by David Franson & Erik Thomas. (ISBN: 1-5986-3270-1). 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).