Research
This section is where I will do all the research for the materials needed for my project. To make a fully functioning 3D first person shooter I am going to need some major software components. Firstly I am going to need a program to create all the models necessary for this game, such as the characters, landscapes and weapons. Secondly, I will need to have a game engine that is capable of storing all of the models I have created imported to a library, and able to be executed in a certain fashion. The following sections will be me weighing up both the pros and cons of each program in order to make an informed decision as to which is the best program to use for my project.
Graphic Modelling programs
3D Studio Max
3D Studio Max is a product created by Autodesk, and is used to create 3D models. This program is only available on Windows 2000 onwards, not being supported natively on either Mac OS or any varient of Linux. 3D Studio Max has got many features, but I will focus on the features that will be useful for my project. The features that I would need are Texture Assignment/Editing, Custom Rigging and Skinning, and General Keyframing. Texture Assigment/Editing is the process of assigning a texture to a chosen model, and the editing allows the user to manually edit the settings to get the best desired effect from the texture. Custom Rigging and Skinning both fall under the same category. This feature allows you to create a custom skeletal bone structure for models, which can be then used to move the model in a lifelike fashion. With the inclusion of weight painting, this allows the user to add more realism to the model, as the bones then affect the surrounding vertices to the bone. The final useful feature of 3D Studio Max is General Keyframing, which is used to create animations. These animations will then be saved, and called up when they are needed within the game engine, such as running or jumping. To use this software commercially, you need to first buy a software key. If you wish to get a full license, it costs $3,495, but for student access you get a fully registered version for free.
Blender
Blender is an open source software development program and created by the Blender Foundation. Due to it being open-source, it is also free to download, and with the download you also get a development license, allowing you to create and release content as soon as you have the software.
Maya
Maya is another product from Autodesk, which focuses on animation after the models themselves have been created.
zBrush
zBrush is a 3D Modelling and Sculpting tool, which uses its “pixol” technology to create depth on the models, which results in exceptionally realistic models.
[Note these heading are just being used as placeholders, they are not all complete yet]
