Game Character Modeling and Animation with 3ds Max / Edition 1

by Yancey Clinton

Overview

This book takes you step-by-step through the process of creating a playable 3D character using 3DS Max.

Offering a complete overview of the 3D real-time character asset creation pipeline. Yancey Clinton will take you through the five major subjects used in the asset pipeline:
1. 3D modeling, including techniques specifically for both the body and head.
2. Unwrapping a model, which is one of the most misunderstood processes.
3. An overview of creating textures for your Unwrapped chararacter using Photoshop.
4. Rigging or Skinning a Character, using the industry standard Character Studio 4.
5. 'How to make your character move' with an overview of game animation and deeper into Character Studio.

But it doesn't end there! Yancey also shows you the final step; how to actually put the model into the Unreal editor and compile it for play in Unreal Tournament.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780240809786
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/31/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	360
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Yancey Clinton is an internationally known Master of 3DS Max. Having taught 3ds before Max existed, back in the 'dark days' of DOS, he instructed thousands for new careers in the 3D arts. With his own freelance production company and over 15 years experience in 3D production, Yancey has worked on all different kinds 3D related projects, mostly for video games, print, and production. As one of the few Discreet Certified Instructor of 3ds Max, and an Adobe Certified Trainer, Yancey brings his rich background of production and instructional experience to the DMA programs. He lives in San Francisco.

Table of Contents

3D Character modeling; Texture Mapping and the UVW Unwrap Modifier; Painting the texture; Rigging; Export/Import; Editing Motion capture data with Character Studio

Editorial Reviews

Are you a serious gamer who's tired of the characters the game company handed you? Are you fascinated by game production, maybe even as a potential career? Today's your lucky day.

Game Character Modeling and Animation with 3DS Max will walk you step-by-step through creating a pro-quality character you can play in many real-time 3D game engines. You'll learn techniques that 3D designers use every day: how to create heads and bodies, apply maps, add skeletons, export and compile models, and more. You'll master a world-class tool, 3ds Max (no small accomplishment). You'll even learn efficient professional workflow.

One thing you won't have to worry about is programming: It's not needed here. But learning 3D animation will take some work. (This book's based on the author's 15-week university class: It's serious instruction.) We think it'll be worth it -- in satisfaction, fun, and just maybe someday, in cash. Bill Camarda, from the December 2007 Read Only