Video 01 - Low Polygon Geometry and UV Mapping
(Total Run Time: 31 min)

In this first video we create the foundation for our game model by first creating a low polygon version of a supplied high poly count dumpster by using modeling techniques that help us define the object’s shape with a minimum number of polygons. We then create an efficient UV map for that model so that any image maps we apply later will be utilized fully.

Supporting Content:
Tut_Objects folder containing Dumpster.lxo

File Size:
93.2MB

Video 02 - Normal and Ambient Occlusion Baking
(Total Run Time: 26 min)

In this video we focus on object-to-object baking to create a normal map that will capture all of the fine detail from the original model. We also bake out an ambient occlusion map to recreate the way grime and shadows accumulate in tight areas of geometry. In the course of the video we demonstrate a number of techniques for getting the most out of your normal maps and ultimately create a 700 polygon normal mapped model that is virtually indistinguishable from the 39,000 polygon original.

Supporting Content:
Tut Objects folder containing Dumpster_Video2.lxo

File Size:
74.4MB

Video 03 - Object Painting
(Total Run Time: 36 min)

In this final video of the first album, we complete the dumpster model by creating a bump, color and specular maps. We select the appropriate brushes and inks from the Paint layout in modo and then paint text and grunge on the object’s surface to age our model and give it a sense of place. We utilize the imageSynth (Photoshop plug-in) to create tiling textures and then explore how to use layer masks to paint details in specific areas of the model. Throughout the process we make full use of baking to combine painted layers and ultimately to bring everything together into a final color map that ready for use in a game engine or any renderer downstream from modo.

Supporting Content:
Tut_Brushes folder containing 14 images
Tut_Images folder containing 5 images
Tut_Objects folder containing 2 models
Tut_Reference folder containing 2 images

File Size:
95.1MB

Video 01 - Structuring and Texturing a Game Level
(Total Run Time: 37 min)

In this video we focus on the mechanics of level design. We start with a simple model of an alley and explore how to texture it using a combination of tile-able textures created in imageSynth and image maps painted directly in modo. We address many issues related to structuring a game level so that it remains efficient while still being a rich and striking real-time environment.

Supporting Content:
Tut_Brushes folder containing 10 images
Tut_Images folder containing 14 images
Tut_Objects folder containing 2 models
Tut_Reference folder containing 6 images

File Size:
182MB

Video 02 - Object Painting (continued)
(Total Run Time: 40 min)

In this video we build upon the painting techniques we explored when we created the Dumpster, and combine objects with the alley to create a complete real-time scene. Three of these objects are not textured so we set about completing them using modo’s extensive range of 3D painting tools. We not only use a number of painting and baking techniques but we also touch on some theoretical approaches to texturing objects in this context.

Supporting Content:
Tut_Brushes folder containing 18 images
Tut_Images folder containing 40 images
Tut_Objects folder containing 11 objects
Tut_Reference folder containing 2 images

File Size:
144MB

Video 03 - Baking Illumination
(Total Run Time: 35 min)

The ability to bake the lighting of a scene into your objects is a powerful technique that is often utilized in the game industry. It provides that finishing touch to a scene to make it a truly immersive environment. In this video, we light our scene and then go through the process of baking the illumination and applying it to the objects and level.

Supporting Content:
Tut_Images folder containing 53 images
Tut_Objects folder containing 2 models

File Size:
146MB