TIP: 3D software that can help you with your GameSalad Graphics

synthesis

Some of you might know about this...some of you may not.
Having trouble making "cool" graphics?

I recommend you download and try this software. This will allow you to actually model game elements VERY EASILY. You can build the game component...paint and texture it...and then export an image photo of it to you in your game (some Photoshop may also be required to get your final look).

This will allow you to add TONS of dynamic 3D looks to your actors.
I recommend that you learn this software (which can be done in a weekend) and USE IT in your graphics development...especially those of you with no "drawing talent"...as this software will let you have the game look you desire with no "art talent" required.

The software you ask?
SKETCHUP...
http://www.sketchup.com

There is a Free version and a Pro Version. Use the free to get started and buy the pro version with cool app proceeds.

I am not soliciting this software...I have used it for several years and really think it will help all of us build FANTASTIC GAMES with GameSalad.

You all should definitely check it out if you haven't before!

Vmlweb

For some reason Sketchup always reminds me of Ketchup
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/exhibitionist/ketchup.jpg

Yum Yum

synthesis

Seriously...
This software is extremely useful and easy to use.

If you aren't using it...you should strongly consider it.

jonmulcahy

sketchup is pretty cool, I've used it in the past. I hadn't thought to use it for this, thanks for the tip!

JamesZeppelin

Thanks

Ill download it tonight and give it a good go

synthesis

Sketchup will allow you to build 3D objects.
For example...lets say you game has a space ship.
Step 1: Design and model the space ship in Sketchup.
Step 2: Color and Texture the model in Sketchup.
Step 3: export multiple images from different camera angles of the spaceship (or from one camera angle and then rotate the ship about 15-30 degree steps.
Step 4: bring images into Photoshop and touch up any elements and scale the images to what you need.
Step 5: Bring the images into gameSalad and make your spaceship come to life that has awesome 3D effects to it. So when the space ship flies right...the image changes to that view angle image...when the space ship flies left...the image changes again...thus bringing tons of realism and animation saavy to your game's look.

You can also easily export animation...such as fly-through of your space ship. The uses are only limited by your creativeness and imagination.

JamesZeppelin

Yes i love the idea of diff camera angles. I cant wait to dig into it

That is the hardest part is animating a flat image.

Although the previews of animating in CS5 look SICK!
But, they show a demo of animating a photo of a person and its pretty crazy

Of course that's totally different and 3d or free

synthesis

That is 2 different kinds of animation (CS5 vs Sketchup). Sketchup will actually let you build wireframe models (or use other peoples).

lets say you need a mailbox.
You pop onto the 3D warehouse...download someone else's shared mailbox model. Import it into Sketchup...set your view angle and export an image...BOOM...3D drawing of a mailbox with shade and shadow. Bring that into Photoshop and paint it (like a coloring book).

VERY EASY TO USE!!!

sebmacfly

Thanks for the tips, i'll download and try it!

quantumsheep

That's certainly a great resource.

I've been using this method for about 10 years now (though not with sketchup). It's a good way of making graphics if you can't draw, like me!

These days I'm using Daz3d and Bryce 6 (www.daz3d.com) - it's a money sink really, but I enjoy using it a huge amount, so all's good

Also, there are a ton of free models available for it to dip your toes in...

Still, you can't beat 100% free

SingleSparq

Hey Quantum - Bryce Yes! been using that for years in all sorts of projects. My game (currently in development since December) graphics are mostly based on it. But I find I spend more time trying to get that right angle to render than anything.

gib284

could I use Blender?

blendnzjnr

gib284 said:
could I use Blender?

YES! Been using blender for all things 3D (and basically everything else too) for about 5 years. The best open source free software ever created. Use it, just render in PNG with RGBA selected and you should be sweet And the best thing is the blender community is so great and all open source

So basically, good idea

(Sketchup is easy to learn.. but blender is unlimited, if you dream it it can do it)

LumpApps

Sorry to bump this old thread again.
I have downloaded blender a while ago but found the interface very hard to grasp.
Now I have been looking on some awesome videos made with. Blender on YouTube so will give it a go again. My plan is to do a couple of hours a week to learn it.
If anyone has tips feel free to post. Or pm me.

JohnPapiomitis

LudwigHeijden said:
Sorry to bump this old thread again.
I have downloaded blender a while ago but found the interface very hard to grasp.
Now I have been looking on some awesome videos made with. Blender on YouTube so will give it a go again. My plan is to do a couple of hours a week to learn it.
If anyone has tips feel free to post. Or pm me.

Most 3d interfaces are very inteimidating at first but trust me, the actual basic's of 3d moedling ( extruding, moving faces, edges, verts,inserting edge loops, cutting faces and polygons) are actually not that hard to grasp. Watch a hour or 2 of tutorial and in a week youll definelty be getting somewhere. Just make sure to practice practice and practice. Also i have heard that you can change the blender interface to your likeing( i use maya so not sure about that one)

JadarStudios

JohnPapiomitis said:
Most 3d interfaces are very inteimidating at first but trust me, the actual basic's of 3d moedling ( extruding, moving faces, edges, verts,inserting edge loops, cutting faces and polygons) are actually not that hard to grasp. Watch a hour or 2 of tutorial and in a week youll definelty be getting somewhere. Just make sure to practice practice and practice. Also i have heard that you can change the blender interface to your likeing( i use maya so not sure about that one)

I know I can get Maya for free with a student's license. But I can't use any of the creations, right?

JohnPapiomitis

JadarStudios said:
I know I can get Maya for free with a student's license. But I can't use any of the creations, right?

no not commercial use

LumpApps

Cool John.
I have played with it a bit today and found how to, subtract objects from each other and some more. A lot of terms are new to me.
I am not completely new to 3d. I used to play with infiny-D and swivel a lot but that's 15 years ago.
I can't seem to get it to render transparant objects. Ah, I'll figure it out.
I'd love to get my 2d artwork translated to 3d so I can make animations smoother.

FranzKeller

Sheep! You're a Brycer also? ;-)

I've used it quite a bit. Just wish they would update it to compete with
the features of modern renderers.

The user interface is still one of the most artist friendly I've seen.

quantumsheep said:

These days I'm using Daz3d and Bryce 6 (www.daz3d.com) - it's a money sink really, but I enjoy using it a huge amount, so all's good

Also, there are a ton of free models available for it to dip your toes in...

Still, you can't beat 100% free