polycount - User contributions [en]

Category:Whitepapers

2013-05-17T17:31:05Z

CarlosMontero:

= Category Whitepapers =
This page has links to conference proceedings and research papers (aka whitepapers) about game graphics.

== Company Whitepapers ==
* [http://www2.disney.co.uk/disneyinteractivestudios/blackrockstudio/technology/ Black Rock Studios]
* [http://www.bitsquid.se/technology.html#papers Bitsquid]
* Bungie - Link Broken
* [http://www1.cs.columbia.edu/CAVE/publications/ CAVE (Columbia U)]
* [http://www.crytek.com/cryengine/presentations/ Crytek]
* [http://publications.dice.se/ DICE]
* [http://www.unrealtechnology.com/whats-new.php?ref=downloads Epic Games]
* [http://www.firaxis.com/?/blog Firaxis]
* [http://www.guerrilla-games.com/publications/ Guerilla Games]
* [http://www.insomniacgames.com/tech/techpage.php Insomniac Games]
* [http://maverick.inria.fr/Publications/ Maverick]
* [http://www.naughtydog.com/tag/presentations/ Naughty Dog]
* [http://developer.nvidia.com/page/documentation.html NVIDIA Developer Documentation]
* [http://research.nvidia.com/ NVIDIA Research]
* [http://graphics.pixar.com/library/ Pixar Library]
* [http://www.splashdamage.com/publications Spash Damage]
* [http://www.research.scea.com/research/research.html Sony Computer Entertainment America]
* [http://www.jp.square-enix.com/info/library/ Square-Enix]
* [http://www.cg.tuwien.ac.at/research/rendering/publications/ Technische Universitat wien]
* [http://research.tri-ace.com/ Tri-Ace Research]
* [http://engineroom.ubi.com/ Ubisoft Engine Room]
* [http://www.valvesoftware.com/publications.html Valve Software]
* [http://www.volition-inc.com/gdc/ Volition Inc.]

== Conference Whitepapers ==
* [http://kesen.realtimerendering.com/ Conference Whitepapers Master List]
* [http://kesen.realtimerendering.com/sig2011.html SIGGRAPH 2011]
* [http://www.gdcvault.com/free/category/ Game Developers Conference 2005-2010]
* [http://www.microsoftgamefest.com/london2010.htm Gamefest London 2010]
* [http://www.microsoftgamefest.com/seattle2010.htm Gamefest Seattle 2010]
* [http://www.highperformancegraphics.org/index.php#3 High Performance Graphics]

== Game Graphics Books ==
* [http://www.gamedev.net/reference/articles/article1698.asp Graphics Programming Black Book] by Michael Abrash (2001) - free download

== Game Renderer Articles ==
These articles help artists understand how game engines work, so they can learn how to build art that performs better.

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWi4hqTOoGQ Realtime Rendering - Overview and Optimisations for 3D Artists] a video by [http://mikepickton.co.uk/ Mike Pickton]
* [http://www.cgchannel.com/2010/10/cg-science-for-artists-part-1-real-time-and-offline-rendering/ CG Science for Artists – Part 1: Real-Time and Offline Rendering] by [http://www.cgchannel.com/about/ Leonard Teo]
* [http://www.cgchannel.com/2010/11/cg-science-for-artists-part-2-the-real-time-rendering-pipeline/ CG Science for Artists - Part 2: The Real-Time Rendering Pipeline] by [http://www.cgchannel.com/about/ Leonard Teo]
* [http://www.ericchadwick.com/examples/provost/byf1.html Beautiful, Yet Friendly Part 1: Stop Hitting the Bottleneck] by [http://ca.linkedin.com/in/gprovost Guillaume Provost]
* [http://www.ericchadwick.com/examples/provost/byf2.html Beautiful, Yet Friendly Part 2: Maximizing Efficiency] by [http://ca.linkedin.com/in/gprovost Guillaume Provost]
* [http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,3973,9722,00.asp ExtremeTech 3D Pipeline Tutorial] by [http://www.extremetech.com/author_bio/0,1728,a%253D234,00.asp Dave Salvator]
* [http://legalizeadulthood.wordpress.com/the-direct3d-graphics-pipeline/ The Direct3D Graphics Pipeline] by [http://www.xmission.com/~legalize Richard Thomson]
* [http://artisaverb.info/Hygiene.html Efficient Art Production. Theory and practice] by [http://artisaverb.info/ Andrew Maximov]
* [[Polygon Count]]
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=50588 FAQ: Game art optimisation (do polygon counts really matter?)] from the Polycount forum
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=72921 How many textures per model is too many?] from the Polycount forum
* [http://www.devmaster.net/wiki/Main_Page#Graphics Graphics topics on the DevMaster wiki]
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?p=971696#post971696 Why so blue?] thread on the Polycount forum has an informed discussion about texture compression.

== Pages in This Category ==

[[Category:Technology]] [[Category:Rendering]]

Category:Whitepapers

2011-03-12T11:34:33Z

CarlosMontero: added Volition to the list

= Category Whitepapers =
This page has links to conference proceedings and research papers (aka whitepapers) about game graphics.

== Company Whitepapers ==
* [http://www2.disney.co.uk/disneyinteractivestudios/blackrockstudio/technology/ Black Rock Studios]
* [http://www.bungie.net/Inside/publications.aspx Bungie]
* [http://www.crytek.com/cryengine/presentations/ Crytek]
* [http://publications.dice.se/ DICE]
* [http://www.unrealtechnology.com/whats-new.php?ref=downloads Epic Games]
* [http://www.guerrilla-games.com/publications/ Guerilla Games]
* [http://www.insomniacgames.com/tech/techpage.php Insomniac Games]
* [http://www.naughtydog.com/tag/presentations/ Naughty Dog]
* [http://developer.nvidia.com/page/documentation.html NVIDIA Developer Documentation]
* [http://research.nvidia.com/ NVIDIA Research]
* [http://graphics.pixar.com/library/ Pixar Library]
* [http://www.research.scea.com/research/research.html Sony Computer Entertainment America]
* [http://www.valvesoftware.com/publications.html Valve Software]
* [http://www.volition-inc.com/gdc/ Volition Inc.]

== Conference Whitepapers ==
* [http://www.gdcvault.com/free/category/ Game Developers Conference 2005-2010]
* [http://www.microsoftgamefest.com/london2010.htm Gamefest London 2010]
* [http://www.microsoftgamefest.com/seattle2010.htm Gamefest Seattle 2010]
* [http://www.highperformancegraphics.org/program.html High Performance Graphics 2010]
* [http://kesen.huang.googlepages.com/ Whitepapers master list]

== Game Graphics Books ==
* [http://www.gamedev.net/reference/articles/article1698.asp Graphics Programming Black Book] by Michael Abrash (2001) - free download

== Game Renderer Articles ==
These articles help artists understand how game engines work, so they can learn how to build art that performs better.

* [http://www.cgchannel.com/2010/10/cg-science-for-artists-part-1-real-time-and-offline-rendering/ CG Science for Artists – Part 1: Real-Time and Offline Rendering] by [http://www.cgchannel.com/about/ Leonard Teo]
* [http://www.cgchannel.com/2010/11/cg-science-for-artists-part-2-the-real-time-rendering-pipeline/ CG Science for Artists - Part 2: The Real-Time Rendering Pipeline] by [http://www.cgchannel.com/about/ Leonard Teo]
* [http://www.ericchadwick.com/examples/provost/byf1.html Beautiful, Yet Friendly Part 1: Stop Hitting the Bottleneck] by [http://ca.linkedin.com/in/gprovost Guillaume Provost]
* [http://www.ericchadwick.com/examples/provost/byf2.html Beautiful, Yet Friendly Part 2: Maximizing Efficiency] by [http://ca.linkedin.com/in/gprovost Guillaume Provost]
* [http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,3973,9722,00.asp ExtremeTech 3D Pipeline Tutorial] by [http://www.extremetech.com/author_bio/0,1728,a%253D234,00.asp Dave Salvator]
* [http://legalizeadulthood.wordpress.com/the-direct3d-graphics-pipeline/ The Direct3D Graphics Pipeline] by [http://www.xmission.com/~legalize Richard Thomson]
* [[Polygon Count]]
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=50588 FAQ: Game art optimisation (do polygon counts really matter?)] from the Polycount forum
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=72921 How many textures per model is too many?] from the Polycount forum
* [http://www.devmaster.net/wiki/Main_Page#Graphics Graphics topics on the DevMaster wiki]
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?p=971696#post971696 Why so blue?] thread on the Polycount forum has an informed discussion about texture compression.

== Pages in This Category ==

[[Category:Technology]] [[Category:Rendering]]

Category:Texturing

2010-07-20T07:27:42Z

CarlosMontero:

Category:Texturing

2010-07-20T07:16:32Z

CarlosMontero: moved texture types to CategoryTextureTypes

Category:Texturing

2010-07-20T07:10:41Z

CarlosMontero: moved over texture photography from 2D Tutorials page

= Category Texturing =
This is a list of textures used in games, the texture maps that are used as visual layers in game shaders, the texturing techniques that are used to create these maps, and the file formats that are used to store them.

== Popular Texture Types ==
For game assets the most commonly used texture types are Diffuse, Emissive, Normal, Opacity, and Specular Color. However the types you use will be dictated by the asset itself, and the Art Direction for the project.

=== Bump Maps ===
[[Category:BumpMap]] pages:

=== Color Maps ===
[[Category:ColorMap]] pages:

=== Environment Maps ===
[[Category:EnvironmentMap]] pages:

=== Light Maps ===
[[Category:LightMap]] pages:

=== Specular Maps ===
[[Category:SpecularMap]] pages:

=== Transparency Maps ===
[[Category:TransparencyMap]] pages:

=== Texture Techniques ===
[[Category:TextureTechnique]] pages:

See also:
* [[2D Tutorials]]: Painting and texturing tutorials.
* [[Category:Environment#EC|Environment Concepting]]: Tutorials about concept art for environments.
* [[Category:Environment#ET|Environment Texturing]]: Tutorials for creating environment textures.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=65614 Painting Tutorials]: Polycount forum thread with lots of links to painting tutorials.
* [http://www.leighvanderbyl.com/pdf/texturing.pdf Texturing for Dummies]: A PDF overview of texturing and texture types.
* [http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/photoshop-curves.htm Using the Photoshop Curves Tool]: Exactly how the Curves tool works, very informative!

== Texture Formats ==
Texture file formats come in two basic categories: those that are used at runtime (in-game), versus those that are used by artists in general but have to be converted to be used "live" in-game. Two of the main reasons for conversion are to reduce memory load and to store [[MipMap|mips]].

[[Category:TextureFormatRuntime]] is for file formats used in-game:

* (3Dc, DDS, DXT, PVR, TPL, etc.)

[[Category:TextureFormat]] is for general-use file formats:

* (BMP, EXR, GIF, HDR, JPEG, PNG, PSD, TGA, TIFF, etc.)

== Texture Photography ==
* [[Image:Category:Texturing$2dtut_takingbetterphotoswalker.png]]< >[http://udn.epicgames.com/Three/TakingBetterPhotosForTextures.html Taking Better Photos for Textures] - by ''[http://www.mutantspoon.com/ Jordan Walker]'' < >Using a flash rig and polarization filters to avoid most specular highlights and directional lighting.< >< >
* [[Image:Category:Texturing$2dtut_sharpeningmathis.png]]< >[http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=65262 Better Sharpening in Photoshop] - by ''[http://poopinmymouth.com Ben "poopinmymouth" Mathis]'' < >Using High Pass and Smart Sharpen.< >< >
* [[Image:Category:Texturing$2dtut_cgtexturestuts.png]]< >[http://cgtextures.com/content.php?action=tutorials Texture Photography & Processing Tutorials] - from CGTextures.com< >< >
* {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}} The [[Category:Environment#ES2|Environment Skies]] wiki section< >Tutorials specific to creating environment sky textures.< >< >
[[Category:Primer]]

Category:Environment

2010-07-15T10:43:15Z

CarlosMontero: CategoryEnvironment was part of CategoryModeling, which made no sense whatsoever.

= Category: Environment =
Topics about the design and creation of levels and environment artwork in games.

Pages in this category:


== Environment Concepting ==
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73282 Digital Environment/Landscape painting for beginners] Polycount thread
* [http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=140 Enviromentoring] and [http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=42 Tutorials, Tips & Tricks] - at [http://www.conceptart.org ConceptArt.Org]
* [http://www.handprint.com/HP/WCL/tech10.html elements of perspective] - by ''[http://www.handprint.com Bruce MacEvoy]''
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwBcssDYJ3o Whit Brachna Snowy Mountain] timelapse video with voiceover - by ''[http://brushbook.com Whit Brachna]'' ([http://www.youtube.com/user/MassiveDVD#g/u more freebies from Massive Black])
* [http://artpad.org/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/old-work/step%20by%20step.jpg Coastline] step by step image - by ''[http://artpad.org Jaime Jones]'' ([http://artpad.org/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/2005-2007/coastline2.jpg final])
* [http://daarken.com/flash2005/tutorials/fire_escape_02.pdf Fire Escape] step by step image - by ''[http://daarken.com/ Daarken]''
* [http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/category/43/Feng-Zhu Concept Design Video Tutorials] ($) - by ''[http://www.artbyfeng.com/ Feng Zhu]''
* [http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/product/55/The-Techniques-of-Dylan-Cole-1 Introduction to Landscape Matte Painting] ($) - by ''[http://www.dylancolestudio.com/ Dylan Cole]''
.[http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] The [[2D Tutorials|2D Tutorials]] section has more tutorials and resources for concept painting.


== Environment Workflow & Modularity ==

* [http://udn.epicgames.com/Two/WorkflowAndModularity.html Workflow techniques and modularity with Unreal game technology] - by ''[http://www.epicgames.com Epic Games]''< >A guide to setting up your art-to-level-design pipeline and designing modularly.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=678052#post678052 Environment workflow @ EpicGames] - by ''[http://www.kevinjohnstone.com/ Kevin Johnstone]''< >A summary of the modular workflow used at Epic on Unreal Tournament 3.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=924231#post924231 Gears of War 2 modular modeling] - by ''[http://wiki.polycount.net/Rorshach Kevin Johnstone]'' < >Tips and screenshots of using the grid for modular work, as well as a ton of useful insight into the Environment worflow at Epic. A highly recommended read!
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=1101338#post1101338 Modular brick wall tiling] - by ''[http://iamglynnsmith.com/ Glynn Smith]''< >Tips and screenshots for sculpting modular brick walls.
* [http://www.brameulaers.com/tutorials/generic_wall_tutorial/generic_wall_tutorial.html Generic wall tutorial] - by ''[http://www.brameulaers.com Bram "Peris" Eulaers]''< >Using 3ds Max and Mudbox to sculpt tilable modular sections for a stone wall.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=50160 Rock modeling approaches] - a [http://boards.polycount.net/ Polycount] thread < >A variety of approaches for sculpting individual rocks and tilable cliffs.
* [http://osart3d.wordpress.com/home-page/tutorial-creating-perfectly-tiling-meshes-in-zbrush-for-use-in-videogame-environments/ Creating Perfectly Tiling Meshes in Zbrush for use in Videogame Environments] - by ''[http://osart3d.wordpress.com/ Owen "SHEPEIRO" Shepherd]''< >Using ZBrush's 2.5D canvas to tile stamped meshes, then using Maya to model tilable geometry.
* [http://www.hourences.com/book/tutorialsindex.htm Unreal Engine 3 tutorials, game industry articles, level design/art/technical tutorials] - by ''[http://www.hourences.com Sjoerd "hourences" De Jong]''< >A ton of tutorials and articles about designing levels with the Unreal Technology.
* [http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=39&t=444791&page=7&pp=15#post4855106 Environment workflow from an artist working on a Crysis mod] - by ''[http://stefan-morrell.cgsociety.org/gallery/ Stefan Morrell]''< >A modular city building and its texture sheet.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=54178 Mod Facade Challenge] - by ''[http://www.linkedin.com/in/earthquake Joe "EarthQuake" Wilson]''< >Breaking up a building into modular pieces and designing the texture sheet.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=51254 Maintaining the suspension of disbelief...] Polycount thread< >Discussion about the importance of using imperfection to create believable worlds.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=52743 Adam Bromell's sketchbook thread] - by ''[http://www.adambromell.com Adam "adamBrome" Bromell]''< >Breaking an environment down into modular pieces.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=52565 Chris' sketchbook thread] - by ''[http://chrisholden.net/ Chris "cholden" Holden]''< >Environment design & modular workflow.
* [http://www.3dbuzz.com/vbforum/sv_videonav.php?fid=836eb5e382b5d9f430df48883fca918e Level Design Video Tutorials] - from ''[http://www.3dbuzz.com 3DBuzz]''< >A ton of useful tutorials and design tips about creating levels.
* [http://www.chrisalbeluhn.com/Building_Layout_Guideline_Tutorial.html Visually Appealing Building Guide] - by ''[http://www.chrisalbeluhn.com Christopher Albeluhn]''< >An excellent breakdown of how to create visual interest with game buildings. [http://www.chrisalbeluhn.com/3D_Tutorials.html Additional tutorials here].

.[http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] The [[DigitalSculpting#TS|Digital Sculpting]] section has more tutorials about modular workflow.


== Environment Modeling ==
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=62114 Gears2 Environment Art] - by ''[http://www.kevinjohnstone.com/ Kevin Johnstone]''
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=54311 UT3 & Gears Environment Art] - by ''[http://www.kevinjohnstone.com/ Kevin Johnstone]''
* [[attachment:rorshach_scifi_supportbeam.pdf|SciFi Support Beam PDF]] - by ''[http://www.kevinjohnstone.com/ Kevin Johnstone]''
* [http://chrisholden.net/tutor/ Environment tutorials] - by ''[http://chrisholden.net/ Chris "cholden" Holden]''
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=40608 Environment modeling basics] - from the ''[http://boards.polycount.net Polycount boards]''
.[http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] The [[Category:Modeling]] wiki section has more modeling tutorials.


== Environment Foliage ==
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=1021264 3D TreesTutorials] thread from the ''[http://boards.polycount.net Polycount boards]''< > Multiple methods.
* [http://www.game-artist.net/forums/support-tech-discussion/11251-trees-beginners-3ds-max-tutorial.html Trees for Beginners in 3ds Max Tutorial] - by ''"braveryd"''< > Using the AEC Extended: Foliage tree generator in 3ds Max.
* [http://www.andyzibits.com/tut_particle_tree_generation.html Tree creation using particle generator] - by ''[http://www.andyzibits.com Andy Zibits]''< > Using a particle system in 3ds Max.
* [http://learnfobia.com/category-Maya-129/tutorial-Sprite-Based-Particle-Trees-2259.html Sprite-Based Particle Trees] - by ''[http://stores.lulu.com/sunchirp Steven J. Tubbrit]''< > Using a particle system in Maya.
* [http://www.andyzibits.com/tut_maya_low_poly.html Ultra-efficient tree texturing and modeling] - by ''[http://www.andyzibits.com Andy Zibits]''< > Using ''Paint Effects'' in Maya to create the foliage texture and branches.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=1020341#post1020341 Low-poly Tree Using Maya PaintFX] - by ''[http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,107125/ Jeramy Cooke]''< > Using ''Paint Effects'' in Maya to create the foliage texture, then hand-modeling the tree.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1152529#post1152529 Bending vertex normals and using vertex color] - by ''[http://ericchadwick.com Eric Chadwick]''< > Using the Edit Normals modifier in 3ds Max to bend the vertex normals of low-poly foliage planes.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1149155#post1149155 Bending the vertex normals with Normal Thief] - by ''[http://ericchadwick.com Eric Chadwick]''< > Using the [http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/normal-thief Normal Thief] script in 3ds Max to bend the vertex normals of low-poly foliage planes.
* [http://http.developer.nvidia.com/GPUGems3/gpugems3_ch16.html Vegetation Procedural Animation and Shading in Crysis] - by ''[https://www.cmpevents.com/GD08/a.asp?option=G&V=3&id=563008 Tiago Sousa]''< > A detailed overview of Crytek's process for vegetation shading.
* [http://3dfolio.com/files/tree_tut.pdf Tree Modeling Techniques and Principles] (PDF) - by ''[http://www.3dfolio.com/ Matthew D'Onofrio]''< > Modeling efficient low-poly branches in 3ds Max using ''Extrude Along Spline''.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67620 Hedges and Topiary a quick tutorial] - by [http://www.vigville.com/ 'Vig']< >Modeling and texturing method for stylized bushes.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72325 Tree making fast technique?] thread on Polycount< > Tree modeling techniques discussed.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73556 Tree texturing] thread on Polycount< > Tree texturing discussed.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74330 Real quick tree texturing question] thread on Polycount< > More tree stuff.
* Stuff to research:
** Warhammer Online trees?
** RexM trees?
** Adam trees?


=== Foliage Modeling Tools ===
There are a lot of tools for modeling high-resolution plants, but few for modeling game-resolution models. Here are a few...
* [http://ngplant.sourceforge.net/ ngPlant]
* [http://www.frecle.net/index.php?show=treed.about frecle tree[d]] (exports formats .B3D, .OBJ, .X)
* [http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/tree-maker TreeMaker script for 3ds Max]
* [http://www.branches.ws/ Branches script for 3ds Max]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG79EosNiBQ SpeedTree in UDK] ($)


== Environment Sculpting ==
.[http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] See the [[DigitalSculpting]] section of the Polycount wiki.


== Environment Skies ==
* [http://cgtextures.com/textures.php?t=browse&q=23740 CG Textures - Panoramic Skies] free 360-degree sky photos.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=45543 360 HDR skies for sale?] from the [http://boards.polycount.net Polycount forums] has a tutorial and links about photographing HDR skies.
* [http://www.outpt.co.uk/how-to-create-a-terragen-2-skybox/ How to: Create a Terragen 2 Skybox] by ''[http://www.outpt.co.uk/about/ Outpt]''.
* [http://3dmotive.com/product-skydome 3dmotive.com - Creating a Skydome] is a tutorial for converting a latlong sky into a spheremap layout and mapping it to a dome mesh with Photoshop and 3ds Max.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=68600 Skymap workflow] by ''[http://boards.polycount.net/member.php?u=27009 divi]'' is a quick tutorial about converting a latlong sky into a square dome-like layout that uses all the texture space. [[attachment:Skymap_workflow.pdf|PDF here]]
* [http://www.outpt.co.uk/how-to-convert-a-skybox-to-a-skydome/ How to: Convert a Skybox to a Skydome] by ''[http://www.outpt.co.uk/about/ Outpt]'' is an in-depth tutorial about converting a cubemap into a latlong image with [http://developer.amd.com/gpu/cubemapgen/pages/default.aspx CubeMapGen], HDRShop, Photoshop, and Unreal.
* [http://www.e-onsoftware.com/products/ Vue] is a popular skydome creation tool.
* [http://www.planetside.co.uk/ Terragen] is another popular skydome creation tool.
* [http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] The [[Cube Map|Cube Map]] wiki section describes how to create and use cube maps.


== Environment Texturing ==
* [http://vimeo.com/9067032 Texture Workflow videos] - by ''[http://www.hitenmistry.com/ Hiten "Mistry10" Mistry]'', from the Polycount thread ''[http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=69850 Mistry's Texture Workflow w/Video]''
* [http://www.game-artist.net/forums/tutorials/182-step-step-techniques-tiling-textures-3ds-max.html Creating tiling textures in 3dsmax] - by ''[http://chrisholden.net/ Chris "cholden" Holden]''
* [http://poopinmymouth.com/process/tips/thirding.jpg Thirding - Utilizing your texture space for environment work] - by ''[http://poopinmymouth.com/ Ben "poopinmymouth" Mathis]''
* [http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=46&t=373024 Hard Surface Texture Painting] - by ''[http://stefan-morrell.cgsociety.org/gallery/ Stefan Morrell]''
* [http://www.doom3world.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=17688 Tutorial: Brick Arch (Baking Multiple Maps in 3dsmax)] - by ''[http://boards.polycount.net/member.php?u=18074 mikebart]''
* [http://udn.epicgames.com/Two/VertexBlendingTutorial.html UDN UnrealEngine2 Vertex Blending Tutorial] - by ''[http://epicgames.com Epic Games]''
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showpost.php?p=756818&postcount=18 Using vertex blending to grunge a level and add variety] - by ''[http://www.strangefate.com/ Mario "StrangeFate" Vazquez]''
* [http://www.hourences.com/book/tutorialsue3terrain.htm UE3 Terrain Tutorial] - by ''[http://www.hourences.com Sjoerd "hourences" De Jong]''
* [http://www.moddb.com/tutorials/lighting-in-game-environments-the-hows-and-whys Lighting in game environments] - by ''[http://www.hourences.com Sjoerd "hourences" De Jong]''
* [http://www.amazon.com/Painting-Light-John-Alton/dp/0520089499 Painting with Light] - by the cinematographer ''John Alton''.


== Industry Information ==
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=52862 Percentage of environment artists .vs. character artists at most studios] - from the ''[http://boards.polycount.net Polycount boards]''
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=52412 What's the difference between a level designer and environment artist?] - from the ''[http://boards.polycount.net Polycount boards]''
.[http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] The [[GameBusiness]] wiki section has links for threads and articles about how to get game jobs, how to negotiate your salary, how to manage your role, etc.


== Inspiration & Reference ==
* [http://images.google.com/ Google Image Search]
* [http://flickr.com/search/advanced/ Flickr Image Search]
* [http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/advanced?ei=UTF-8 Yahoo Image Search]
* [http://www.bbcmotiongallery.com/Customer/AdvancedSearch.aspx? BBC Motion Gallery] - video reference
* [http://www.corbismotion.com/ Corbis Motion] - video reference
* [http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/AdvancedSearch.aspx Getty Images Footage] - video reference
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=34320 Polycount Forums - Reference Thread]
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=53002 Polycount Forums - Environment Modeling FAQ & Resources]
* [http://www.game-artist.net/forums/support-tech-discussion/4379-reference-thread.html Game Artist Forums - Reference Thread]

[[Category:Primer]]

Model Presentation

2010-07-15T10:41:36Z

CarlosMontero: Moved to CategoryPortfolio

__NOTOC__
= Model Presentation =

== Lighting ==
* [[Image:Model_Presentation$lighting_3pointbirn.png]] < > [http://www.3drender.com/light/3point.html Three-Point Lighting for 3D Renderings] - by ''[http://www.3drender.com Jeremy Birn]'' < > How to create the classic Hollywood lighting scheme called three-point lighting.< >< >
* [[Image:Model_Presentation$lighting_richardyot.png]] < > [http://www.itchy-animation.co.uk/light.htm LIGHT - a detailed tutorial] - by ''[http://www.itchy-animation.co.uk Richard Yot]'' < >A detailed dissection of real-world lighting.< >< >
* [[Image:Model_Presentation$lighting_advlightakram.png]] < > [http://warpedspace.org/lightingT/part1.htm Advanced Lighting Techniques] - by ''[http://warpedspace.org Amaan Akram]'' < >Lighting for mood using basic lighting theories.< >< >

== High-Poly Models ==
* [[Image:Model_Presentation$modelmat_fudge.png]] < >[http://www.mikefudge.com/tutorials/RenderingSculpture.htm Rendering a Sculpture] - by ''[http://www.mikefudge.com Mike Fudge]''< >Lighting, material, and rendering setup in Maya.< >< >
* [[Image:Model_Presentation$modelmat_volchik.png]] < >[http://www.artemstudios.com/08Portfolio/Tutorial/MaterialRenderingTut.htm High Poly Material Rendering Tutorial] - by ''[http://www.artemstudios.com Artem "X-Convict" Volchik]''< >Double-specular material setup in 3ds Max. Discussion and examples [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=60887 here in Polycount].< >< >
* [[Image:Model_Presentation$modelmat_gullotti.png]] < >[http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=69829 MR materials for 3ds Max] - by ''[http://www.aliquaforma.com/ Enrico "SyncViewS" Gullotti]''< >mental ray materials for 3ds Max, including dark shiny, light wireframe, and dark wireframe. Discussion and examples [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=69829 here in Polycount].< >< >
* [[Image:Model_Presentation$modelmat_engineeringdraper.png]] < >[http://www.xenomorphic.co.uk/doc_engineering.htm Engineering Material] - by ''[http://www.xenomorphic.co.uk Pete Draper]''< >Outline and cross-hatching render setup, using the Ink and Paint material in 3ds Max.< >< >

== Low-Poly Models ==
Low-poly models are usually best presented as screenshots from a game engine, or from your modeling app's viewport using [[Category:Shaders|shaders]].

* [[Image:Model_Presentation$modelmat_gamematerial-hall.png]] < > [[attachment:currentnextgengamematerialrendering_jameshall.jpg|Current/Nextgen Game Material Rendering]] - by ''[http://shortfus3d.com James Hall]'' < >Lighting a normal-mapped model using 2-point lighting and ambient occlusion.< >< >
* [[Image:Model_Presentation$modelmat_3dsmax-viewport-dof_oberson.png]] < > [[attachment:3dsmax-viewport-dof_oberson.jpg|Depth of field in the 3ds Max viewport]] - by ''[http://www.pioroberson.com/ Pior "pior" Oberson]'' < > Using real-time depth of field, plus antialiased wireframes, in 3ds Max.< >< >
* [[Image:Model_Presentation$modelmat_3dsmax-viewport-baked-shadows_oberson.png]] < > [[attachment:3dsmax-viewport-baked-shadows_oberson.jpg|Baked shadow maps in the 3ds Max viewport]] - by ''[http://www.pioroberson.com/ Pior "pior" Oberson]'' < > Self-shadowing can be easily baked in 3ds Max. However baking can be avoided in version 2009 onwards because Max now supports real-time dynamic shadowing in the viewport.< >< >
* [[Image:Model_Presentation$modelmat_udk.png]] < > [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73930 Setting up UDK for portfolio renders?] thread on Polycount < > Helpful tips about using UDK to create nice screenshots of your models. See also [http://www.gameartisans.org/forums/showpost.php?p=210702&postcount=4 this post from Lamont] about capturing animation from UDK.

----
[[Category:Portfolio]]

Category:Rendering

2010-07-15T10:25:25Z

CarlosMontero:

__NOTOC__
= Category: Rendering =
This page is to help game artists understand how a game engine renders their artwork.

Pages in this category:

{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
|<#000000>| [[Game Rendering Terminology]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Offline vs. Real-Time Rendering]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Game Rendering Primers]]
|}

[[Category:Primer]] [[Category:Technology]]

Quake 2

2010-07-15T10:25:04Z

CarlosMontero:

__NOTOC__

<pre><nowiki>#!wiki caution
'''BADLY OUTDATED'''

The following page is badly out of date and should be considered obsolete at this point in time.
</nowiki></pre>

= Quake 2 =

* Introduction
* About PPM's(plug-in player models/player plug-in models)
** Limitations of the file formats
** PPM statistic information
* Tools
* Resources
* Terminology
* Aaaarrrggh! I need Help!

'''Introduction'''

Released in 1997, Quake 2 (or Quake II) by Id Software was the first multiplayer game to natively support plug-in player models. Id software has a long history of cultivating end user modifiable content, but Quake 2 was the turning point, and of course the genesis for Polycount itself in its initial iteration as the [[Q2PMP]].

'''About PPM's(plug-in player models/player plug-in models)'''

The information here is written for vanilla quake 2. If you are using an updated q2 engine the information might not be correct.

Player models are stored in the baseq2/players/*modelName* directory.

A player model consists of three types of files. .md2 contains the mesh and vertex animations, .pcx contains the textures and .wav contains the sound effects.

Certain files are needed for a model to work:
* tris.md2 - contains the player mesh and it's animations. (Animation list can be found in the reference section)
* weapon.md2 - contains the player weapon and it's animations. (Animation list can be found in the reference section)
* weapon.pcx - contains the texture for the weapon model.
* skinName.pcx - contains the skin texture.
* skinName_i.pcx - contain the icon for the skin texture.

Additional skin textures can be added by including including another skinName.pcx and skinName_i.pcx file.

Sound effects can be added to your PPM by the files:
* death1.wav -
* death2.wav -
* death3.wav -
* death4.wav -
* drown1.wav - Played when you drown. (This file is never played as the default male drown1.wav is always played)???
* fall1.wav -
* fall2.wav -
* gurp1.wav -
* gurp2.wav -
* jump1.wav -
* pain100_1.wav -
* pain100_2.wav -
* pain25_1.wav -
* pain25_2.wav -
* pain50_1.wav -
* pain50_2.wav -
* pain75_1.wav -
* pain75_2.wav -

If you wanted to add VWep support you need to include the following files.(If you are using the original weapon models you do not need to include the skin (.pcx) files. You can just link to the skin textures in the pak0.pak archive by using NST.) All of the extra weapon .md2's need to be animated like the default weapon.md2.

* w_bfg.md2 - model that replaces the BFG.
* w_bfg.pcx - skin for the BFG replacement.
* w_blaster.md2 - model the replaces the Blaster
* w_blaster.pcx - skin for the Blaster replacement.
* w_chaingun.md2 - model that replaces the Chaingun.
* w_chaingun.pcx - skin for the Chaingun replacement.
* w_glauncher.md2 - model that replaces the Grenade Launcher.
* w_glauncher.pcx - skin for the Gernade Launcher replacement.
* w_hyperblaster.md2 - model that replaces the Hyper Blaster.
* w_hyperblaster.pcx - skin for the Hyper Blaster replacement.
* w_machinegun.md2 - model that replaces the Machinegun.
* w_machinegun.pcx - skin for the Machinegun replacement.
* w_railgun.md2 - model that replaces the Railgun.
* w_railgun.pcx - skin for the Railgunreplacement.
* w_rlauncher.md2 - model that replaces the Rocket Launcher.
* w_rlauncher.pcx - skin for the Rocket Launcher replacement.
* w_shotgun.md2 - model that replaces the Shotgun.
* w_shotgun.pcx - skin for the Shotgun replacement.
* w_sshotgun.md2 - model that replaces the Super Shotgun.
* w_sshotgun.pcx - skin for the Super Shotgun replacement.

If you want the VWep to support all the offical addons to Quake 2 you will need to also include:

* w_chainfist.md2 - model that replaces the Chainfist.
* w_chainfist.pcx - skin for the Chainfist replacement.
* w_disrupt.md2 - model that replaces the
* w_disrupt.pcx - skin for the replacement.
* w_etfrifle.md2 - model that replaces the
* w_etfrifle.pcx - skin for the replacement.
* w_grapple.md2 - model that replaces the Grapple.
* w_grapple.pcx - skin for the Grapple replacement.
* w_phalanx.md2 - model that replaces the Phalanx.
* w_phalanx.pcx - skin for the Phalanx replacement.
* w_plasma.md2 - model that replaces the
* w_plasma.pcx - skin for the replacement.
* w_plauncher.md2 - model that replaces the
* w_plauncher.pcx - skin for the replacement.
* w_ripper.md2 - model that replaces the Ripper.
* w_ripper.pcx - skin for the ripper replacement.

'''Limitations of the file formats'''

Limitations of the .md2 model format.
* Vertices - 2048???
* Triangles - 4096???
* Skin Resolution - 640*480???
* Frames - 512???
* There can be seperate objects in the .md2 but they all must be solid.
* .md2 has a small vertex array which will give a model vert boil.

Limitations of the .pcx skin format
* Limited 256 colour Pallete(Can be downloaded here)
* No alpha channel.

Limitations of the Quake 2 .wav format
* PCM 22,050 kHz, 16 bit, Mono. (44kHz CAN play in the game, however the sound system in Q2 can only mix up to 22kHz. Ditto for Q3A)

'''PPM statistic information '''

OOTB PPM information
* Vertices -
* Triangles -
* Image Resolution -

OOTB Weapon model information
* Vertices -
* Triangles -
* Image Resolution -

Custom player model information
* Poly -
* Verts -
* Image Resolution - 256*256

Custom Weapon model information
* Vertices -
* Triangles -
* Image Resolution - 128*128

'''Tools'''

'''Resources'''

Animation List

* tris.md2 needs to contain all 198 frames.
* weapon.md2( and all VWep.md2's) contain 173 frames. Crouch Death, Death1, Death2 and Death3 aren't needed as the weapon disappears when the player dies.
* Extra frames can be added after the 198 or 173 frames. These can be useful for creating poses that would be helpful when skinning.

Liek fuck am I converting an html frame list to wikicacká. :D

'''Terminology'''

* Vert boil - Vert boil occurs when the file format doesn't have a large enough vertex array. Vertices can't be placed with the accuracy needed so the mesh takes on a jelly like effect. The Quake 2 powered game Kingpin suffered alot from this issue.
* VWep - After the release of Quake 2 a new feature was added VWep(viewable weapons). VWep added the ability for the player model to visually hold individual weapons depending on which weapon the player was using.

'''Aaaarrrggh! I need Help!'''

----
[[Category:GameEngines]]

Category:GameEngines

2010-07-15T10:24:57Z

CarlosMontero:

__NOTOC__
= Category Game Engines =
This category is to list relevant Game Engines and documentation for them.

Category:GameEngines

2010-07-15T10:24:44Z

CarlosMontero:

__NOTOC__
= Category Game Engines =
This category is to list relevant Game Engines and documentation for them.

Category:GameEngines

2010-07-15T10:24:08Z

CarlosMontero:

__NOTOC__
= Category Game Engines =

== Game Engine List ==
This category is to list relevant Game Engines and documentation for them.

Quake 2

2010-07-15T10:19:31Z

CarlosMontero: removed breadcrumbs, added Category

Category:GameEngines

2010-07-15T10:16:16Z

CarlosMontero: adding sub-category listing to give some organizational infrastructure

__NOTOC__
= Category Game Engines =

== Game Engine List ==
This category is to list relevant Game Engines and documentation for them.

== Rendering ==
This category is to help game artists understand how a game engine renders their artwork.

Category:GameEngines

2010-07-15T10:15:37Z

CarlosMontero:

__NOTOC__
= Category Game Engines =

== Category: Game Engine List ==
This category is to list relevant Game Engines and documentation for them.

== Category: Rendering ==
This category is to help game artists understand how a game engine renders their artwork.

Category:Rendering

2010-07-15T10:11:06Z

CarlosMontero:

Offline vs. Real-Time Rendering

2010-07-15T09:51:58Z

CarlosMontero: removed breadcrumbs, added Category

__NOTOC__
= Offline Rendering vs. Real-Time Rendering =

* ''"Offline rendering systems, such as those used in CAD applications, stress accuracy over frame rate... each frame of animation might take hours to render. Real-time renderers, like game engines and simulators, tend to emphasize constant frame rate to keep animations smooth and fluid, and are willing to sacrifice both geometric and texture detail in order to do this."'' - from the [http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,3973,9722,00.asp ExtremeTech 3D Pipeline Tutorial] by [http://www.extremetech.com/author_bio/0,1728,a%253D234,00.asp Dave Salvator]

----
[[Category:Rendering]]

Category:Rendering

2010-07-15T09:51:12Z

CarlosMontero:

Category:Rendering

2010-07-15T09:50:44Z

CarlosMontero: Adding Category fullsearch to this category

GameStatistics

2010-07-15T09:43:35Z

CarlosMontero: removed breadcrumbs, added CategoryGameIndustry

= [[GameStatistics]] =

== General Game Statistics and Reports ==
[http://news.softpedia.com/news/ESA-S-2005-Essential-Facts-About-the-Computer-and-Video-Game-Industry-11841.shtml esa 2005 essential facts about the computer and video game industry] :: [http://www.theesa.com/files/2005EssentialFacts.pdf (more detailed PDF version)]< >
[http://www.idsa.com/IDSAfinal.pdf PDF - Interactive Digital Software Association, “Video Game Youth & Violence: Examining the Facts” (2001)]< >

== Game Violence ==

== Gender ==
[http://www.igda.org/women/MTNW_Women-in-Games_Sep04.pdf PDF - Media Training North West, “why are there so few women in games?” (2004)]< >

== Race ==

== Sales ==

== Culture ==
[http://gac.sagepub.com/content/vol1/issue1/ A Journal of Interactive Media]< >
[http://socialstudygames.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=78&Itemid=83 socialstudygames.com]< >
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_history Video Game History: wikipedia]< >

----
[[Category:GameIndustry]]

Category:GameIndustry

2010-07-15T09:43:13Z

CarlosMontero: this page was underneath it's own category...which wasn't right. fixed.

= Category Game Industry =
Links and articles about the game industry: how to get game jobs, how to manage your role, etc.

Pages in this category:

== Industry Insight ==
* GDC 2010 [http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1012343/The-Belly-of-the-Whale The Belly of the Whale: Living a Creative Life in the Game Industry] - by [http://www.bobbates.com/ Bob Bates]< >Insights into how creative types can survive and thrive in the game industry. Highly recommended [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74876 by many Polycounters].
* [[GameStatistics]] has more links.

== Job Searching ==
Most game developers get their jobs by word of mouth, this industry puts personal contacts first and foremost. Networking is key; keep in contact with your friends and former co-workers.

* [http://www.boomzap.com/blog/industry-tips-how-to-find-a-job-in-the-game-industry/ Industry tips: How to find a job in the game industry] - by ''[http://www.boomzap.com/ Christopher Natsuume]''< >Frank tips about job searching.
* [http://www.joelonsoftware.com/articles/ThePhoneScreen.html The Phone Screen] - by ''[http://www.joelonsoftware.com/ Joel "joelonsoftware" Spolsky]''< >How companies weed out applicants, and how to present yourself to make the cut.
* The Polycount threads [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=38472 Game and Mod Development Article] and [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=42157 Some mod guidelines] < > All you need to know about creating or joining a mod team.

== Resumes ==
* [http://www.joelonsoftware.com/articles/ResumeRead.html Getting Your Résumé Read] - by ''[http://www.joelonsoftware.com/ Joel "joelonsoftware" Spolsky]''
* [http://www.joelonsoftware.com/articles/SortingResumes.html Sorting Resumes] - by ''[http://www.joelonsoftware.com/ Joel "joelonsoftware" Spolsky]''

== Portfolios ==
* The Polycount thread [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=39516 Your Portfolio Repels Jobs] describes the do's and don'ts of online portfolios.
* The Polycount thread [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=44187 Setting up a quick portfolio site] has more portfolio tips.

== Art Tests ==
* The GameArtisans thread [http://forum.gameartisans.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5970 Art Test Master List]< >Links to art tests that game companies ask their art applicants to complete.

== Interviews ==
* [http://www.boston.com/bostonworks/galleries/job_interview_tips?pg=2 10 Tips for Your First Interview] - by ''Dave Sanford''< > Time-tested interview strategies:
*# Research
*# Practice
*# Clothing
*# Get there early
*# Observe
*# Know thyself
*# Handshake
*# Listen
*# Finishing
*# Follow up
* [http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-experts-four_steps_to_a_better_job_interview-51 Four Steps to a Better Job Interview] - by ''Brad Karsh''< > Four simple things to improve your interviews.
*# Relax, not a battle of wits.
*# Job description = questions that you'll be asked.
*# Have answers about why you did certain things.
*# Have questions about them.
* [http://www.jobbankusa.com/interviews/articles_tips/10_follow_up_rules.html Ten Tips for the Interview Follow Up] - by ''Carole Martin''< >How to avoid a non-response after your interview.
* The Polycount thread [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=57317 job interview, 2-3 hours, why so long?]< >Game developers talking about the interview process they do, or have been through.

== Salary Research ==
Do the research to figure out what a fair offer is for your skill level and geographic area.

* [http://gamedeveloper.texterity.com/gamedeveloper/2009fall/#pg33 2009 Game Industry Salary Survey] - from ''[http://www.gdmag.com/ Game Developer magazine]'' (mostly USA) See also [http://gamedeveloper.texterity.com/gamedeveloper/2008careerguide/#pg13 2008], [http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/416/the_game_industry_salary_survey_.php?page=1 2007], [http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/266/are_you_in_demand_2006_game_.php?page=1 2006].
* [http://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/us-computer-software-senior-artist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN1_II1121.3,20_KO21,34_SDAS.htm# Senior Artist Salaries at Computer Software companies in United States] - from ''[http://www.glassdoor.com Glassdoor.com]'' (USA) Customize your search, and enter your salary data for full access.
* [http://www.flcdatacenter.com/CaseH1B.aspx The Foreign Labor Certification Data Center - Online Wage Library] - from the ''[http://www.doleta.gov/ US Department of Labor]'' (USA)

== Negotiation ==
Salary negotiation is an essential skill that will be put to the test when you interview.

* [http://realtimecollisiondetection.net/blog/?p=70 Salary of a game programmer (artist, designer, or producer)] - by ''[http://realtimecollisiondetection.net Christer Ericcson]'', Sony Computer Entertainment
* [http://www.boomzap.com/blog/industry-tips-how-to-not-ask-for-money/ Industry tips: How to not ask for money] - by ''[http://www.boomzap.com/ Christopher Natsuume]''
* [http://www.kclabor.org/kyrmpp.htm Know Your Rights - The Myth of Pay Privacy] - by ''[http://www.kclabor.org KC Labor]'' (USA)

== Employee Rights ==
* [http://www.nlrb.gov/about_us/overview/national_labor_relations_act.aspx National Labor Relations Board] (USA)
* [http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/index.htm Directgov Employment Terms and Conditions] (UK)
* [http://www.kclabor.org/know_your_rights1.htm Know Your Rights] - by [http://www.kclabor.org KC Labor] (USA)
* The Polycount thread [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=71929 Discussing issues at work, grounds for firing?] has information about workers discussing their compensation with one another.

Category:GameIndustry

2010-07-15T09:42:00Z

CarlosMontero: Adding Category fullsearch to this category

User:Cman2k

2010-07-14T07:17:05Z

CarlosMontero:

User:Cman2k

2010-07-14T07:14:16Z

CarlosMontero:

User:Cman2k

2010-07-14T07:12:32Z

CarlosMontero: example of including a glossary page

Category:Shaders

2010-07-14T05:38:58Z

CarlosMontero:

= Category: Shaders =
Links to popular shaders and articles about how to make new shaders.


== Popular 3ds Max Shaders ==
(in no particular order)

* '''[http://www.3pointstudios.com/3pointshader_about.shtml 3Point Shader Lite]''' by [http://www.3pointstudios.com 3 Point Studios]< > Shader with many options, including near-perfect results for 3ds Max generated normal maps. See the Polycount thread [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=72861 3Point Shader Lite - Shader material editor and Quality Mode normalmaps for 3ds Max].
* '''[http://www.greveson.co.uk/shaders/MoP_TextureBlender.fx MoP Texture Blender]''' by [http://www.greveson.co.uk Paul "MoP" Greveson]< > This shader uses blendmodulate for vertex blending with per-pixel detail. From the Polycount thread [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=1024948#post1024948 The Snow and Ice of Uncharted2?].
* '''[http://www.luxinia.de/index.php/ArtTools/3dsmaxFX#genbrdf 3ds Max version of the BRDF shader]''' ported by [http://crazybutcher.cottages.polycount.com/ Christoph "CrazyButcher" Kubisch]. < > Original [http://www.mentalwarp.com/~brice/brdf.php BRDF shader for Maya] by [http://www.mentalwarp.com/~brice Brice Vandemoortele] and [http://www.kjapi.com/ Cedric Caillaud]. More info in the Polycount thread ''[http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=49920 Free Maya/max cgfx/fx Shader]''. '''Update:''' [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=821862#post821862 New version here] with many updates, including object-space normal maps, relief mapping, self-shadowing, etc.
* '''[http://www.laurenscorijn.com/viewportshader 3ds Max viewport shader]''' by [http://www.laurenscorijn.com/ Laurens "Xoliul" Corijn].< > More info in the Polycount thread ''[http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=62006 Xoliul's 3DS Max Viewport Shader]''.
* '''[http://blog.maginot.eu/index.php?seite=people&people=till&page=mhn2048106717 TF2 Shader for 3ds Max]''' and '''[http://blog.maginot.eu/index.php?p=till.1__scriptnstuff_shader_toon Toon/Comic Shader for 3ds Max]''' by [http://www.till.maginot.eu/ Till "Rollin" Maginot].< > More info in the Polycount thread ''[http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=64453 TF2 and TOON realtime viewport shader (3ds max)]''.
* '''[http://rtshaders.deviantart.com/art/Agusturinn-Shader-Demo-100883093 Agusturinn Shader Demo]''' by [http://rtshaders.deviantart.com Wang "RTshaders" Jing].< > Shader features: ''"One UV texture, Two point lights, Diffuse map(include alpha which control transparency), AO(ambient occlusion) map or Lightmap share the same channel, Normal map,Specular map,Specular level map,Gloss map,Emissive map, Two type of Cubemap---One is diffuse cubemap for generating IBL(image based lighting), the other is enviroment cubemap for reflection."''
* '''[http://rtshaders.deviantart.com/art/Paragalis-Shader-Demo-110994545 Paragalis Shader Demo]''' by [http://rtshaders.deviantart.com Wang "RTshaders" Jing].< > Shader features: ''"Post effect, 3dsmax2008/2009 viewport shadowmap, Subsurface scattering, Cubemap Image based lighting, Diffuse(alpha channel control opacity),Normal map,Ao map/Light map,Specular,Specular lever(mask),Gloss etc., Shadermodel 2.x compatible for AMD ATI card."''
* '''[http://fabio.policarpo.nom.br/Demos.html Planar Relief Mapping]''' by [http://fabio.policarpo.nom.br Fabio Policarpo].< > ''"This version works with any mesh and execute the ray intersection in tangent space. Apparent depth can be controlled with a factor (aspect from width or height divided by depth). So depth 0.1 means 10% of texture tile width/height in object space. This version does not require any extra information passed on vertices."''
* '''[http://www.bencloward.com/resources_shaders.shtml Shaders]''' by [http://www.bencloward.com Ben Cloward].< > He has a bunch of HLSL shaders available for normal mapping, ambient occlusion, car paint, skin, etc.
* '''[http://www.jistyles.com/main.php?id=doc&page=hlsl SSS Skin Shader]''' by [http://www.jistyles.com/ J.I. Styles].< > ''"The aim of this shader is to emulate all the perceptual qualities of realistic skin like translucency (sss), fresnal specular, gloss, oiliness, etc - kludging what I can to produce fast yet realistic looking results."''


== Popular Maya Shaders ==
(in no particular order)

* '''[http://blog.leocov.com/search/label/hlsl lcNextGenShader]''' by [http://www.leocov.com/ Leonardo "chronic" Covarrubias]< > Has many techniques and parameters, including normal mapping, specular, ambient env cube, SSS, etc.
* '''[http://www.mentalwarp.com/~brice/brdf.php BRDF shader for Maya]''' by [http://www.mentalwarp.com/~brice Brice Vandemoortele] and [http://www.kjapi.com/ Cedric Caillaud]< >[http://www.luxinia.de/index.php/ArtTools/3dsmaxFX#genbrdf 3ds Max version] ported by [http://crazybutcher.cottages.polycount.com/ Christoph "CrazyButcher" Kubisch]. More info in the Polycount thread ''[http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=49920 Free Maya/max cgfx/fx Shader]''. '''Update:''' [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=821862#post821862 New version here] with many updates, including object-space normal maps, relief mapping, self-shadowing, etc.
* '''[http://www.kostas.se/shader/ Maya CG shader]''' by [http://www.kostas.se Kostas "Kodde" Gialitakis]< > Also supports a BRDF map. More info in the Polycount thread ''[http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=69161 "KoddeShader", a Maya CGFX shader]''.


== Creating Shaders ==
* [http://tech-artists.org/wiki/Portal:Shaders The Tech-Artists.Org Shaders Portal]< > A ton of great information about creating shaders.
* [http://www.moddb.com/games/unreal-tournament-3/tutorials/tf2-shading-in-ut3 TF2 Shading in UT3] by [http://polyphobia.de Steffen "Neox" "polyphobia" Unger]< > Shows how the Team Fortress 2 look can be emulated using a shader network in Unreal Engine 3.

< >

[[Category:Primer]] [[Category:Texturing]] [[Category:Portfolio]] [[Category:Technology]]

Category:Shaders

2010-07-14T04:39:37Z

CarlosMontero: Adding CategoryPortfolio and CategoryTechnology to this category

Category:Environment

2010-07-14T04:32:29Z

CarlosMontero: Moving Level Design information to CategoryLevelDesign

Category:Environment

2010-07-14T04:31:08Z

CarlosMontero: Adding Category fullsearch to this category

= Category: Environment =
Topics about the design and creation of levels and environment artwork in games.

Pages in this category:


== Level Design ==
* [http://forums.mapcore.net/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=3913 Level Design Help Files], a collection of help sites for level design themed files - from the ''[http://forums.mapcore.net MapCore]'' forums
* [http://www.adambromell.com/articles/article3.html Environment Artist: The Story Teller] - by ''[http://www.adambromell.com Adam "adamBrome" Bromell]''
* [http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/How_To_Develop_A_Map_That_Works How To Develop A Map That Works] - from ''The Valve Developer Community''
* [http://wiki.beyondunreal.com/Legacy:Map_Planning Map Planning] - from the ''Unreal Wiki''
* [http://www.fcmaps.net/files/public/tutorials/Bens_Small_Bible_of_Realistic_Multiplayer_Level_Design.pdf Ben's Small Bible of Realistic Multiplayer Level Design] by ''Benjamin Bauer''
* [http://www.interlopers.net/index.php?page=what-is-level-design What Is Level Design?] - by ''Sérgio Duarte''
* [http://www.theinspiracy.com/Current%20Rules%20Master%20List.htm The 400 Project] - by ''[http://www.finitearts.com/Pages/biopage.html Hal Barwood]'' & ''[http://www.theinspiracy.com/ Noah Falstein]''
* [http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/peabody/game-book/Chapter6.html Design Techniques and Ideals] from ''[http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/peabody/game-book/Coverpage.html The Art of Computer Game Design]'' - by ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Crawford_%28game_designer%29 Chris Crawford]''
* [http://www.amazon.com/Level-Design-Concept-Theory-Practice/dp/1568813384 Level Design: Concept, Theory, and Practice] ($) - by ''Rudolf Kremers''
* [http://www.hourences.com/book/bookgameplay.htm The Hows and Whys of Level Design] ($) - by ''Sjoerd "hourences" De Jong''
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_semiotics Visual Semiotics] - from ''Wikipedia''< >Environments involve the player more if they have several layers of thinking behind their design.
* [http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_visual_metaphor What is a visual metaphor?] - from ''Answers.com''


== Level Design Blogs ==
* [http://lifeofadesignmonkey.blogspot.com/ Life of a Design Monkey] - a blog by ''Mark Davies'', game designer at Ninja Theory
* [http://randomencounters.vox.com/ Random Encounters in Imaginary Realms] - a blog by ''Random Encounters'', game designer
* [http://www.lostgarden.com/ Lost Garden] - a blog by ''Danc'', game designer
* [http://cliffyb.com/rants/ CliffyB.com] - a blog by ''Cliff Bleszinski'', game designer at Epic Games
* [http://www.johnsto.co.uk/design Level Design] - a blog by ''David Alexander Johnston'', freelance game designer


== Environment Concepting ==
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73282 Digital Environment/Landscape painting for beginners] Polycount thread
* [http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=140 Enviromentoring] and [http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=42 Tutorials, Tips & Tricks] - at [http://www.conceptart.org ConceptArt.Org]
* [http://www.handprint.com/HP/WCL/tech10.html elements of perspective] - by ''[http://www.handprint.com Bruce MacEvoy]''
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwBcssDYJ3o Whit Brachna Snowy Mountain] timelapse video with voiceover - by ''[http://brushbook.com Whit Brachna]'' ([http://www.youtube.com/user/MassiveDVD#g/u more freebies from Massive Black])
* [http://artpad.org/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/old-work/step%20by%20step.jpg Coastline] step by step image - by ''[http://artpad.org Jaime Jones]'' ([http://artpad.org/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/2005-2007/coastline2.jpg final])
* [http://daarken.com/flash2005/tutorials/fire_escape_02.pdf Fire Escape] step by step image - by ''[http://daarken.com/ Daarken]''
* [http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/category/43/Feng-Zhu Concept Design Video Tutorials] ($) - by ''[http://www.artbyfeng.com/ Feng Zhu]''
* [http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/product/55/The-Techniques-of-Dylan-Cole-1 Introduction to Landscape Matte Painting] ($) - by ''[http://www.dylancolestudio.com/ Dylan Cole]''
.[http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] The [[2D Tutorials|2D Tutorials]] section has more tutorials and resources for concept painting.


== Environment Workflow & Modularity ==

* [http://udn.epicgames.com/Two/WorkflowAndModularity.html Workflow techniques and modularity with Unreal game technology] - by ''[http://www.epicgames.com Epic Games]''< >A guide to setting up your art-to-level-design pipeline and designing modularly.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=678052#post678052 Environment workflow @ EpicGames] - by ''[http://www.kevinjohnstone.com/ Kevin Johnstone]''< >A summary of the modular workflow used at Epic on Unreal Tournament 3.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=924231#post924231 Gears of War 2 modular modeling] - by ''[http://wiki.polycount.net/Rorshach Kevin Johnstone]'' < >Tips and screenshots of using the grid for modular work, as well as a ton of useful insight into the Environment worflow at Epic. A highly recommended read!
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=1101338#post1101338 Modular brick wall tiling] - by ''[http://iamglynnsmith.com/ Glynn Smith]''< >Tips and screenshots for sculpting modular brick walls.
* [http://www.brameulaers.com/tutorials/generic_wall_tutorial/generic_wall_tutorial.html Generic wall tutorial] - by ''[http://www.brameulaers.com Bram "Peris" Eulaers]''< >Using 3ds Max and Mudbox to sculpt tilable modular sections for a stone wall.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=50160 Rock modeling approaches] - a [http://boards.polycount.net/ Polycount] thread < >A variety of approaches for sculpting individual rocks and tilable cliffs.
* [http://osart3d.wordpress.com/home-page/tutorial-creating-perfectly-tiling-meshes-in-zbrush-for-use-in-videogame-environments/ Creating Perfectly Tiling Meshes in Zbrush for use in Videogame Environments] - by ''[http://osart3d.wordpress.com/ Owen "SHEPEIRO" Shepherd]''< >Using ZBrush's 2.5D canvas to tile stamped meshes, then using Maya to model tilable geometry.
* [http://www.hourences.com/book/tutorialsindex.htm Unreal Engine 3 tutorials, game industry articles, level design/art/technical tutorials] - by ''[http://www.hourences.com Sjoerd "hourences" De Jong]''< >A ton of tutorials and articles about designing levels with the Unreal Technology.
* [http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=39&t=444791&page=7&pp=15#post4855106 Environment workflow from an artist working on a Crysis mod] - by ''[http://stefan-morrell.cgsociety.org/gallery/ Stefan Morrell]''< >A modular city building and its texture sheet.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=54178 Mod Facade Challenge] - by ''[http://www.linkedin.com/in/earthquake Joe "EarthQuake" Wilson]''< >Breaking up a building into modular pieces and designing the texture sheet.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=51254 Maintaining the suspension of disbelief...] Polycount thread< >Discussion about the importance of using imperfection to create believable worlds.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=52743 Adam Bromell's sketchbook thread] - by ''[http://www.adambromell.com Adam "adamBrome" Bromell]''< >Breaking an environment down into modular pieces.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=52565 Chris' sketchbook thread] - by ''[http://chrisholden.net/ Chris "cholden" Holden]''< >Environment design & modular workflow.
* [http://www.3dbuzz.com/vbforum/sv_videonav.php?fid=836eb5e382b5d9f430df48883fca918e Level Design Video Tutorials] - from ''[http://www.3dbuzz.com 3DBuzz]''< >A ton of useful tutorials and design tips about creating levels.
* [http://www.chrisalbeluhn.com/Building_Layout_Guideline_Tutorial.html Visually Appealing Building Guide] - by ''[http://www.chrisalbeluhn.com Christopher Albeluhn]''< >An excellent breakdown of how to create visual interest with game buildings. [http://www.chrisalbeluhn.com/3D_Tutorials.html Additional tutorials here].

.[http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] The [[DigitalSculpting#TS|Digital Sculpting]] section has more tutorials about modular workflow.


== Environment Modeling ==
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=62114 Gears2 Environment Art] - by ''[http://www.kevinjohnstone.com/ Kevin Johnstone]''
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=54311 UT3 & Gears Environment Art] - by ''[http://www.kevinjohnstone.com/ Kevin Johnstone]''
* [[attachment:rorshach_scifi_supportbeam.pdf|SciFi Support Beam PDF]] - by ''[http://www.kevinjohnstone.com/ Kevin Johnstone]''
* [http://chrisholden.net/tutor/ Environment tutorials] - by ''[http://chrisholden.net/ Chris "cholden" Holden]''
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=40608 Environment modeling basics] - from the ''[http://boards.polycount.net Polycount boards]''
.[http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] The [[Category:Modeling]] wiki section has more modeling tutorials.


== Environment Foliage ==
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=1021264 3D TreesTutorials] thread from the ''[http://boards.polycount.net Polycount boards]''< > Multiple methods.
* [http://www.game-artist.net/forums/support-tech-discussion/11251-trees-beginners-3ds-max-tutorial.html Trees for Beginners in 3ds Max Tutorial] - by ''"braveryd"''< > Using the AEC Extended: Foliage tree generator in 3ds Max.
* [http://www.andyzibits.com/tut_particle_tree_generation.html Tree creation using particle generator] - by ''[http://www.andyzibits.com Andy Zibits]''< > Using a particle system in 3ds Max.
* [http://learnfobia.com/category-Maya-129/tutorial-Sprite-Based-Particle-Trees-2259.html Sprite-Based Particle Trees] - by ''[http://stores.lulu.com/sunchirp Steven J. Tubbrit]''< > Using a particle system in Maya.
* [http://www.andyzibits.com/tut_maya_low_poly.html Ultra-efficient tree texturing and modeling] - by ''[http://www.andyzibits.com Andy Zibits]''< > Using ''Paint Effects'' in Maya to create the foliage texture and branches.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=1020341#post1020341 Low-poly Tree Using Maya PaintFX] - by ''[http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,107125/ Jeramy Cooke]''< > Using ''Paint Effects'' in Maya to create the foliage texture, then hand-modeling the tree.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1152529#post1152529 Bending vertex normals and using vertex color] - by ''[http://ericchadwick.com Eric Chadwick]''< > Using the Edit Normals modifier in 3ds Max to bend the vertex normals of low-poly foliage planes.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1149155#post1149155 Bending the vertex normals with Normal Thief] - by ''[http://ericchadwick.com Eric Chadwick]''< > Using the [http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/normal-thief Normal Thief] script in 3ds Max to bend the vertex normals of low-poly foliage planes.
* [http://http.developer.nvidia.com/GPUGems3/gpugems3_ch16.html Vegetation Procedural Animation and Shading in Crysis] - by ''[https://www.cmpevents.com/GD08/a.asp?option=G&V=3&id=563008 Tiago Sousa]''< > A detailed overview of Crytek's process for vegetation shading.
* [http://3dfolio.com/files/tree_tut.pdf Tree Modeling Techniques and Principles] (PDF) - by ''[http://www.3dfolio.com/ Matthew D'Onofrio]''< > Modeling efficient low-poly branches in 3ds Max using ''Extrude Along Spline''.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67620 Hedges and Topiary a quick tutorial] - by [http://www.vigville.com/ 'Vig']< >Modeling and texturing method for stylized bushes.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72325 Tree making fast technique?] thread on Polycount< > Tree modeling techniques discussed.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73556 Tree texturing] thread on Polycount< > Tree texturing discussed.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74330 Real quick tree texturing question] thread on Polycount< > More tree stuff.
* Stuff to research:
** Warhammer Online trees?
** RexM trees?
** Adam trees?


=== Foliage Modeling Tools ===
There are a lot of tools for modeling high-resolution plants, but few for modeling game-resolution models. Here are a few...
* [http://ngplant.sourceforge.net/ ngPlant]
* [http://www.frecle.net/index.php?show=treed.about frecle tree[d]] (exports formats .B3D, .OBJ, .X)
* [http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/tree-maker TreeMaker script for 3ds Max]
* [http://www.branches.ws/ Branches script for 3ds Max]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG79EosNiBQ SpeedTree in UDK] ($)


== Environment Sculpting ==
.[http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] See the [[DigitalSculpting]] section of the Polycount wiki.


== Environment Skies ==
* [http://cgtextures.com/textures.php?t=browse&q=23740 CG Textures - Panoramic Skies] free 360-degree sky photos.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=45543 360 HDR skies for sale?] from the [http://boards.polycount.net Polycount forums] has a tutorial and links about photographing HDR skies.
* [http://www.outpt.co.uk/how-to-create-a-terragen-2-skybox/ How to: Create a Terragen 2 Skybox] by ''[http://www.outpt.co.uk/about/ Outpt]''.
* [http://3dmotive.com/product-skydome 3dmotive.com - Creating a Skydome] is a tutorial for converting a latlong sky into a spheremap layout and mapping it to a dome mesh with Photoshop and 3ds Max.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=68600 Skymap workflow] by ''[http://boards.polycount.net/member.php?u=27009 divi]'' is a quick tutorial about converting a latlong sky into a square dome-like layout that uses all the texture space. [[attachment:Skymap_workflow.pdf|PDF here]]
* [http://www.outpt.co.uk/how-to-convert-a-skybox-to-a-skydome/ How to: Convert a Skybox to a Skydome] by ''[http://www.outpt.co.uk/about/ Outpt]'' is an in-depth tutorial about converting a cubemap into a latlong image with [http://developer.amd.com/gpu/cubemapgen/pages/default.aspx CubeMapGen], HDRShop, Photoshop, and Unreal.
* [http://www.e-onsoftware.com/products/ Vue] is a popular skydome creation tool.
* [http://www.planetside.co.uk/ Terragen] is another popular skydome creation tool.
* [http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] The [[Cube Map|Cube Map]] wiki section describes how to create and use cube maps.


== Environment Texturing ==
* [http://vimeo.com/9067032 Texture Workflow videos] - by ''[http://www.hitenmistry.com/ Hiten "Mistry10" Mistry]'', from the Polycount thread ''[http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=69850 Mistry's Texture Workflow w/Video]''
* [http://www.game-artist.net/forums/tutorials/182-step-step-techniques-tiling-textures-3ds-max.html Creating tiling textures in 3dsmax] - by ''[http://chrisholden.net/ Chris "cholden" Holden]''
* [http://poopinmymouth.com/process/tips/thirding.jpg Thirding - Utilizing your texture space for environment work] - by ''[http://poopinmymouth.com/ Ben "poopinmymouth" Mathis]''
* [http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=46&t=373024 Hard Surface Texture Painting] - by ''[http://stefan-morrell.cgsociety.org/gallery/ Stefan Morrell]''
* [http://www.doom3world.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=17688 Tutorial: Brick Arch (Baking Multiple Maps in 3dsmax)] - by ''[http://boards.polycount.net/member.php?u=18074 mikebart]''
* [http://udn.epicgames.com/Two/VertexBlendingTutorial.html UDN UnrealEngine2 Vertex Blending Tutorial] - by ''[http://epicgames.com Epic Games]''
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showpost.php?p=756818&postcount=18 Using vertex blending to grunge a level and add variety] - by ''[http://www.strangefate.com/ Mario "StrangeFate" Vazquez]''
* [http://www.hourences.com/book/tutorialsue3terrain.htm UE3 Terrain Tutorial] - by ''[http://www.hourences.com Sjoerd "hourences" De Jong]''
* [http://www.moddb.com/tutorials/lighting-in-game-environments-the-hows-and-whys Lighting in game environments] - by ''[http://www.hourences.com Sjoerd "hourences" De Jong]''
* [http://www.amazon.com/Painting-Light-John-Alton/dp/0520089499 Painting with Light] - by the cinematographer ''John Alton''.


== Industry Information ==
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=52862 Percentage of environment artists .vs. character artists at most studios] - from the ''[http://boards.polycount.net Polycount boards]''
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=52412 What's the difference between a level designer and environment artist?] - from the ''[http://boards.polycount.net Polycount boards]''
.[http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] The [[GameBusiness]] wiki section has links for threads and articles about how to get game jobs, how to negotiate your salary, how to manage your role, etc.


== Inspiration & Reference ==
* [http://images.google.com/ Google Image Search]
* [http://flickr.com/search/advanced/ Flickr Image Search]
* [http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/advanced?ei=UTF-8 Yahoo Image Search]
* [http://www.bbcmotiongallery.com/Customer/AdvancedSearch.aspx? BBC Motion Gallery] - video reference
* [http://www.corbismotion.com/ Corbis Motion] - video reference
* [http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/AdvancedSearch.aspx Getty Images Footage] - video reference
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=34320 Polycount Forums - Reference Thread]
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=53002 Polycount Forums - Environment Modeling FAQ & Resources]
* [http://www.game-artist.net/forums/support-tech-discussion/4379-reference-thread.html Game Artist Forums - Reference Thread]

[[Category:Primer]] [[Category:Modeling]]

Category:Texturing

2010-07-07T05:18:50Z

CarlosMontero:

__NOTOC__
= Category Texturing =
For game assets the most commonly used texture types are Diffuse, Emissive, Normal, Opacity, and Specular Color. However the types you use will be dictated by the asset itself, and the Art Direction for the project.

== Bump Maps ==
[[Category:BumpMap]] pages:

== Color Maps ==
[[Category:ColorMap]] pages:

== Environment Maps ==
[[Category:EnvironmentMap]] pages:

== Light Maps ==
[[Category:LightMap]] pages:

== Specular Maps ==
[[Category:SpecularMap]] pages:

== Transparency Maps ==
[[Category:TransparencyMap]] pages:

== Game Texture Formats ==
[[Category:TextureFormat]] pages:

== Texture Techniques ==
[[Category:TextureTechnique]] pages:

{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
|<#000000>| [[2D Tutorials]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Decal]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Edge Padding]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Category:Environment#EC|Environment Concepting]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Category:Environment#ET|Environment Texturing]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Hair Techniques]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Mip Map]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Multitexture]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Painting Across Seams]]
|-
|<#000000>| [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=65614 Painting Tutorials]
|-
|<#000000>| [http://www.leighvanderbyl.com/pdf/texturing.pdf Texturing for Dummies]
|-
|<#000000>| [http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/photoshop-curves.htm Using the Photoshop Curves Tool]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Value Correction]]
|}

[[Category:Primer]]

Category:Texturing

2010-07-07T05:14:17Z

CarlosMontero: replacing manual links with auto-category searches

__NOTOC__
= Category Texturing =
For game assets the most commonly used texture types are Diffuse, Emissive, Normal, Opacity, and Specular Color. However the types you use will be dictated by the asset itself, and the Art Direction for the project.

== Bump Maps ==
[[Category:BumpMap]] pages:

== Color Maps ==
[[Category:ColorMap]] pages:

== Environment Maps ==
[[Category:EnvironmentMap]] pages:

== Light Maps ==
[[Category:LightMap]] pages:

== Specular Maps ==
[[Category:SpecularMap]] pages:

== Transparency Maps ==
[[Category:TransparencyMap]] pages:

== Game Texture Formats ==
[[Category:TextureFormat]] pages:

{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
|<#000000>| [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3Dc 3Dc]
|-
|<#000000>| [[DDS]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[PVR]]
|}

== Texture Techniques ==
[[Category:TextureTechnique]] pages:

{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
|<#000000>| [[2D Tutorials]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Decal]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Edge Padding]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Category:Environment#EC|Environment Concepting]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Category:Environment#ET|Environment Texturing]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Hair Techniques]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Mip Map]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Multitexture]]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Painting Across Seams]]
|-
|<#000000>| [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=65614 Painting Tutorials]
|-
|<#000000>| [http://www.leighvanderbyl.com/pdf/texturing.pdf Texturing for Dummies]
|-
|<#000000>| [http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/photoshop-curves.htm Using the Photoshop Curves Tool]
|-
|<#000000>| [[Value Correction]]
|}

[[Category:Primer]]

Category:Environment

2010-07-07T05:05:59Z

CarlosMontero: removed breadcrumbs, added category

= Category: Environment =
Topics about the design and creation of levels and environment artwork in games.


== Level Design ==
* [http://forums.mapcore.net/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=3913 Level Design Help Files], a collection of help sites for level design themed files - from the ''[http://forums.mapcore.net MapCore]'' forums
* [http://www.adambromell.com/articles/article3.html Environment Artist: The Story Teller] - by ''[http://www.adambromell.com Adam "adamBrome" Bromell]''
* [http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/How_To_Develop_A_Map_That_Works How To Develop A Map That Works] - from ''The Valve Developer Community''
* [http://wiki.beyondunreal.com/Legacy:Map_Planning Map Planning] - from the ''Unreal Wiki''
* [http://www.fcmaps.net/files/public/tutorials/Bens_Small_Bible_of_Realistic_Multiplayer_Level_Design.pdf Ben's Small Bible of Realistic Multiplayer Level Design] by ''Benjamin Bauer''
* [http://www.interlopers.net/index.php?page=what-is-level-design What Is Level Design?] - by ''Sérgio Duarte''
* [http://www.theinspiracy.com/Current%20Rules%20Master%20List.htm The 400 Project] - by ''[http://www.finitearts.com/Pages/biopage.html Hal Barwood]'' & ''[http://www.theinspiracy.com/ Noah Falstein]''
* [http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/peabody/game-book/Chapter6.html Design Techniques and Ideals] from ''[http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/peabody/game-book/Coverpage.html The Art of Computer Game Design]'' - by ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Crawford_%28game_designer%29 Chris Crawford]''
* [http://www.amazon.com/Level-Design-Concept-Theory-Practice/dp/1568813384 Level Design: Concept, Theory, and Practice] ($) - by ''Rudolf Kremers''
* [http://www.hourences.com/book/bookgameplay.htm The Hows and Whys of Level Design] ($) - by ''Sjoerd "hourences" De Jong''
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_semiotics Visual Semiotics] - from ''Wikipedia''< >Environments involve the player more if they have several layers of thinking behind their design.
* [http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_visual_metaphor What is a visual metaphor?] - from ''Answers.com''


== Level Design Blogs ==
* [http://lifeofadesignmonkey.blogspot.com/ Life of a Design Monkey] - a blog by ''Mark Davies'', game designer at Ninja Theory
* [http://randomencounters.vox.com/ Random Encounters in Imaginary Realms] - a blog by ''Random Encounters'', game designer
* [http://www.lostgarden.com/ Lost Garden] - a blog by ''Danc'', game designer
* [http://cliffyb.com/rants/ CliffyB.com] - a blog by ''Cliff Bleszinski'', game designer at Epic Games
* [http://www.johnsto.co.uk/design Level Design] - a blog by ''David Alexander Johnston'', freelance game designer


== Environment Concepting ==
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73282 Digital Environment/Landscape painting for beginners] Polycount thread
* [http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=140 Enviromentoring] and [http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=42 Tutorials, Tips & Tricks] - at [http://www.conceptart.org ConceptArt.Org]
* [http://www.handprint.com/HP/WCL/tech10.html elements of perspective] - by ''[http://www.handprint.com Bruce MacEvoy]''
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwBcssDYJ3o Whit Brachna Snowy Mountain] timelapse video with voiceover - by ''[http://brushbook.com Whit Brachna]'' ([http://www.youtube.com/user/MassiveDVD#g/u more freebies from Massive Black])
* [http://artpad.org/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/old-work/step%20by%20step.jpg Coastline] step by step image - by ''[http://artpad.org Jaime Jones]'' ([http://artpad.org/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/2005-2007/coastline2.jpg final])
* [http://daarken.com/flash2005/tutorials/fire_escape_02.pdf Fire Escape] step by step image - by ''[http://daarken.com/ Daarken]''
* [http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/category/43/Feng-Zhu Concept Design Video Tutorials] ($) - by ''[http://www.artbyfeng.com/ Feng Zhu]''
* [http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/product/55/The-Techniques-of-Dylan-Cole-1 Introduction to Landscape Matte Painting] ($) - by ''[http://www.dylancolestudio.com/ Dylan Cole]''
.[http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] The [[2D Tutorials|2D Tutorials]] section has more tutorials and resources for concept painting.


== Environment Workflow & Modularity ==

* [http://udn.epicgames.com/Two/WorkflowAndModularity.html Workflow techniques and modularity with Unreal game technology] - by ''[http://www.epicgames.com Epic Games]''< >A guide to setting up your art-to-level-design pipeline and designing modularly.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=678052#post678052 Environment workflow @ EpicGames] - by ''[http://www.kevinjohnstone.com/ Kevin Johnstone]''< >A summary of the modular workflow used at Epic on Unreal Tournament 3.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=924231#post924231 Gears of War 2 modular modeling] - by ''[http://wiki.polycount.net/Rorshach Kevin Johnstone]'' < >Tips and screenshots of using the grid for modular work, as well as a ton of useful insight into the Environment worflow at Epic. A highly recommended read!
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=1101338#post1101338 Modular brick wall tiling] - by ''[http://iamglynnsmith.com/ Glynn Smith]''< >Tips and screenshots for sculpting modular brick walls.
* [http://www.brameulaers.com/tutorials/generic_wall_tutorial/generic_wall_tutorial.html Generic wall tutorial] - by ''[http://www.brameulaers.com Bram "Peris" Eulaers]''< >Using 3ds Max and Mudbox to sculpt tilable modular sections for a stone wall.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=50160 Rock modeling approaches] - a [http://boards.polycount.net/ Polycount] thread < >A variety of approaches for sculpting individual rocks and tilable cliffs.
* [http://osart3d.wordpress.com/home-page/tutorial-creating-perfectly-tiling-meshes-in-zbrush-for-use-in-videogame-environments/ Creating Perfectly Tiling Meshes in Zbrush for use in Videogame Environments] - by ''[http://osart3d.wordpress.com/ Owen "SHEPEIRO" Shepherd]''< >Using ZBrush's 2.5D canvas to tile stamped meshes, then using Maya to model tilable geometry.
* [http://www.hourences.com/book/tutorialsindex.htm Unreal Engine 3 tutorials, game industry articles, level design/art/technical tutorials] - by ''[http://www.hourences.com Sjoerd "hourences" De Jong]''< >A ton of tutorials and articles about designing levels with the Unreal Technology.
* [http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=39&t=444791&page=7&pp=15#post4855106 Environment workflow from an artist working on a Crysis mod] - by ''[http://stefan-morrell.cgsociety.org/gallery/ Stefan Morrell]''< >A modular city building and its texture sheet.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=54178 Mod Facade Challenge] - by ''[http://www.linkedin.com/in/earthquake Joe "EarthQuake" Wilson]''< >Breaking up a building into modular pieces and designing the texture sheet.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=51254 Maintaining the suspension of disbelief...] Polycount thread< >Discussion about the importance of using imperfection to create believable worlds.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=52743 Adam Bromell's sketchbook thread] - by ''[http://www.adambromell.com Adam "adamBrome" Bromell]''< >Breaking an environment down into modular pieces.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=52565 Chris' sketchbook thread] - by ''[http://chrisholden.net/ Chris "cholden" Holden]''< >Environment design & modular workflow.
* [http://www.3dbuzz.com/vbforum/sv_videonav.php?fid=836eb5e382b5d9f430df48883fca918e Level Design Video Tutorials] - from ''[http://www.3dbuzz.com 3DBuzz]''< >A ton of useful tutorials and design tips about creating levels.
* [http://www.chrisalbeluhn.com/Building_Layout_Guideline_Tutorial.html Visually Appealing Building Guide] - by ''[http://www.chrisalbeluhn.com Christopher Albeluhn]''< >An excellent breakdown of how to create visual interest with game buildings. [http://www.chrisalbeluhn.com/3D_Tutorials.html Additional tutorials here].

.[http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] The [[DigitalSculpting#TS|Digital Sculpting]] section has more tutorials about modular workflow.


== Environment Modeling ==
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=62114 Gears2 Environment Art] - by ''[http://www.kevinjohnstone.com/ Kevin Johnstone]''
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=54311 UT3 & Gears Environment Art] - by ''[http://www.kevinjohnstone.com/ Kevin Johnstone]''
* [[attachment:rorshach_scifi_supportbeam.pdf|SciFi Support Beam PDF]] - by ''[http://www.kevinjohnstone.com/ Kevin Johnstone]''
* [http://chrisholden.net/tutor/ Environment tutorials] - by ''[http://chrisholden.net/ Chris "cholden" Holden]''
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=40608 Environment modeling basics] - from the ''[http://boards.polycount.net Polycount boards]''
.[http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] The [[Category:Modeling]] wiki section has more modeling tutorials.


== Environment Foliage ==
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=1021264 3D TreesTutorials] thread from the ''[http://boards.polycount.net Polycount boards]''< > Multiple methods.
* [http://www.game-artist.net/forums/support-tech-discussion/11251-trees-beginners-3ds-max-tutorial.html Trees for Beginners in 3ds Max Tutorial] - by ''"braveryd"''< > Using the AEC Extended: Foliage tree generator in 3ds Max.
* [http://www.andyzibits.com/tut_particle_tree_generation.html Tree creation using particle generator] - by ''[http://www.andyzibits.com Andy Zibits]''< > Using a particle system in 3ds Max.
* [http://learnfobia.com/category-Maya-129/tutorial-Sprite-Based-Particle-Trees-2259.html Sprite-Based Particle Trees] - by ''[http://stores.lulu.com/sunchirp Steven J. Tubbrit]''< > Using a particle system in Maya.
* [http://www.andyzibits.com/tut_maya_low_poly.html Ultra-efficient tree texturing and modeling] - by ''[http://www.andyzibits.com Andy Zibits]''< > Using ''Paint Effects'' in Maya to create the foliage texture and branches.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?p=1020341#post1020341 Low-poly Tree Using Maya PaintFX] - by ''[http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,107125/ Jeramy Cooke]''< > Using ''Paint Effects'' in Maya to create the foliage texture, then hand-modeling the tree.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1152529#post1152529 Bending vertex normals and using vertex color] - by ''[http://ericchadwick.com Eric Chadwick]''< > Using the Edit Normals modifier in 3ds Max to bend the vertex normals of low-poly foliage planes.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1149155#post1149155 Bending the vertex normals with Normal Thief] - by ''[http://ericchadwick.com Eric Chadwick]''< > Using the [http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/normal-thief Normal Thief] script in 3ds Max to bend the vertex normals of low-poly foliage planes.
* [http://http.developer.nvidia.com/GPUGems3/gpugems3_ch16.html Vegetation Procedural Animation and Shading in Crysis] - by ''[https://www.cmpevents.com/GD08/a.asp?option=G&V=3&id=563008 Tiago Sousa]''< > A detailed overview of Crytek's process for vegetation shading.
* [http://3dfolio.com/files/tree_tut.pdf Tree Modeling Techniques and Principles] (PDF) - by ''[http://www.3dfolio.com/ Matthew D'Onofrio]''< > Modeling efficient low-poly branches in 3ds Max using ''Extrude Along Spline''.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67620 Hedges and Topiary a quick tutorial] - by [http://www.vigville.com/ 'Vig']< >Modeling and texturing method for stylized bushes.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72325 Tree making fast technique?] thread on Polycount< > Tree modeling techniques discussed.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73556 Tree texturing] thread on Polycount< > Tree texturing discussed.
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74330 Real quick tree texturing question] thread on Polycount< > More tree stuff.
* Stuff to research:
** Warhammer Online trees?
** RexM trees?
** Adam trees?


=== Foliage Modeling Tools ===
There are a lot of tools for modeling high-resolution plants, but few for modeling game-resolution models. Here are a few...
* [http://ngplant.sourceforge.net/ ngPlant]
* [http://www.frecle.net/index.php?show=treed.about frecle tree[d]] (exports formats .B3D, .OBJ, .X)
* [http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/tree-maker TreeMaker script for 3ds Max]
* [http://www.branches.ws/ Branches script for 3ds Max]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG79EosNiBQ SpeedTree in UDK] ($)


== Environment Sculpting ==
.[http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] See the [[DigitalSculpting]] section of the Polycount wiki.


== Environment Skies ==
* [http://cgtextures.com/textures.php?t=browse&q=23740 CG Textures - Panoramic Skies] free 360-degree sky photos.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=45543 360 HDR skies for sale?] from the [http://boards.polycount.net Polycount forums] has a tutorial and links about photographing HDR skies.
* [http://www.outpt.co.uk/how-to-create-a-terragen-2-skybox/ How to: Create a Terragen 2 Skybox] by ''[http://www.outpt.co.uk/about/ Outpt]''.
* [http://3dmotive.com/product-skydome 3dmotive.com - Creating a Skydome] is a tutorial for converting a latlong sky into a spheremap layout and mapping it to a dome mesh with Photoshop and 3ds Max.
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=68600 Skymap workflow] by ''[http://boards.polycount.net/member.php?u=27009 divi]'' is a quick tutorial about converting a latlong sky into a square dome-like layout that uses all the texture space. [[attachment:Skymap_workflow.pdf|PDF here]]
* [http://www.outpt.co.uk/how-to-convert-a-skybox-to-a-skydome/ How to: Convert a Skybox to a Skydome] by ''[http://www.outpt.co.uk/about/ Outpt]'' is an in-depth tutorial about converting a cubemap into a latlong image with [http://developer.amd.com/gpu/cubemapgen/pages/default.aspx CubeMapGen], HDRShop, Photoshop, and Unreal.
* [http://www.e-onsoftware.com/products/ Vue] is a popular skydome creation tool.
* [http://www.planetside.co.uk/ Terragen] is another popular skydome creation tool.
* [http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] The [[Cube Map|Cube Map]] wiki section describes how to create and use cube maps.


== Environment Texturing ==
* [http://vimeo.com/9067032 Texture Workflow videos] - by ''[http://www.hitenmistry.com/ Hiten "Mistry10" Mistry]'', from the Polycount thread ''[http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=69850 Mistry's Texture Workflow w/Video]''
* [http://www.game-artist.net/forums/tutorials/182-step-step-techniques-tiling-textures-3ds-max.html Creating tiling textures in 3dsmax] - by ''[http://chrisholden.net/ Chris "cholden" Holden]''
* [http://poopinmymouth.com/process/tips/thirding.jpg Thirding - Utilizing your texture space for environment work] - by ''[http://poopinmymouth.com/ Ben "poopinmymouth" Mathis]''
* [http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=46&t=373024 Hard Surface Texture Painting] - by ''[http://stefan-morrell.cgsociety.org/gallery/ Stefan Morrell]''
* [http://www.doom3world.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=17688 Tutorial: Brick Arch (Baking Multiple Maps in 3dsmax)] - by ''[http://boards.polycount.net/member.php?u=18074 mikebart]''
* [http://udn.epicgames.com/Two/VertexBlendingTutorial.html UDN UnrealEngine2 Vertex Blending Tutorial] - by ''[http://epicgames.com Epic Games]''
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showpost.php?p=756818&postcount=18 Using vertex blending to grunge a level and add variety] - by ''[http://www.strangefate.com/ Mario "StrangeFate" Vazquez]''
* [http://www.hourences.com/book/tutorialsue3terrain.htm UE3 Terrain Tutorial] - by ''[http://www.hourences.com Sjoerd "hourences" De Jong]''
* [http://www.moddb.com/tutorials/lighting-in-game-environments-the-hows-and-whys Lighting in game environments] - by ''[http://www.hourences.com Sjoerd "hourences" De Jong]''
* [http://www.amazon.com/Painting-Light-John-Alton/dp/0520089499 Painting with Light] - by the cinematographer ''John Alton''.


== Industry Information ==
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=52862 Percentage of environment artists .vs. character artists at most studios] - from the ''[http://boards.polycount.net Polycount boards]''
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=52412 What's the difference between a level designer and environment artist?] - from the ''[http://boards.polycount.net Polycount boards]''
.[http://wiki.polycount.net {{http://boards.polycount.net/images/smilies/pcount/icons/icon_arrow.gif}}] The [[GameBusiness]] wiki section has links for threads and articles about how to get game jobs, how to negotiate your salary, how to manage your role, etc.


== Inspiration & Reference ==
* [http://images.google.com/ Google Image Search]
* [http://flickr.com/search/advanced/ Flickr Image Search]
* [http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/advanced?ei=UTF-8 Yahoo Image Search]
* [http://www.bbcmotiongallery.com/Customer/AdvancedSearch.aspx? BBC Motion Gallery] - video reference
* [http://www.corbismotion.com/ Corbis Motion] - video reference
* [http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/AdvancedSearch.aspx Getty Images Footage] - video reference
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=34320 Polycount Forums - Reference Thread]
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=53002 Polycount Forums - Environment Modeling FAQ & Resources]
* [http://www.game-artist.net/forums/support-tech-discussion/4379-reference-thread.html Game Artist Forums - Reference Thread]

[[Category:Primer]] [[Category:Modeling]]

Model Presentation

2010-07-07T05:02:00Z

CarlosMontero: removed breadcrumbs, added category

LevelOfDetail

2010-07-07T05:01:06Z

CarlosMontero: removed breadcrumbs, added category

__NOTOC__
= Level Of Detail =
A '''Level of Detail''' model (LOD) is a lower-resolution version of the main game model.

The model is swapped to a lower-detail version to improve performance, which improves the framerate.

== LOD Metrics ==
There are many methods for determining when to swap; the most common is based on distance. Another method is to swap depending on how fast the player is moving, because a player typically won't notice the drop in quality for a fast-moving object. Yet another method is to drop to lower LODs when the framerate drops below a certain number.

== LOD Modeling ==
[http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74619 LOD resources/information anyone?]

== LOD Texturing ==
[http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74619 LOD resources/information anyone?]

----
[[Category:Modeling]]

User:Cman2k

2010-07-06T05:40:20Z

CarlosMontero: finalizing new category names

__NOTOC__
= [[CarlosMontero]] =

=== Nickname Origin ===
cman2k: back from the AOL days when I was 13 and my name was cmans2kool B)

=== Links ===
* Forum name: [http://www.polycount.com/forum/member.php?u=15804 cman2k]
* Website: http://carlosmontero.com
* Email: <<[[MailTo]](cman2k AT gmail DOT com)>>

= New Front Page =

= Welcome to the Polycount Wiki! =
The Polycount Wiki is a catalog of information aimed at artists working in game development, whether professional or hobbyist.
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
|<#000000 tablestyle="width:80%;text-align:left;">|Information
|<33% #000000>|Art Disciplines
|-
|<style="color:#37864d;vertical-align:top;">| [[GameIndustry]]< > [[HistoryOfPolycount]]< > [[HowToContribute]]< > [[ReferenceLibrary]]< > [[WikiMembers]]
|<style="color:#37864d;vertical-align:top;">|[[Category:Animation]]< >[[Category:Character]]< >[[Category:Concept]]< >[[Category:Environment]]< > [[Category:GameDesign]]< >[[Category:LevelDesign]]< >[[Category:SpecialEffects]]< >[[Category:UserInterface]]
|}

<pre><nowiki>#!wiki comment/dotted
* Lighting -> Move into environments
* Texture Coordinates -> Split into Environments/Characters
* Texturing -> Split/Mirror into Environments/Characters
--Carlos Montero
</nowiki></pre>

<pre><nowiki>#!wiki comment/dotted
* How To Contribute on a separate page.
* Game Statistics can be linked from Game Industry. Shaders can be linked from Game Technology and from Presentation.
* Adam is interested in revamping [[http://www.ericchadwick.com/portfolio/glossary/|the old glossary]] that I shared on polycount back in 2001 or so, the idea is we could add links in our pages to standard definitions.
* Not sure where we would include any game-specific tutorials. For now, we could link to them from '''History of Polycount''', but eventually we may need a dedicated section (not really a Discipline or a Tech).
--Eric Chadwick
</nowiki></pre>

<pre><nowiki>#!wiki comment/dotted
* Glossary looks great, seems like a perfect solution.
* added Game Engines category under technology. This seems perfectly reasonable to me, what do you think?
--Carlos Montero
</nowiki></pre>

<pre><nowiki>#!wiki comment/dotted
* Game Engines category is great. I'm a little hesitant, since it's like the Tools page... the data will be changing rapidly, so a wiki page will be out-of-date a lot of the time, unless it's meticulously updated.
* Some of the Glossary is wrong (I've learned a lot since then!). So I'm thinking we should move them into the wiki piecemeal, updating them as we go. Also the Glossary pages should probably be both Subpages of the Glossary landing page, and should be in !CategoryGlossary too.
* I would like to start renaming the page titles to WikiName format, since that's so much easier to link to. Better to do this sooner than later. I guess we should also update all the links that point to a renamed page... renaming a page creates an automatic redirect, but I don't think a redirect preserves anchors, so links with anchors in them will be broken/incomplete.
* Looks good Carlos, thanks for the ideas!
--Eric Chadwick
</nowiki></pre>

----
= How to Contribute =
If you'd like to contribute to the wiki, you'll need a wiki account. First [http://www.polycount.com/forum/register.php register] a Forum account, then send a PM to [http://www.polycount.com/forum/private.php?do=newpm&u=13837 EricChadwick]. He needs two things: your email address (never shared, for password recovery) and the name you want to use (real name in FirstnameLastname format, or your Forum name).

If you have questions about how it's done, check out [[HelpOnEditing]]. There's also a link at the bottom of the page editor.

Finally, if you want some major brownie points, check out the [[Polycount#Work_To_Do|Work To Do]] page. |-)

----
[[Category:Homepage]]

Category:Rendering

2010-07-06T05:27:39Z