3D Modelling Trends

3D Modelling in Games and Film:

For the film industry 3D models are always going to be used for special effects, explosions, or entirely animated films. 
These days films are beginning to incorporate more and more CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) to cut down on costs of production. With this, it's going to be necessary to make your 3D models look as realistic as possible if you plan on getting a job in this industry. More realistic animation of characters, clothing, objects, the implication of gravity on everything in the animation - These are all things that I've thought of that would be considered by anyone in this industry. 

However, with the high resolution needed for big films, there's also the need for texture artists to have incredibly detailed work to look really great. They at least have a near-unlimited freedom in their file sizes for each object. 


(Hockenson, 2014)

In the gaming industry, with the latest technology advances comes more realistic game experiences. Companies are striving with more immersive technology, such as the Oculus Rift, which is currently the new biggest VR feature that more and more games are striving to make their own games compatible with. 
This means all new models, rendered for each device on all different platforms, are going to be necessary in the current or near future. 

Limited technology also means limited polygon counts for 3D models, providing 3D modelling artists all new challenges to keep the high-quality picture of their games on platforms such as mobile devices. More and more games are being ported to mobile, so this is another thing to consider for 3D artists. 

Another thing to consider when it comes to mobile gaming, is the inclusion of mobile game extras to big console/PC games. Who's to say there won't be features that involve the use of your phone to play your game in a new way? For example, the way Nintendo incorporated the use of handheld GameBoys to some of their GameCube games (Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, etc.)
Developers will need to keep these 3D limitations in mind with the way games are being revolutionised today and in the future.

Companies are also making it easier for people without the knowledge of many years in the industry to create great 3D models, that can be imported to most games. Fuse is a developing software from Mixamo that allows users to create high quality 3D game content that is easy to use, and easy to share for collaborations. 
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Production Pipeline for Next-Gen Game Asset:

I researched the method used to follow a production pipeline for a next-gen game asset and came across this page : http://instatuts.com/featured/pipeline-and-workflow-for-creating-a-next-gen-game-asset-shotgun/
This article is incredibly helpful in understanding the steps to take to make a game asset for the platform required. 


(Trudeau, 2010)

I won't reiterate what the author has already written in the article, but the process involves:

- Creating the basic form 
- Sculpting and optimising the mesh for normal mapping (http://wiki.polycount.com/NormalMap/)
- Adding details
- Exporting all the individual pieces for UV mapping
- Stitching and aligning the pieces
- Compiling
- Adding textures
- Making variations of the model, and 
- Finalising it all for use. 

It's very complex for me right now as a beginner, but it's incredibly interesting to research!

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MDU105.2 Production:

For our 3D Production assignment, we've been tasked to produce an advertisement for a board game called 'Pirate's Gold.' The storyboarding has been approved and our main task is to make the advertisement by following the production pipeline. 

All the other necessary assets have been completed, except for the treasure chest which is the central asset to the animation. We are required to complete this asset, and finish the animation. 

In class this week we started with pre-production and blocking, however I was away sick. So I've begun by researching pirate board games, pictures of treasure chests and such to get an idea of how I would want to make my treasure chest look. 

(See references for credit)

These were the few favourites that I really liked, and all have a similar design, so I think I'll try and base my own treasure chest model off these. Depending on my skill level I'll try and add more details that will hopefully not be too much.

Next step is to just wait for 3DS max to install at home (terrible download speed so it may take a very long time), watch the tutorial videos, and make myself a chest! :D

~ Dakota

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References:

CGTrader,. (2014). Treasure chest. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://www.cgtrader.com/3d-models/architectural-details/other/treasure-chest

Club Penguin Wiki,. (2014). Treasure Chest Costume icon.png. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://clubpenguin.wikia.com/wiki/File:Treasure_Chest_Costume_icon.png

Esselaw.com,. (2014). SocEnt Treasure Chest: Program Related Investments | Esse Law Group. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://www.esselaw.com/blogs/socent-treasure-chest-program-related-investments

F, D. (2013). 3D Modeling for Film and Game - Gnomon Workshop - VFX and Game Designers | The Gnomon Workshop News. Thegnomonworkshop.com. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/news/2013/03/video-games-film-whats-the-difference-its-still-3d-modeling-right/

Fleming, R. (2014). Thought 2013 was epic for gaming? Wait until you see what’s coming next. Digital Trends. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/2014-will-good-year-game/#!ZjNwX

Hockenson, L. (2014). 4 game trends to watch in 2014. Gigaom.com. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://gigaom.com/2014/01/02/4-game-trends-to-watch-in-2014/

Ligman, K. (2014). Fuse adds easy character creation to Steam. Gamasutra.com. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/204434/Fuse_adds_easy_character_creation_to_Steam.php

Maucione, S. (2014). FedScoop. FedScoop. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://fedscoop.com/category/topics/fedscoop-radio/treasure-chest/

Onestopkidspartyshop.com.au,. (2014). Pirate Treasure Chest | ONE STOP KIDS PARTY SHOP. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://onestopkidspartyshop.com.au/product/pirate-treasure-chest/

Russell, K. (2014). See How Pixar Uses Apple's $US3,000 Mac To Make Beautiful Movies. Business Insider Australia. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://www.businessinsider.com.au/pixar-uses-apples-mac-pro-to-make-films-2014-1

SHOUT IT Ministries,. (2011). Treasure Chest. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://shoutitforlife.com/2011/05/15/forming-a-foundation-and-finding-freedom-in-our-faith/treasure-chest/

Shutterstock.com,. (2014). Treasure chest Stock Photos, Treasure chest Stock Photography, Treasure chest Stock Images : Shutterstock.com. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://www.shutterstock.com/s/%22treasure+chest%22/search.html

Store.steampowered.com,. (2014). Fuse on Steam. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://store.steampowered.com/app/257400/

Trudeau, A. (2010). Pipeline and Workflow for Creating a Next-Gen Game Asset | Instatuts.com.Instatuts.com. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://instatuts.com/featured/pipeline-and-workflow-for-creating-a-next-gen-game-asset-shotgun/

Warrior, P. (2014). Trends in mobile gaming 2014 (2/3). Medium. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from https://medium.com/@peterwarrior_az/trends-in-mobile-gaming-2014-2-3-abed2b1c1fd6

Wiki.polycount.com,. (2013). NormalMap - Polycount Wiki. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://wiki.polycount.com/NormalMap/

Wikipedia,. (2014). Nintendo GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable. Retrieved 15 June 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_GameCube_%E2%80%93_Game_Boy_Advance_link_cable