3ds Max Material Editor

slashs

Hi,

I'm pretty newbie for videogame modelling. As a designer I'm more familiar to architectural visualizations (which is pretty different because of mapping/rendering).

I want to create some items for valve games (tf2, dota2) I have no problem with modelling and creating textures (image files), my main problem is mapping and exporting. For example, I downloaded Tidehunter's model + maps (http://dota2.com/workshop/requirements/tidehunter), I know these are being used as references but I have to know how to apply diffuse-normal-mask maps and view them in viewport so I can review my own models. Problem is I have no idea which map/shader/slot to use or how to use. I need some kind of tutorial about this.

Eric Chadwick

I don't know what shader settings they support in-game. Each game is different. It looks like they set up their materials in Source? So your materials in Max don't really matter, except as a temporary preview while you're working. You'll want to research exactly what shader options they support.

Usually, game artists use a DirectX shader in 3ds max:
http://docs.autodesk.com/3DSMAX/15/ENU/3ds-Max-Help/files/GUID-923E580A-ACC0-48AA-A348-D0B72C472FDB.htm

We have some shaders here on the wiki that you can play with.
http://wiki.polycount.com/CategoryShaders