A question about environment modelling
Hey guys!
Quick one to start with as I'm a new user, I'll throw some quick info out first.
I use blender and I'm entirely self taught. Been teaching myself for about 8 months and the goal is to make video games.
Ok, so my question is this: How do you model an entire world?
So I've made a small scene recently and it's not very big. Here's a screenshot: http://www.pasteall.org/pic/38011
For this scene all I've made is this big plane and I thought that I would use several other planes in the future. BUT, is this the right way?
How do game developers usually do this, do they model the entire world on one huge plane, using a single texture for it?
Thanks guys, I hope to hear back from you.
Quick one to start with as I'm a new user, I'll throw some quick info out first.
I use blender and I'm entirely self taught. Been teaching myself for about 8 months and the goal is to make video games.
Ok, so my question is this: How do you model an entire world?
So I've made a small scene recently and it's not very big. Here's a screenshot: http://www.pasteall.org/pic/38011
For this scene all I've made is this big plane and I thought that I would use several other planes in the future. BUT, is this the right way?
How do game developers usually do this, do they model the entire world on one huge plane, using a single texture for it?
Thanks guys, I hope to hear back from you.
Replies
So heres the process I take.
1. First Block out the Level
This doesnt need to look pretty.. usually just a grey mesh. I like to block out different "Zones". This way if you need to have multiple files.. its easier to break them out. Plus you can use different "themes" in each zone. Get the general size, shape, height, paths, streets, etc. This will also help with PVS and Occlusion.
2. Block in the connections between zones. Either it being a bridges or landmass.
3. Create a simple skybox/skydome
4. fill in the areas with some props. If its going to be a dense forest populate it will trees and a few plants. If its going to be a city.. just block in buildings. This way you can visualize the silloutte of your level and you can determine the building types.
5. Texture the Terrain. Use as many tileable textures as possible. Depending on the engine. you might be able to blend textures together.
6. Start to art up the bigger assests you will need. Buildings, Mountains, Rock formations, etc.
7. Get a basic lighting scheme and atmosphere FX.
8. Art up the props and place them.
Most likely you will be adjusting terrain, lighting, and props as you create the level.
Try to make everything as modular as possible.. this will help when you need to make adjustments.
Hope this helps.
As for the entire landscape, would it be separate planes, or just a single massive one?
I think I need a sense of scale with things.. Like polycount for land and texture sizes.
Take a look at how it's done in UDK or CE3. Doesn't hurt to get acquainted with at least one level editor when you plan to become a professional environment artist.
Yeah I've been using Unity and trying out the terrain in that. Though I think I might look into UDK or CE3 soon as I gotta get a wider range of knowledge on it.
How is the terrain editor in those programs? Is it easy to use?