Question about UV Layout in pipeline of video game models and cinematic models

zearou

Hi.

I aspire to be a 3d character artist. I've been learning for the past 6 months and continue to learn every day. I have a question regarding UV layout for video game characters as well as cinematic characters.

Does it matter if I use one file for example a 2K texture(everything together), or 4 files 512px each (dividing body cloth hair props etc), for either video game character or cinematic characters?

What is the industry standard? and is it "set in stone"?
Personally I like dividing for most control, but should I change my approach?

thanks and happy modeling,

zearou

Eric Chadwick

Not set in stone. Varies across the board. Depends on the type of game, how the character is viewed by the player, how many characters there are on screen, etc.

Generally the least # of materials per model, the better. When you have multiple color maps, that means each needs its own material.

Texture size also depends on the game type, and the hardware it's going to be played on. Generally, games use the smallest texture possible. Depends on memory budget.