TF2 Contribute!
polycounter lvl 15
A friend of mine just sent me this link,
http://www.teamfortress.com/contribute/index.php
I've been trying to think up random 'things' i could contribute. I might try cook something up this week.
http://www.teamfortress.com/contribute/index.php
I've been trying to think up random 'things' i could contribute. I might try cook something up this week.
Replies
Excellent.
What struck me as odd, though, it seems they don't want compiled versions? Or is it because they don't want to limit only to those who use software with exporters?
I'm thinking they'd want one of the more 'generic' extentions, like .OBJ, so that they can see exactly how the item is modeled. In order to make the contribution source (ie. you and me) as broad as possible, a non-compiled format would then allow their team to reconstruct the item to fit their precise specifications (poly count, topology for texturing, etc.) Also, because they are being -so- lenient on the restrictions, it gives a lot more artists the chance to contribute (pun!)
For example, an industry veteran may have the skills necessary to build an 'optimal' model, but their item may not have any true game play value. Right there, submissions would be limited to those who can model well and not necessarily those that can conceptualize a balanced, useful item. On the other hand, there are those who may have superb item ideas, but may not be trained/practiced well enough to get their model up to the same 'quality' as a veteran.
And like vcool said, Source is a bitch when it comes to implementing a custom weapon and getting it to function properly. I'm sure that an .OBJ version of the weapon, with textures and with a short description of how it works will be much easier for the team to tinker with and get into the Engine, rather than having to decompile and fuss over an item that is poorly implemented.
Hehe, I'm pretty sure Swizzle said that but either way it's true. I've compiled plenty of static and dynamic models but never managed to get a weapon in it.
I've tried only once though, but I did everything.
I spoke with Robin about this and wanted to clarify: You do not have to submit Valve proprietary files (VMT, model files). You can, if you'd like, just submit your .tga and model export and let them know what you were thinking.
They'll clarify this some time this week.
So there you have it - get crackin'!
I managed to get a replacement model for the Axtinguisher working in-game once, but then I broke it somehow on a recompile that was supposed to fix some minor issues. Oh, irony, thy name is Source and you are a mean bitch.
Speaking of which, I just submitted that same model. Here are some pictures, I'm sure some of you have seen this before:
http://imgur.com/FyjKN.jpg
http://imgur.com/J8T5W.jpg
http://imgur.com/qrUHI.jpg
http://imgur.com/B5RsC.jpg
Also, I could see Valve hiring someone who does a bunch of models that they really like. :poly142:
If you are lacking ideas, do like Swizzle and make a weapon redesign; which in itself is a good idea.
Yup I've seen it on Interlopers, in fact I think you promised us petty humans a tutorial on getting them damn weapons in the game. :poly124:
I probably could make a hat. Less hassle although I'm sure you need to figure out the attachments and shit.
Gameplay balance and all that.
easy as pie, stormtrooper helmet and darth vader helmet in tf2 style
Is there some page where we can see all the default hats that are in the game?
Can it also be masks as a hat??
would make female versions......insane things could happen:D
and no titty bones is also a no go
But a heavy girl would be the easiest maybe. Olga!
Just the heavy with a dress and wig ^^
the heavy proportions are definitely something differen
i guess if you want to exchange models 1:1 you'd need to really do it with the same proportions to fit the rig, of course you have a little space but if you change the arm thickness for example it might look strange compared to the rest of the body, as the joints would stay on the exact positions
but maybe soruce is more flexible with that
nope, Anja!
maybe i sould post some photos of my neighour, she really has (had, she lost weight) heavvy proportions
Anyway. I got some ideas for models to make now. A collection of hats coming up...
Anyone know how to get ahold of the character files? Prefferebly OBJ?
import export really quick.
Any model would do just to fit some hats on.
Probably copyright infrigement so share the models?
Anywhoo if theres any nifty pirateish person here id apprechiate it
Also there are ways to import rigs, scale and reposition the bones, and reapply the animation to the newly modified rig so you're not stuck having to reanimate the entire set, just a little clean up possibly.
After recompiling a few of the models I'm sure the same can be done. BUT the only problem is that the content is local as they haven't set up a system to download player models.
With custom player models its too easy for people to cheat, but I like their check in system and it could work. But checking in a character is a lot more complicated and technical not to mention getting people to build them right...
- Use CGFscape to extract the mdl files.
- Then use CannonFodders mdl decompiler to break the .mdl down into .smd (you can use milkshape3D for this also which also imports .smd's and exports to .obj).
- If you run into decompiling problems you need to open the .mdl file in a hex editor (hex not text editor) and change IDST0 to IDSTO, or some such nonsense.
- CannonFodder also has a 3dsmax .smd importer and there are other ones out there that are more up to date like wunderboy's .smd importer His exporter is also the best I've found.
Textures:
- Use CGFScape to dig out the .vtf (valve texture format, the actual bitmap image), and then use VTFEdit to convert them from .vtf files to .tga.
- You can also use VTFEdit to create .vtf and .vmt files.
- .vmt files are text files that specify the properties of the material, this is metal, use vertex lighting, it has normal and spec maps at these paths, if the player has an ancient card use this shader instead bla bla bla... use their .vmt's as a base, setting these up is a total chore.
The next time I have time, and if you're all still to lazy to do it, I'll rip a few player models out and post them as .obj, might be as early as this weekend.
Am I the only one that thinks that process is absolutely absurd for a pipeline?
Also, thanks vig; I dug that info up moments ago and said to myself "surely there has to be a better way" - guess there isnt'.
You get used to it, don't worry.
Oh and a tip, if CannonFodder's MDL decompiler for some reason doesn't work, try using an older version instead. I was able to decompile L4D models only using the 0.4 version. 0.5 would crash.
http://www.teamfortress.com/post.php?id=2711
Cannon Fodders decompiler does work but you have to hex edit the mdl files as I talked about above.
Oh I did that all right, yet 0.5 crashed. Then again, it's L4D models I am talking about, which is newer than TF2.
Either way I have all this stuff installed, might as well see it through, just need to figure out where the vtfs are.
Thanks again
the VTFs and VMTs are in the team fortress 2 materials GCF, then with the GCFScape go to tf/materials/models. That's where model textures are stored but they can be in subfolders. The subfolder names are fairly self-explanatory, so the player models will be in subfolder player while weapons would be in weapons.
I found them in:
C: \Program Files\Steam\steamapps\STEAM_NAME\sourcesdk_content\tf\modelsrc\player\
This was my first thought
I still don't have a single hat aside from the Cheater's Lament and the Ghastly Gibus, both of which were handed out. Random drops my ass