Devs Question

[Dameon]

I am developing an MMORPG, and I can make 2d textures, but I have no idea how to apply them to a 3D model. Is some special program needed? Do we export the 3D model and paint on the flatened picture? Or is some special program needed to paint the model?

[Linkmachien]

http://gamedev.net/reference/ is a collection of articles and tutorals for developing.  It covers most aspects of the developing ranging from Planing to building the actual game or resources.  You could also try the Gamedev.net forums.  I\'d also suggest to familiarize yourself with directX or OpenGL, and C++.  VB is meant more for applications and isn\'t really a good choice for games.  You can still make a good quality game with VB but it will possibally run slower and such.

[Dameon]

We have already decided we are using C++ (Grakrim is the main programmer) I am the founder of the project, web developer, and 2d graphic artist. The engine we are using supports both DirectX and OpenGL, but is mainly a graphics engine. We need to find sound, networking, etc elsewhere.

So I take it you don\'t know how to apply textures to 3D models huh?

[bbum]

you use 3d modeling software like maya, or 3ds max, you need a model to \'paint\' it on first, do you have a model?

-edit. whats your website btw?

[Xandria]

All you probably need is a 3d modeling program that supports texturing, and can export to a file that can either be used with your engine, or be converted into something that can.

I have a program called gmax (the free version of 3d studio max; looks exactly the same, but with no renderer, and no fire ) that does basic 3d modelling and texturing.  I know there are some others out there, such as milkshape.  Your graphics engine may have a suggested program to use for texturing.

Not that I know much about the subject or anything  

[kronon]

basicaly you put a texture on a polygon. You decide which part of a bigger picture you put on the polygon. You put the polygons on the right places and you have a moddel.

3dstudio max does this for you. But the engine still needs to be able to read the 3d moddel files.

[Kiva]

I happen to know that the PS devs use Max and Maya for modelling and texturing, and they have some program which converts their finished models into CS stuff... If you want a more detailed explanation, I suggest you ask someone who actually knows what\'s going on.

[Djaggernaut]

Ok I think REAL explanation are needed here

What you want to do is called unwrapping.
Basically, you need to set uvmap coordinate (in wich way a texture will be applied on a surface) to several part of your model. You must arrange what you get (no stretching, good size...) by unwrapping and put all the part in a square. Export this file into an image format and paint on it. It will keep the coordinate you\'ve set before.

But no soft will do it for you (or extremely bad). It\'s really boring task but crucial at the same time. You can ruin your model if not done correctly.

Check some tutorials on the net. Before masterizing this technique you\'ll have to practice a lot.

[Fourmyle]

There\'s also Blender you can look into for your 3D work, and GIMP for your graphics work. There\'s also an interesting 3D engine called OGRE. These are all opensource if I\'m not mistaken

[Dameon]

I am currently using OGRE. We have the 3D models, and I am in charge of applying the textures, we are using 3D studio max. We were going nut trying to figure out how to unwrap the model so we could apply a texture.

Djaggernaut, if possible, could you e-mail me a place where I could find an unwrapping tutorual for 3DS max?

Here is the e-mail address:

narrowmire@comcast.net

here is the site:

http://www.narrowmire.tk

not much up there yet, but there wilil be soon.

[Fourmyle]

Ah I tried to look at some screenshots to look at but the page only reloaded.

[Niber]

I no one man and one only that can help you with a problem this big:
Mr. Buzz \"The Man\"  
http://www.3dbuzz.com > register > download FREE videotutorails YIIHHAAAa  best site ever and FREE halloween smileys   (ok the last one was a lie)

[Nairan]

3dbuzz has really great tuts