Course Overview

• 

  David Baldwin

  David has most recently helped to create environments for the award winning games Uncharted 2 and 3, as well as The Last Of Us. H...

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• Week by week outline

  
  

  1) Save Often! - The backbone of building game Environments

  • Basic overview of commonly used Maya / UDK tools
  • Going over my personal file keeping methods
  • Installing and setup of UDK.
  • Setting Up Maya for Game modeling
  • Learning how different game types, platforms, and audience can effect the models
  • Homework :  Come up with ideas for game environment

   

  2) Infinite Blank Canvas - Breaking it down into something obtainable

  • Basics of level layout
  • What to look for when setting up a blockmesh of your level
  • How to work with and without concept art  (what makes useful concept)
  • Homework:  Set up the blockmesh of your level

   

  3) Knowing When to Stop - Basics of understanding what parts NEED to be modeled

  • Theory of Game modeling
  • Going over the basics of all game modeling techniques
  • How to further refine the blockmesh level
  • Homework:  Refine and breakdown your Blockmesh

   

  4) Getting Messy - Modeling Organic Elements

  • Explaining my techniques for modeling some common organics
  • Stone and Rock
  • Grass Bushes and Trees
  • Landscapes and ground
  • Homework: Model the non-repeating organic elements

   

  5) Heart of Steel - Modeling structural Elements

  • Explaining my techniques for modeling common structural elements
  • Large objects: Buildings, boats, cities
  • Small objects:  Tables, chairs, windows, railing, doors
  • Homework:  Model the non-repeating architectural elements

   

  6) Give in to the Technical Side - Collision and LODs

  • What to look for when setting up LODs and Collision
  • How to set up optimized LODs and collision in UDK
  • Homework:  Finish any non-repeating models. Add LODs and collision to each as needed

   

  7) CowBell - Using instances to save memory and your sanity

  • What is proper use of instances
  • How to set up and place instances in UDK
  • Homework: Add the instanced geo throughout the level to give it the final touch

   

  8) Play Time - Importance of playing through your work

  • What to look for when going over your own levels
  • Learn where to cut, and where to rework
  • Homework: Finish up loose ends. Share your work with others and give feedback