When I first learned to make models for Source last year, I was
surprised with how much a pain it was, especially if you want to add LOD
models. For the first map I made with my own custom models, I just
sucked it up. But as I've finished the architecture for my newest map
and prepared to make all the props... my heart sank.
Because of that feeling, I forced myself to study some more MAXScript
and create a tool to help expedite the whole process (if you, like me,
use 3ds Max).
Enter the Wall Worm Model Tools at
http://wallworm.com/projects/utilities/wallworm_model_tools.html
Key Features
* Automatically generates a QC text file for your model
* Allows you to pick your own custom collision model if you don't
want to use the auto-generated model
* Can automatically generate convex collision hulls for your model
(not yet implemented)
* Auto-generate LOD models of your model
* Gives you a visual representation inside Max of the limits (range)
tied to each LOD model which is especially helpful if you are also
building your level design inside of Max (with Convexity
<http://www.maple3d.com/>)
* Visually set the $illumposition position
* Assign a surface property to your model from inside the Max interface
* Set various model flags including $staticprop, $opaque and
$mostlyopaque
* Will automatically create textures for your model and each LOD
(not yet implemented)
* Automatically makes layers in the layer manager for the model,
hull, LODs and helpers
* You can select LOD objects in layer manager and tweak their
Multi-Res settings or edit the LODs to your liking after they are
created
Note that this is a work-in-progress. I currently only use Max 2011 so
have only tested it in 2011. I have been informed by Michael Little of
www.maple3d.com that it isn't working in Max 5... Michael may help make
the script backwards compatible.
The main current limitation of the program as it stands is that it only
works with single-mesh models. Adding support for multi-mesh / animated
models is the next major task.
Again, the tool is at
http://wallworm.com/projects/utilities/wallworm_model_tools.html along
with videos demonstrating it.
I'm also keeping news about it up at
http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/wall-worm-model-tools .
At the time of this email, the tool is at version 0.82 .
I hope you find it as useful as I do.
______________________
Shawn Olson
www.shawnolson.net
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