3DS Max, Source Engine, Hammer?

[GHL]

I was thinking of modding half life 2 and/or other source engine based games (cs:s) when it is released, and i was wondering, can i use 3ds max to model it, or do i use this hammer thing i was hearing about?
i searched around abit but didnt see any answers to this.

thanks,
GHL

 

[JFry]

I haven't used 3ds max but I think it is more suited for things like props. Hammer is more for architecture and terrain.

 

[GHL]

well i dont mind what its suited to, since i can use max pretty well, i just wanted to know if i could use it for all my modelling.

 

[ComradeBadger]

Hammer is the mapping tool.

Max is a modelling tool.

I'm not sure about the compibility of Max and the HL2 engine...

 

[Midnight Oil]

Isnt HL2 going to ship with a dumbed down version of softimage? Argh another new tool to learn. I prefer lightwave myself but its maby not the best tool for game assets.

BTW any idea if HL2 will suport subpatches or nerbs?

 

[Hoju]

There are three tools that can most easily be used for modeling in HL2. Two of them are 3DS and Softimage XSI. At Valve ERC there's a HL2 FAQ that includes questions on modeling for more specific answers.

 

[Ti133700N]

My guess is that it will be like for HL. You'll have to build the level geometry with the new Hammer but you could build the props and "models" with 3dsmax (or XSI) and then convert them to the proper format (.mdl) and finally import them into your level with Hammer. Hammer has already an option to export your Hammer maps into a file that 3ds can read but you can't convert a 3dsmax project into an HL2 map.

 

[Paulz]

Hiya,

Is it possible to model a building in 3DS Max and import that into HL2?

Also, if you do that, can you texture the model in Hammer?

Thanks

Paul

 

[Sanada]

Basically, Hammer is for designning the level i.e. ground, archetecture (buildings, infrastructure), sky, water and everything else.

Max/XSI is used to create the models which are then placed in your level i.e. props, characters, vehicles, etc.

You can't make a model and then texture it in Hammer, it has to be done beforehand. You can do multiple skins that can be selected in Hammer but I think that's about it. Generally, it's better to make any building in Hammer. You can make buildings as models but it's not the best way to do it. Some buildings are better to model though like water towers.

...and after typing all that I noticed the thread is like 2 years old. :|

 

[Paulz]

Hiya,

Thanks for the responce Sanada. Thread may be 2yrs old but I only registered today

Ok, I'm still tempted to do my building as models because I find it fair bit easier. Plus I can then use the same building in other projects.

Thankyou in advance. Can you see any major disadvantages to doing building as models? Performance wise? etc?

Thanks

Paul

[EDIT]

I should probably search / research this first but One problem I have with Hammer at the mo, is accruacy. I've been using sketchup pro to build models for a while and I'm used to the create the wall 3m long and 1m thick way of things.

 

[Pi Mu Rho]

Models don't occlude geometry.

Models can't have the same texture resolution as brushes. (Well, they can, but at enormous memory cost)

Static models can't self-shadow, so complex meshes have problems.

For skybox buildings, models are perfect. For world buildings, they're far from it.

 

[Unarmed]

This, a tad newer thread, just about covers it...

http://www.halflife2.net/forums/showthread.php?t=106228

Buildings are possible to make in any modeling program, but it is not at all recommended by me and many with me... But you CAN.