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• Preface; Modeling the Character's Base Mesh; Introduction; Setting templates with the Images as Planes add-on; Setting templates with the Image Empties method; Setting templates with the Background Images tool; Building the character's base mesh with the Skin modifier; Sculpting the Character's Base Mesh; Introduction; Using the Skin modifier's Armature option; Editing the mesh; Preparing the base mesh for sculpting; Using the Multiresolution modifier and the Dynamic topology feature; Sculpting the character's base mesh; Polygonal Modeling of the Character's Accessories; Introduction.

• Preparing the scene for polygonal modelingModeling the eye; Modeling the armor plates; Using the Mesh to Curve technique to add details; Re-topology of the High Resolution Sculpted Character's Mesh; Introduction; Using the Grease Pencil tool to plan the edge-loops flow; Using the Snap tool to re-topologize the mesh; Using the Shrinkwrap modifier to re-topologize the mesh; Using the LoopTools add-on to re-topologize the mesh; Concluding the re-topologized mesh; Unwrapping the Low Resolution Mesh; Introduction; Preparing the low resolution mesh for unwrapping; UV unwrapping the mesh.

• Editing the UV islandsUsing the Smart UV Project tool; Modifying the mesh and the UV islands; Setting up additional UV layers; Exporting the UV Map layout; Rigging the Low Resolution Mesh; Introduction; Building the character's Armature from scratch; Perfecting the Armature to also function as a rig for the Armor; Building the character's Armature through the Human Meta-Rig; Building the animation controls and the Inverse Kinematic; Generating the character's Armature by using the Rigify add-on; Skinning the Low Resolution Mesh; Introduction.

• Parenting the Armature and Mesh using the Automatic Weights toolAssigning Weight Groups by hand; Editing Weight Groups using the Weight Paint tool; Using the Mesh Deform modifier to skin the character; Using the Laplacian Deform modifier and Hooks; Finalizing the Model; Introduction; Creating shape keys; Assigning drivers to the shape keys; Setting movement limit constraints; Transferring the eyeball rotation to the eyelids; Detailing the Armor by using the Curve from Mesh tool; Animating the Character; Introduction; Linking the character and making a proxy.

• Creating a simple walk cycle for the character by assigning keys to the bonesTweaking the actions in Graph Editor; Using the Non Linear Action Editor to mix different actions; Creating the Textures; Introduction; Making a tileable scales image in Blender Internal; Preparing the model to use the UDIM UV tiles; Baking the tileable scales texture into the UV tiles; Painting to fix the seams and to modify the baked scales image maps; Painting the color maps in Blender Internal; Painting the color maps in Cycles; Refining the Textures; Introduction.

This book is aimed at the professionals that already have good 3D CGI experience with commercial packages and have now decided to try the open source Blender and want to experiment with something more complex than the average tutorials on the web. However, it's also aimed at the intermediate Blender users who simply want to go some steps further. It's taken for granted that you already know how to move inside the Blender interface, that you already have 3D modeling knowledge, and also that of basic 3D modeling and rendering concepts, for example, edge-loops, n-gons, or samples. In any case, it's also possible for a keen beginner to follow this book, by combining it with the manual on the BlenderWiki or preceding it with a basic Blender UI tutorial on the web. The keyboard/mouse shortcuts for the operations in the recipes are, at least in all the more relevant cases, indicated in brackets.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• Preface; Modeling the Character's Base Mesh; Introduction; Setting templates with the Images as Planes add-on; Setting templates with the Image Empties method; Setting templates with the Background Images tool; Building the character's base mesh with the Skin modifier; Sculpting the Character's Base Mesh; Introduction; Using the Skin modifier's Armature option; Editing the mesh; Preparing the base mesh for sculpting; Using the Multiresolution modifier and the Dynamic topology feature; Sculpting the character's base mesh; Polygonal Modeling of the Character's Accessories; Introduction.

• Preparing the scene for polygonal modelingModeling the eye; Modeling the armor plates; Using the Mesh to Curve technique to add details; Re-topology of the High Resolution Sculpted Character's Mesh; Introduction; Using the Grease Pencil tool to plan the edge-loops flow; Using the Snap tool to re-topologize the mesh; Using the Shrinkwrap modifier to re-topologize the mesh; Using the LoopTools add-on to re-topologize the mesh; Concluding the re-topologized mesh; Unwrapping the Low Resolution Mesh; Introduction; Preparing the low resolution mesh for unwrapping; UV unwrapping the mesh.

• Editing the UV islandsUsing the Smart UV Project tool; Modifying the mesh and the UV islands; Setting up additional UV layers; Exporting the UV Map layout; Rigging the Low Resolution Mesh; Introduction; Building the character's Armature from scratch; Perfecting the Armature to also function as a rig for the Armor; Building the character's Armature through the Human Meta-Rig; Building the animation controls and the Inverse Kinematic; Generating the character's Armature by using the Rigify add-on; Skinning the Low Resolution Mesh; Introduction.

• Parenting the Armature and Mesh using the Automatic Weights toolAssigning Weight Groups by hand; Editing Weight Groups using the Weight Paint tool; Using the Mesh Deform modifier to skin the character; Using the Laplacian Deform modifier and Hooks; Finalizing the Model; Introduction; Creating shape keys; Assigning drivers to the shape keys; Setting movement limit constraints; Transferring the eyeball rotation to the eyelids; Detailing the Armor by using the Curve from Mesh tool; Animating the Character; Introduction; Linking the character and making a proxy.

• Creating a simple walk cycle for the character by assigning keys to the bonesTweaking the actions in Graph Editor; Using the Non Linear Action Editor to mix different actions; Creating the Textures; Introduction; Making a tileable scales image in Blender Internal; Preparing the model to use the UDIM UV tiles; Baking the tileable scales texture into the UV tiles; Painting to fix the seams and to modify the baked scales image maps; Painting the color maps in Blender Internal; Painting the color maps in Cycles; Refining the Textures; Introduction.

This book is aimed at the professionals that already have good 3D CGI experience with commercial packages and have now decided to try the open source Blender and want to experiment with something more complex than the average tutorials on the web. However, it's also aimed at the intermediate Blender users who simply want to go some steps further. It's taken for granted that you already know how to move inside the Blender interface, that you already have 3D modeling knowledge, and also that of basic 3D modeling and rendering concepts, for example, edge-loops, n-gons, or samples. In any case, it's also possible for a keen beginner to follow this book, by combining it with the manual on the BlenderWiki or preceding it with a basic Blender UI tutorial on the web. The keyboard/mouse shortcuts for the operations in the recipes are, at least in all the more relevant cases, indicated in brackets.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• Chapter 1: The Video Game Animator
• Chapter 2: The Game Development Environment .
• Chapter 3: The 12 Animation Principles
• Chapter 4: The Five Fundamentals of Game Animation
• Chapter 5: What You Need to Know
• Chapter 6: The Game Animation Workflow .
• Chapter 7: Our Project: Preproduction .
• Chapter 8: Our Project: Technical Animation
• Chapter 9: Our Project: Gameplay Animation
• Chapter 10: Our Project: Cinematics & Facial
• Chapter 11: Our Project: Motion Capture
• Chapter 12: Our Project: Animation Team Management .
• Chapter 13: Our Project: Polish & Debug
• Chapter 14: The Future.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

What makes the difference between great video game animation and the purely functional, and how does this relatively new medium of non-linear animation creation differ from the more traditional fields of film and television? This book de-mystifies the animation side of game development, explaining every step of the process while providing valuable insights and work philosophies for creating the best game animation for beginners and professionals alike. Taking readers through a complete game production, this book provides a clear understanding of expectations of the game animator at every stage, featuring game animation fundamentals and how they fit within an overall project to offer a holistic approach to the field of game animation. Key Features Accumulated knowledge based on nearly two decades of insightful experience in all areas of video game animation. Establishes the fundamentals of creating great video game animation, and how to achieve them. A step-by-step explanation of every stage of a game production from the animator's perspective. Readers should come away with an understanding of the expectations of a video game animator.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)
What makes the difference between great video game animation and the purely functional, and how does this relatively new medium of non-linear animation creation differ from the more traditional fields of film and television? This book de-mystifies the animation side of game development, explaining every step of the process while providing valuable insights and work philosophies for creating the best game animation for beginners and professionals alike. Taking readers through a complete game production, this book provides a clear understanding of expectations of the game animator at every stage, featuring game animation fundamentals and how they fit within an overall project to offer a holistic approach to the field of game animation.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• 1. Game Characters
• 2. Character Design 1
• 3. Character Design 2
• 4. Maya
• 5. Character Modeling 1
• 6. Character Modeling 2
• 7. Texturing Characters
• 8. Rigging the Model
• 9. Character Animation
• 10. Advanced Character Building Techniques.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

Within the world of video games, characters become almost living entities. Through the use of logic and artificial intelligence, the video-game character is able to act and react to each situation. As the designer, you hold the character's creative expression in your control. Game Character Animation All in One is a comprehensive guide to the techniques of developing and animating amazing characters for your games. It covers not only introductory-level character-design techniques, but also advanced character-creation and animation topics. With an 8-page color insert showcasing game-character design, this book is a detailed guide to creating exciting, believable, engaging characters for your games.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• Introduction.
• Chapter 1: Walls, Ceilings, and Floors. Understanding Backgrounds. Project: Creating a Brick Wall. Information Overload.
• Chapter 2: Foliage. Understanding Foliage. Project: Creating Ivy. Project: Creating a Savannah Tree. The Illusion of Detail.
• Chapter 3: Weapons. Understanding Weapons. Project: Creating and Animating a Western Revolver. Moving Right Along.
• Chapter 4: Vehicles. Understanding Vehicles. Project: Building a Dune Buggy. Where to Go from Here?
• Chapter 5: Buildings. Understanding Buildings. Project: Building a Skyscraper. Let's Light It Up.
• Chapter 6: Illuminators. Understanding Illuminators. Project: Creating a Wall Sconce. In the Home Stretch!
• Chapter 7: Ambient Movement. Understanding Movers. Project: Creating an Industrial Fan. Not Just a Level.
• Chapter 8: Putting It All Together. Project: Creating a Sci-Fi Prop. Project Complete!
• Chapter 9: Pro Tips. Using Mudbox or ZBrush. Creating Level of Detail. Mipmapping. Using Multiple UV Channels. Creating Collision Meshes. Being Professional. Have Fun! Appendix A: Image Gallery. Appendix B: About the Companion DVD. What You'll Find on the DVD. System Requirements. Using the DVD. Troubleshooting. Customer Care. Index.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

Use Maya to create realistic environments and props for digital games Weapons, vehicles, tools, buildings, trees, plants, walls, ceilings, and floors-these items may seem secondary to the game environment, but they are integral parts of the game and they all need to be created. Maya Studio Projects: Game Environments and Props is a step-by-step project guide to creating some of the most popular game art. Author Michael McKinley shares techniques for getting the most out of Maya to create realistic, vivid, and compelling worlds and otherworldly props. Along the way, he provides notes and FYIs that give readers depth and breadth for bringing both reality and creativity to their game art. A bonus DVD features step-by-step videos to help drive home concepts. The Studio Projects series offers projects that start from nothing, just as they do in the studio; these books provide you with a step-by-step guide to software attributes and tools that encompass multiple disciplines so that you can create a finished, renderable object Many games have only a few characters, and multiple levels and environments, and hundreds of props-this book focuses on projects and techniques for creating everything but the character Maya is the top 3D app for creating console and computer games such as: Rock Band, Gears of War, James Bond: Quantum of Solace, Fallout 3, and Far Cry 2 Learn effective Maya studio techniques with this handy, step-by-step, full-color book. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 - The Creative Cycle
• Chapter 2 - Concept Art and Modeling
• Chapter 3 - Rigging Concepts
• Chapter 4 - Scripting Mechanics
• Chapter 5 - Rigging Mechanoids
• Chapter 6 - Rigging Humanoids
• Chapter 7 - The Control Rig
• Chapter 8 - Game On! Exporting to Unity
• Appendix
• Index.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

Rigging for Games: A Primer for Technical Artists Using Maya and Python is not just another step-by-step manual of loosely related tutorials. Using characters from the video game Tin, it takes you through the real-world creative and technical process of rigging characters for video games and cinematics, allowing readers a complete inside look at a single project. You'll explore new ways to write scripts and create modular rigs using Maya and Python, and automate and speed up the rigging process in your creative pipeline. Finally, you'll learn the most efficient ways of exporting your rigs into the popular game engine Unity. This is the practical, start-to-finish rigging primer you've been waiting for! Enhance your skillset by learning how to efficiently rig characters using techniques applicable to both games and cinematics Keep up with all the action with behind-the-scenes images and code scripts Refine your rigging skills with tutorials and project files available on the companion website.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• Autodesk 3ds Max
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

• Autodesk 3ds Max 2010 Foundation for Games Table of Contents Project 01
• Lesson 01
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

3ds Max XXXX: presently under NDA. Learning 3ds Max XXXX Foundation is the key to unlocking the power of Autodesk 3ds Max, directly from the creators of one of the world's most powerful 3D animation and effects software products. Get hands on experience with the innovative tools and powerful techniques available in the new version of 3ds Max, through all new project-based lessons. Projects will include valuable game assets and examples. Topics will include modeling, animation, materials & mapping, rendering. Autodesk will be contributing assets (models and images) from high-profile studios. The DVD will include: 30-day trial of Max XXXX, bonus short films, demos, hotkey reference, free models from turbosquid.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• Cover; Half Title; Title Page; Copyright Page; Table of Contents; Acknowledgments; Introduction: Why I Decided to Write This Book; Why I Prefer Working in Maya; How to Use This Book Effectively; So Who Is This Book For?; Why the World War I Theme?;
• Chapter 1: Maya Fundamentals: User Interface; Maya Fundamentals: Preferences Settings; Setting Custom Preferences; Center to Whole Face Selection; Attribute Windows; Unlimited Undos; Turn on Border Edges Highlight; Plug-In Manager; Maya Fundamentals: Hot Keys; Hot Keys; Maya Help; Maya Fundamentals: Creating a Custom Tool Shelf

• Brief Description of Each Tool's FunctionCreating a Custom Tool Shelf; How Your Shelf Should Look after You Add the New Tools; Here Is Where Each Tool Is Located in Maya 2008; Changing Tool Names; Maya Fundamentals: Setting up a New Project; Step 1; Step 2; Step 3;
• Chapter 2: The Stone Archway; What We'll Learn; Before Beginning; Step
• 1: Getting Started; Why Are We Copying and Pasting?; Step
• 2: Preparing the Modeling Template; Creating a New Template; Creating a New Layer; Creating a New Shader; Creating a Template Map Shader; Applying the Shader to Template Mesh; Duplicating the Template

• Begin ModelingExtruding Faces; Step
• 3: Creating the Arch; Splitting Vertices; Step
• 4: Mirroring the Geometry; Completing the Model; Mirror Geometry; Merging Vertices; Snapping Points; Combining Meshes; Using the Append to Polygon Tool; Finishing Up; Step
• 5: Applying Planar UV Projection; Applying UVs to the Finished Archway; Applying the UV Coordinates; Duplicating a New Shader; Creating a New Shader; Applying the Shader Map; Not Perfect but; Why We Are Now Finished;
• Chapter 3: The Broken Archway; Preparing the Template Image; Setting up the Project and Template

• Preparing Shaders for ModelingStep
• 1: Begin Modeling; Using the Create Polygons Tool; Combining the Shapes; Step
• 2: Finalizing the Wall Face; Splitting Vertices; Finishing the Base Wall; 3's, 4's, 5's ... Oh My; Applying the UV Coordinate; Extruding the Wall; Adding Basic Details; Creating the Texture Map Shader; Continuing with Finer Details; Step
• 3: Preparing the UVs; Explaining the Following Process; Completing Our UV Layouts; Fixing Incorrect Faces; Isolating the New UVs; Step
• 4: Adding More Details; What about the UVs?; Breaking up the Mesh; Moving Forward: Repairing the UV Shells

• Happy, Happy, Joy, JoyQuick Selecting Faces; Organizing All of the Cracks; Finishing the UV Layout;
• Chapter 4: The Springfield Rifle; What We'll Learn; What Is LOD, and How Do I Determine Poly Count?; Knowing Your A's, B's, and C's; Hitting the Highs and Lows Is Key; They'll Let You Know; Getting Started; Step
• 1: Begin Modeling; Adding Dimension; Mirroring the Geometry; Using Deformers to Quickly Shape Objects; Applying Texture for Inspecting the Mesh; Finishing the Low-Poly Model; Using Your Judgment; Practice Makes Perfect; Adding Further Details; Step
• 2: Applying UVs to the Finished Rifle

Well-known Maya professional, Michael Ingrassia, takes readers through his unique style of modeling: "Image Based Modeling" where efficient, realistic models can be created very quickly. Ingrassia's techniques allow modelers to create exact replicas of their concept characters or objects. The techniques presented are very efficient and allow game modelers to quickly build out stand alone props to populate environments and game levels. Presented are tried and true techniques that the author has used successfully in game production for the past 10 years. Most, if not all 3D books, focus on basic "box" modeling techniques, which are the basis for proper 3D modeling but not the complete solution. In the author's experience, students who have learned through the Image Based Modeling brand, have quickly excelled into effective modelers. One of the hardest things for any modeler to do is match their model EXACTLY to the concept art or photos they are provided. The insider tips in this book walk artists through this process. Artists begin with basic modeling and advance to a creating a complete scene and set design/game level. Rather than including sporadic models with zero association from to one another, each model in the book becomes an integral part of an overall theme realistic in game development today. The accompanying DVD includes 8 exclusive video tutorials on advanced Maya techniques as bonus tracks for artists providing invaluable modeling, rigging and texturing samples. Also, an in-depth video on assembling a "Killer Demo Reel" showing simple but effective video editing techniques used by the author so that artists can learn how to get their work seen. The book not only teaches effective methodology, but provides the user with impressive content for producing effective demo reels and portfolios. Pros and cons of demo reel, website and
Artistrepresentation are given, along with insights into the expectations of game studios today. The video tutorials show users the finished product, and then run through the process of step by step creation of that particular technique.--Author Ingrassia is a veteran artist and instructor (Senior Artist on several XBox game projects; and Senior Maya Instructor for Escape Studios in London, considered the top training academy in Europe; with game credits including Shadowrun (2007), Azurik: Rise of Perathia (2001), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001), Electronic Arts, Inc.) He provides insider secrets, tips, and tricks so that artists can learn a wide variety of cutting-edge modeling and texturing techniques.--The latest Next-Gen modeling techniques combined with "tried and true" processes provide a leg up for artists new to game work so that they can "hit the ground running" with professional results. + DVD with bonus videos on advanced modeling techniques.--Game Industry professionals speak about their experiences and advice providing artists with candid, unique insights into the game industry (how they broke in, and how they stayed in).--Coverage of Autodesk's newly acquired MUDBOX software, so that artists can learn quick and effective sculpting techniques to make use of this exciting and powerful tool that can add a professional look to their models. (Ingrassia has been working with Mudbox for years - he recently gave a lecture on the tool at an animation festival in Prague. His expertise will come through in the book.).

"The complete hands-on guide to creating animated real-time 3D films on your PC."

• v. 1. Insider's guide to game character, vehicle, and environment modeling
• v. 2. Insider's guide to stylized modeling

With 18 years under his belt in the game industry, a key contributor to the MotorStorm series, and the creator of the 3ds Max in Minutes video series (at FocalPress.com), Andrew Gahan delivers the expert techniques in 3ds Max Modeling for Games, 2nd edition. This updated edition is packed with new tutorials that will enhance your modeling skills and pump up your portfolio with high-quality work in no time. Along with Anthony O'Donnell and a team of experts, Gahan covers all of the fundamental game modeling techniques, including character and environment modeling, mapping, and texturing. Finally, a bonus section in 3ds Max Modeling for Games offers readers insights and tips on how to get their careers started in the game industry. New, expanded tutorials take readers of all abilities through full character and environment modeling from beginning to end Companion website (3d-for-games.com) offers a robust, supportive forum where readers can get commentary on new work, develop skills and portfolio art, as well as network with other game artists on a variety of projects. Also features project files for all tutorials in the book and enough support images and photos to keep the budding artist busy for months Completely updated gallery allows the reader to build on various models.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• 3dsmax Modeling for Games - 2nd Edition Insider's Guide to Game Character, Vehicle, and Environment Modeling (2nd Edition)
• Chapter 1 - Introduction to 3dsmax (20-30 pages) * User Interface * Primitives * Viewports * Projects * Load & Save
• Chapter 2 - Basics of Modeling and Texturing (20-30 pages) * Creating a box asset * Creating simple texture maps * Creating texture maps from photographs * Cleaning up images in Photoshop * Mapping * UV Unwrap * Editing UV's * Render settings and quick renders * Saving and organizing your work
• Chapter 3 - Low Poly Modeling Techniques continued (20-30 pages) * Modeling a simple object * Extrude, Bevel, etc * Graphite modeling tools
• Chapter 4 - Low Poly Vehicle (80 pages) * Using blueprints and concept art work * Modeling techniques * Materials and mapping * Rendering
• Chapter 5 - Low Poly Character (80 pages) * Using blueprints and concept art work * Modeling techniques * Materials and mapping * Rendering Gallery (20 pages)
• Chapter 6 - Creating Trees and Foliage (30 pages) * Different approaches for different uses * Modelling * Texture creation
• Chapter 7 - Low poly Environment (80 pages) * Planning the scene * Blocking out in 3D * To detail or not to detail * Unwrapping * Creating texture maps * Lighting * Rendering
• Chapter 8 - Normal Map creation in detail (20-30 pages) * Creating normal maps from high poly assets * Baking maps * Types of normal map * Tangents based normal maps in detail
• Chapter 9 - Ambient Occlusion in detail (10-20 pages)
• Chapter 10 - Portfolio creation and Interview (10 pages).
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

With 18 years under his belt in the game industry, a key contributor to the MotorStorm series, and the creator of the 3ds Max in Minutes video series (at FocalPress.com), Andrew Gahan delivers the expert techniques in 3ds Max Modeling for Games, 2nd edition. This updated edition is packed with new tutorials that will enhance your modeling skills and pump up your portfolio with high-quality work in no time. Along with Anthony O'Donnell and a team of experts, Gahan covers all of the fundamental game modeling techniques, including character and environment modeling, mapping, and texturing. Finally, a bonus section in 3ds Max Modeling for Games offers readers insights and tips on how to get their careers started in the game industry. * New, expanded tutorials take readers of all abilities through full character and environment modeling from beginning to end * Companion website (3d-for-games.com) offers a robust, supportive forum where readers can get commentary on new work, develop skills and portfolio art, as well as network with other game artists on a variety of projects. Also features project files for all tutorials in the book and enough support images and photos to keep the budding artist busy for months * Completely updated gallery allows the reader to build on various models.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• Introduction. Introduction to 3ds Max and Basic Modeling Terms. Planning Your Project Including Making a Plan. Adapting a Concept. Vegetation and Alpha Maps. Introduction to Maya. Modeling the Robot in Maya. Gallery. Modeling the Character Robot Using Zbrush. Modeling the House. Polishing Your Scene and Modeling Projects to Complete. Portfolio and Interview. Creating the Initial Cover Image.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

Learn how to model comic-style a la Pixar (TM) with the expert techniques found in 3ds Max Modeling for Games Volume 2: Insider's Guide to Stylized Modeling. This new volume will show you the ins-and-outs of stylized modeling, including characters, vehicles, environments, and much more. Follow the story of cover characters Robert and Robot as their adventure takes you through the world of modeling, vegetation, alpha-maps, and much more! This book is also packed with highly detailed tutorials feared toward enhancing your modeling skills and expanding your portfolio. The companion website (www.3d-for-games.com) is unique - an online forum where readers can post and answer questions about their work. In terms of developing a portfolio, online peer critiques are invaluable, and current readers have made use of this feature, in fact some have happily become the forum responders (along with Andy) to coach and develop new artists at work. Also included: step-by-step project files for each chapter; all the relevant texture files and source photos; panoramic skies, small scene objects, bonus texture maps & models so that artists can create whole scenes very quickly without starting from scratch each time; countless examples of what's hot and what's not in 3D modeling and also enough support images and photos to keep the budding artist busy for months. Unrivalled support in over 10,000 current posts - backing up the book with a lively forum and community of readers from all over the world, ready to help your work.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• Max Modeling for Games Brief Outline - This book is an essential guide for the 3D artist using Max who wants to grow into developing 3D content for computer games and simulations.
• - Preface - About the author - Why this book was written - How this book is organised - A short introduction to the guest writers included in the book, who they are, and what they have created. -
• Chapter 1 - Low poly Asset (30 min tutorial *Introduction to modelling *Setting up 3ds Max *Creating a cardboard box using primitive objects *3ds Max Shortcuts *Texture mapping your box (UV mapping)*Common problems *Rendering your model *Creating a portfolio image *Moving on to
• Chapter 2 -
• Chapter 2 - Low poly Asset 2 (1 hour tutorial)*Creating primitive objects *Slice, Extrusion and Scale *Creating simple textures in Photoshop from photos *Applying textures to the model (UV mapping) *Common problems *Rendering your model *Creating a portfolio image *Moving on to
• Chapter 3
• -
• Chapter 3 - Low poly Asset 3 (2 hour tutorial)*Creating primitive objects *New tools *Creating textures in Photoshop from photos *Applying textures to the model (UV mapping) *Common problems *Rendering your model *Creating a portfolio image *Moving on to
• Chapter 4 -
• Chapter 4 - Creating Complex Texture Maps from Photographs *Basic equipment *Taking your own photos *Photoshop *Layers *Crop, Transform, Scale, Rotate, Skew, Distort and Perspective *Making tillable textures *Healing brush, clone stamp and eraser *Levels and Curves *Brightness/Contrast *Hue/Saturation *Common problems *Rendering your texture *Creating a portfolio image *Moving on to
• Chapter 5
• -
• Chapter 5 - Low poly in-game vehicle *Blueprints/sketch *Image planes *Bonnet *Body *Doors *Roof *Details *Wheel arches *Windows *Wheels *Textures & UV's *Common problems *Rendering your model *Moving on to
• Chapter 5
• -
• Chapter 6 - Low poly in-game character *Reference material *Starting out *Basic shape *Head and Neck *Adding details *Shoulders *Arms *Joints *Face *Hands *Final details *Common problems *Posing your character *Rendering your model *Moving on to
• Chapter 7
• -
• Chapter 7 - Low poly in-game Environment *Reference material *Blocking out the basic shapes *Adding detail *Creating the texture maps for the scene *Low poly foliage using alpha maps *Adding existing assets to the scene *Final composition *Simple lighting *Common problems *Rendering your scene *Moving on to
• Chapter 8
• -
• Chapter 8 - Mid poly in-game Vehicle *Creating Blueprints in Photoshop *Setting up image planes *Tools and the workspace *Starting the model - wings and side *Modeling the front bumper and bonnet *Modeling the rear bumper and boot *Modeling the roof *Tiding up the bodywork *Modeling the Interior *Lights, wing mirrors and handles *Wheel Styles and theory (short section on different techniques) *Hi poly wheel *Normal map / alpha map creation *Low poly wheel *UV mapping the body and texture space usage *Mirroring the body and combining the meshes *Separating the body parts *Any final modeling tweaks *Naming conventions and tiding up the scene *Getting UV's into Photoshop & using layers *Common problems *Rendering your model *Moving on to
• Chapter 9
• -
• Chapter 9 - Mid poly in-game Character *Collecting reference *Setting up the scene *Building the torso *Arms and legs *Hands and feet *Creating the head *Nose and eyes *Mouth and ears *Final refinements and details *Textures and mapping *Surface detail and maps *Common problems *Rendering your character *Moving on to
• Chapter 10 -
• Chapter 10 - Lighting and Rendering *Simple lights *Three point lighting *Shadows *Rendering *Common problems *Re-rendering your previous work *Moving on to
• Chapter 11
• -
• Chapter 11 - Final Piece *Collecting reference *Setting up the scene *White boxing key elements *Building the scene up using assets you've created *Composition and scale *Adding detail to the walls *Creating the roof *Simple lights *Final touches *Common Problems *Rendering your scene *Moving on to
• Chapter 12
• -
• Chapter 12 - Putting your portfolio together *What to include *Organising the content *Final presentation *Applying for a job *At the interview.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

The book will provide insider tips, traps, and techniques on how to create 3d assets for use in computer games and simulation systems. The book will consist of a series of tutorials, starting with simpler models and moving up to more complex builds. As the book comes to us directly from successful game artists within commercial game development circles (Gahan + contributors) aspiring game artists will also find keen insights on how to get ahead in the game industry, i.e. how to prepare your personal portfolio to provide an edge in this extremely competitive world of game development. The strength of this book is that it teaches all of the important game modeling elements of 3ds Max: character modeling, environment modeling, mapping. The book covers how to model, texture and animate credible game characters and levels using 3ds max. As readers move from tutorial to tutorial, they will be building their own portfolio of high quality work. The DVD contains countless examples of what's hot and what's not in 3D modeling and also enough support images and photos to keep the budding artist busy for months; Features: -step-by-step project files for each chapter -all the relevant texture files and source photos used to create the texture maps applied to the 3D projects. -extras: panoramic skies, small scene objects and a many texture maps and models so that artists can create whole scenes very quickly without starting from scratch each time. -royalty free stock photos that artists can use in their own texture maps, models and scenes. -additional material on the book's bonus website at www.3d-for-games.com.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)

• Introduction. Introduction to 3ds Max and Basic Modeling Terms. Planning Your Project Including Making a Plan. Adapting a Concept. Vegetation and Alpha Maps. Introduction to Maya. Modeling the Robot in Maya. Gallery. Modeling the Character Robot Using Zbrush. Modeling the House. Polishing Your Scene and Modeling Projects to Complete. Portfolio and Interview. Creating the Initial Cover Image.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

There's a new trend towards sylized, comic-style art, with the latest wave of 3D movies (a la Pixar ). Max users can do this kind of thing, and they want to learn how. Andy Gahan is building on the success of his Focal book, 3ds Max Modeling for Games (which covers realistic style art) with this new VOLUME II, covering stylized comic-style art. Forum members are asking for this treatment, and we are delivering. We are linking up to original book branding and titling, and offering the same robust portal for both books - the art on the cover will show the distinction of this volume. The book will offer new modeling techniques, specifically cartoon style - think Pixar, offering new challenges to people who bought Volume I (which focused on more realistic art). Website (www.3d-for-games.com) is unique - an online forum where readers can post and answer questions about their work. In terms of developing a portfolio, online peer critiques are invaluable, and current readers have made use of this feature, in fact some have happily become the forum responders (along with Andy) to coach and develop new artists at work. Also included: step-by-step project files for each chapter; all the relevant texture files and source photos; panoramic skies, small scene objects, bonus texture maps & models so that artists can create whole scenes very quickly without starting from scratch each time; countless examples of what's hot and what's not in 3D modeling and also enough support images and photos to keep the budding artist busy for months. Unrivalled support in over 10,000 current posts - backing up the book with a lively forum and community of readers from all over the world, ready to help your work.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)
Learn how to model comic-style a la Pixar (TM) with the expert techniques found in 3ds Max Modeling for Games Volume 2: Insider's Guide to Stylized Modeling. This new volume will show you the ins-and-outs of stylized modeling, including characters, vehicles, environments, and much more. Follow the story of cover characters Robert and Robot as their adventure takes you through the world of modeling, vegetation, alpha-maps, and much more! This book is also packed with highly detailed tutorials feared toward enhancing your modeling skills and expanding your portfolio. The companion website (www.3d-for-games.com) is unique - an online forum where readers can post and answer questions about their work. In terms of developing a portfolio, online peer critiques are invaluable, and current readers have made use of this feature, in fact some have happily become the forum responders (along with Andy) to coach and develop new artists at work. Also included: step-by-step project files for each chapter; all the relevant texture files and source photos; panoramic skies, small scene objects, bonus texture maps & models so that artists can create whole scenes very quickly without starting from scratch each time; countless examples of what's hot and what's not in 3D modeling and also enough support images and photos to keep the budding artist busy for months. Unrivalled support in over 10,000 current posts - backing up the book with a lively forum and community of readers from all over the world, ready to help your work.
(source: Nielsen Book Data)