Simple 3D modeling software suitable for games?

General Discussions
#1

To be honest I don’t know if this is the right place to ask such a question, but hey, let’s give it a try.

The game I’m currently developing is a 3D game but with a very “retro” style. For example the creatures in the game are just animated sprites instead of actual 3D models. However I want to be able to make simple 3D models as well for things like a building that you can enter etc. So I realized I had a license for Maya and I decided to try it. The first impression wasn’t very nice, the program took minutes to start. Once the program is running I am completely overwhelmed. There are just so many buttons and menus and other things that I will never have any use for. The next thing I did was to uninstall it.

I just want a 3D modelling program that isn’t too hard to learn and doesn’t have 100000 features that are completely useless to me. I want to be able to create models consisting of simple shapes, texture them and export them as .obj. I’m thankful for any suggestion that’s better than Maya. :stuck_out_tongue:

#2

Blender

#3

Yep, Blender is awesome. I’ve used few modelling programs in the past (including Maya and 3DS Max), and I think Blender is the most beginner friendly and at the same time very powerful.

#4

Blender isnt SIMPLE, but it is worth learning it.

Here you have a tut for buildings -> http://cgcookie.com/blender/2010/12/22/modeling-a-building/

#5

Hi

I recommend Blender too even though Milkshape 3D and Wings 3D can be easier to use in some cases. Learning how to use Blender is worth your time. However, I’m not sure that you’ll succeed in using it anyway as you already find Maya complicated.

#6

Yeah I suppose I’ll give Blender a try. Thanks for the answers everyone!

#7

I’ve been using AC3D for almost 3 years. It isn’t the most famous 3D model tool out there but it is really easy to learn. Of course, it isn’t as advanced as Blender but it fits my needs. I too want to reccommend Blender but honestly. I’m a programmer, not a designer. Learning how to use a whole new advanced 3D modeling tool isn’t entirely fitting in my schedule.

#8

AC3D is cross platform but proprietary and NOT free of charge (you can get a trial version for free). Its file format is easy to support but there are only a few engines with importers for it. Rather export your models in OBJ or Collada. If you really want to use a modeler easier than Blender, I advise you to use Wings 3D instead (or MilkShape 3D in the worst case if and only if you’re under Windows) and to switch to Blender if you need much more features. I don’t say that we shouldn’t pay for a software but I prefer giving a few bucks to the developers of “better” softwares than paying a license. I’m not a designer and Wings 3D is enough to make a few simple things without spending a lot of time.

#9

Try one called Anim8or. It is EXTREMELY simple to use, but you can make some very great models using it. It can export to OBJ. Also, its native an8 format is easy to parse, and supports skeletal animation.

#10

Well, you’re not going to get very far with most programs if all you do is open it up, look at the buttons, then uninstall it :wink: I’ve found Maya relatively easy for me to use for my purposes (same as you, mostly simple shapes with some textures) with just a couple tutorials. I would suggest that you look at some as well before you give up on something.

#11

It supports only Windows :clue:

#12

+1 for Blender. I started 3D modeling recently for my game and its perfect. 3DS Max is also great. However these are not the simplest.

I’m learning here: http://cgcookie.com/blender/cgc-courses/

Best tutorials ever! (You have to become a “Citizen” for the good stuff)

#13

true, but i’ve been using it and Roadkill on WINE with no problems