3Ds Max, Maya, Mudbox, AutoCAD: which one should I be using

[MangoIce]

Hi!

 

Now I know basically nothing about Autodesk programs (how to use them), and the only proper CAD software that I know how to use is Creo Parametric. I want to learn how to use the programs of Autodesk, know im just some kid in school who likes this stuff so i dont need a proper full blown knowledge of the above.

 

Firstly: Which software should I be using for video game character and environment design, ( I don't want to learn animating right now, I just want to design them). 

Secondly: any good sources for tutorials

 

 

[daniellearmouth]

A great all-rounder would be either 3ds Max or Maya.

 

I personally favour 3ds Max over Maya, though that's more personal preference than anything.

 

As for tutorials...uhh...Lynda.com?

Actually, there're a bunch of tutorials on how to use 3D software, and they're essentially everywhere on the internet.

[ChrisCross]

well autocad is more made for mechanical engineering so thats not really where you wanna go

[19_blackie_73]

uhm ... Blender to try it out?

[MangoIce]

uhm ... Blender to try it out?

 

let me put it like this, learning blender is like finding a new planet identical to earth

[MangoIce]

A great all-rounder would be either 3ds Max or Maya.

 

I personally favour 3ds Max over Maya, though that's more personal preference than anything.

 

As for tutorials...uhh...Lynda.com?

Actually, there're a bunch of tutorials on how to use 3D software, and they're essentially everywhere on the internet.

 

 

for that yes i can use lynda but i meant anything on like youtube, i found autodesks official channel but the was for software from 2011

[daniellearmouth]

for that yes i can use lynda but i meant anything on like youtube, i found autodesks official channel but the was for software from 2011

 

It hasn't really changed in a way that makes the old ones obsolete. You can still learn a lot from them.

[MangoIce]

It hasn't really changed in a way that makes the old ones obsolete. You can still learn a lot from them.

k thx

[19_blackie_73]

let me put it like this, learning blender is like finding a new planet identical to earth

i don't experienced it like that - I started with car models, a friend of mine taught me the basics like extruding and so on and then the rest was trial and error.

If you start with characters, it will start with sculpting and that's only a thing of practicing, there are some good tutorials on youtube

[MangoIce]

i don't experienced it like that - I started with car models, a friend of mine taught me the basics like extruding and so on and then the rest was trial and error.

If you start with characters, it will start with sculpting and that's only a thing of practicing, there are some good tutorials on youtube

 

 i guess, you did have a friend who told you but i unfortunately have to learn from the miracuslous internet.

[thekeemo]

AutoCAD is more for making building aplans and less for making video game characters though it can be useful in designing the environment. 3DS max is my go to for 3d modelling.

[Sauron]

let me put it like this, learning blender is like finding a new planet identical to earth

 

Don't expect maya or 3dsmax to be much easier ^^

[thekeemo]

Don't expect maya or 3dsmax to be much easier ^^

they aren't they just look better.. But they have lots of guides from big companies. Moving from 3DS max to blender is a huge learning curve.

[Sauron]

they aren't they just look better.. But they have lots of guides from big companies. Moving from 3DS max to blender is a huge learning curve.

 

yeah, that's true, although if lynda has courses it shouldn't be that much harder.

[Bean86]

Considering you are a student, why settle for one. Autodesk education support is excellent. Just get the Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite it include both Maya and 3ds Max and more. It's specifically tailored for game development among other things.

Last but not least it's FREE (full access) for students.

I use the Production Suite as I'm more interested on the mechanical side of things.

There's also something called the Autodesk University though I haven't looked into that.

[Elapo]

Well, depending on the fidelity you're going for with the game assets, you'll need both mudbox and 3ds max/maya

 

Mudbox is sculpting, it really takes a lot of practice, but it's the best way to make organic things, like animals and humans. You can model those, but sculpting will look better.

 

3DS Max & maya are great for environments, you can choose whichever one you want. I'm more of a 3ds max guy, as I find it has better modeling tools. Rendering is pretty much identical in both, with both using either Mental Ray or iRay

 

Great thing about autodesk software is that you can just export something from mudbox to maya/max with a single click, and vice versa.

 

I'd say learn modeling first (environments, non-organic objects) and familiarize yourself with the interface of either maya or max. (Mudbox will adapt to whichever you are used to, it does both max and maya hotkeys). One tip I always give is HOTKEYS! Learn them, use them, they make your life so much easier!

 

AutoCAD doesn't really belong in this list, unless you're also looking to make technical drawings, which is not a part of game asset creation

 

Considering you are a student, why settle for one. Autodesk education support is excellent. Just get the Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite it include both Maya and 3ds Max and more. It's specifically tailored for game development among other things.
Last but not least it's FREE (full access) for students.

I use the Production Suite as I'm more interested on the mechanical side of things.

There's also something called the Autodesk University though I haven't looked into that.

 

This! 

Their education system is so good that I don't understand why my school insisted on making us pay for Cinema 4D.

 

I switched to max the second it stopped mattering.

[Bean86]

One more thing, if you have a tablet Autodesk also has quite a few apps to allow you to get the basic outline of your ideas down on the go.

PS: just had a browse through Autodesk University - this might be of interest to you (inline with Elapos comments) http://au.autodesk.com/au-online/classes-on-demand/class-catalog/2012/autodesk-mudbox/creature-modeling-and-sculpting-with-autodesk-maya-and-autodesk-mudbox#chapter=0

[Elapo]

3DS Max with V-ray is fantastic, and you get a 3 year student license too.

 

V-Ray isn't free for students though - not legally anyway- unless your school provides it, which I don't think is the case here.

[Marinatall_Ironside]

well autocad is more made for mechanical engineering so thats not really where you wanna go

Another to list is architectural design as well since AutoCAD is used for that application as well.

[Elapo]

It has a infinite trial, however there are watermarks.

 

Really? I still think Mental ray is a good place to start though. It's getting old, sure, but it can teach you a lot about renderers, and it comes with max/Maya!

 

That being said, since OP is going for gaming stuff, he probably doesn't need a renderer, but still.

[Elapo]

Mental Ray is ok, but I find it gives less pleasing results for more effort. With v-ray, make a plain vray texture, change reflection and diffuse and turn on a few things and it looks lifelike. I just love it.

Both require you to learn what the knobs do. Pro of mental ray, aside from it being bundled is the fact that you can render the result with either Mental Ray or iRay (which arguably looks even better than V-Ray). Unbiased rendering is the easiest, best looking, though you do need some serious graphics horsepower.

[MangoIce]

Thank you all fo rthe info and I'll hopefully get to work