3D Modeling In Gaming for Kids

3D modeling is the process of creating a three-dimensional model of an object (either real or abstract). It is a combination of mathematics, geometry and design.
3D modeling has various practical applications in architecture, manufacturing, gaming, virtual reality and even the medical field to name a few. In this article, we will be focusing on how 3D modeling is used in game development and why it is an essential skill for game developers to have.

On a forum on Unity’s website, 33% of voters said they preferred 3D for gaming while just under 12% said they preferred 2D. The rest of the voters (55%) said they preferred both. This shows that the shift towards 3D is picking up steam, making it all the more important for game developers to possess 3D modeling skills.

Before creating anything for a game, 3D modelers need to have sketched images of what it is that they are creating. This is usually sketched on paper, but can also be sketched on a tablet/iPad or a whiteboard. Once they have the sketch, modelers usually use sculpting and/or hard surface modeling to model the game’s characters, environment, objects, etc. on the computer.

Modeled objects are usually high-poly (high quality and therefore complex), so they need to be retopologized to a low poly count. This will help lower the processing power required for viewing the model, as well as make the model a lot more efficient and better for animations.

Now the modelers need to unwrap the model. They basically go around the model, marking seams and then unwrapping them. This is to transfer 2D models to full 3D.

Modeled objects then need to go through a process called texturing, where the process of baking comes in. This is where different details, features and textures are added to the model through painting, or through pasting from photos.

Next, the modelers will create animations for their object. This will either be done by manually drawing entire sequences one by one (such as flying sequence and then moving sequence) in the 3D software, or through motion capturing movements of other objects (usually from real-life videos) and then adding them to the studio.

Lastly, modelers perform a process called compositing. This is basically integrating a modeled object into an environment. This involves tweaking lighting, patching, matching colors, and many more.

Autodesk Maya - this program uses a good balance between modeling, baking, rigging, unwrapping, animation and many more tools that game artists use. It also allows game developers to model characters, game props, game environments, etc. Games such as Uncharted and The Last of Us were made with the help of Autodesk Maya.

Autodesk 3ds Max - 3ds Max has good modeling tools such as UV unwrapping, baking, and animation tools. It is also great for modeling characters, game props, game objects, etc. Ubisoft Studios uses 3ds Max on all their Assassin’s Creed games.

Blender - this software is good for modeling, UV unwrapping, sculpting, painting, animation and many other functions. Blender is popular because it is free and therefore appeals to the more budget focused game developer.

Houdini - this software is usually used for visual effects in web, film and video games. This improves game cinematics, making gaming graphics as realistic as possible. Ubisoft uses it to model game environments such as villages, towns, cities, etc.

ZBrush - ZBrush is necessary for creating complex, higher detailed characters and objects that cannot be done on the same scale in the other softwares. Although the primary function of Zbrush is sculpting, it can perform UV creation and similar tasks too.

Substance 3D Painter - this software can be described as a ‘one stop shop’ for painting and texturing in the gaming industry. Like ZBrush, Substance 3D Painter is used because of its specialization in the painting area. It was used in games such as Days Gone, Fallout, Assassin’s Creed, Spider Man, Gears 5, The Last of Us 2 and many more.

At Itgenio we offer multiple 3D modeling courses such as TinkerCad, Sculptris and Blender to get your child started with 3D modeling. Whether they’re going into gaming, or any other industry, our tutors are adequately equipped to help your child gain the necessary skills to master 3D modeling. Simply sign up for a trial lesson here.