Making maps...

[merc]

What program would I use to begin going about making maps for Half-Life 2? I really want to start learning how to make my own maps and models and put them in the game as someday I wish to work on this when I get out of college. Where should I start? I am open to anything!

-merc

 

[quiv]

Valve's Hammer editor.

http://collective.valve-erc.com/index.php?go=hammer

 

[merc]

so this is the map editor for half life 2 maps also? and where can i find some good tutorials to get me started?

-merc

 

[PvtRyan]

I found these pretty good, and they will definitely teach you everything you need to know for some decent simple maps:

http://cariad.co.za/twhl/
TWHL Half-Life WorldCraft - Hammer Mapping Tutorials and Resources

 

[Teddy]

so this is the map editor for half life 2 maps also? and where can i find some good tutorials to get me started?

Half life 2 will use the same program, although it'll be a newer version (it's not avaliable yet). As for modeling, I *think* it's similar to half life 1, as the HL2-XSI package exports .smd files that are exactly the same as the hl1 ones from what i can see, so just look for any hl1 modeling tutoirals for help in this area!

 

[merc]

so what i will do is work on making the general map in hammer, but then what? how do i add things into it do i model those? and how do I add textures and whatnot? do i use XSI for these things? i am just goign to start diving into this map and model making as i want to work for valve someday..

-merc

 

[Teddy]

Get the valve Half Life 1 SDK. It has all the tools, and answers to allllll your questions.

 

[merc]

and where can i find the hl1 sdk?

-merc

 

[Neutrino]

and where can i find the hl1 sdk?

-merc

http://collective.valve-erc.com/

Has just about everything you could ever want about Half-Life.

As for the rest of your questions, visit some HL1 mapping sites and search for HL1 mapping tutorials. It can seem a little complex at first, but just start messing with the hammer editor a bit and do some tuts and you'll get it.

 

[merc]

thanks, i really am going to dig into this and learn how to map and model well... also if i can map and model pretty good do most game teams have someone that just does textures?

-merc

 

[Neutrino]

thanks, i really am going to dig into this and learn how to map and model well... also if i can map and model pretty good do most game teams have someone that just does textures?

-merc

You mean texture artists? Well, I'm pretty sure that they have people that specialize in texture creation, but I imagine it depends on the company as to whether or not the expect level designers to create their own textures. I dont' know what the industry norm is.

If you have any specific mapping questions that you can't seem to solve, feel free to PM me. I'm no expert, but I know my way around hammer fairly well I think.