Wow! HL2 SDK is going to include a full version of Softimage!

[TheWart]

For those that do not know, Softimage is a major graphics modeler, (I think between Max and Maya in terms of price).

According to Eric in his IRC chat from a few days ago, the only limitiation will be a limit of 5000 polys on models.

I am pretty impressed that Valve got this through if this does indeed happen.

I apologize if this is old news.

 

[Xtasy0]

Originally posted by TheWart
For those that do not know, Softimage is a major graphics modeler, (I think between Max and Maya in terms of price).

According to Eric in his IRC chat from a few days ago, the only limitiation will be a limit of 5000 polys on models.

I am pretty impressed that Valve got this through if this does indeed happen.

I apologize if this is old news.

isnt that just softimage|xsi EXP?
http://www.softimage.com/products/exp/v3/

its free, *shrug*

 

[TheWart]

heh

I did not know that.

lol

 

[smilez]

Ive already got EXP installed, will there be a halflife 2 patch provided?

 

[cyborgguineapig]

Jesus, adress things correctly in the thread titles. If HL2 included the full version of XSI HL2 would cost over $1500. It has been officially said that it will be a limited feature version of XSI, just enough for making models for HL2 and thats it. I don't plan on spendinf $1500 for HL2 thankyou.

Its cool to hear that the deal actually went through and 5000 polies is a reasonable number. Most 3D packages are made for high poly, like several million polies for models so 5000 is reasonable for a free program included with HL2. I also suppose, many of XSI's other features will be watered down and stuff thats only required to amke a HL2 model will be included.

 

[WhiteOni]

Well.. I think HL2 will include a kind of altered Softimage|XSI EXP. EXP is free. And Valve could make the needed plugins for export (and maybe import ?_?)
That whould be the logical way. Softimages does not lose anything and Valve has something to show its kindness to the modders ^^

 

[ComradeBadger]

Originally posted by cyborgguineapig
Jesus, adress things correctly in the thread titles. If HL2 included the full version of XSI HL2 would cost over $1500. It has been officially said that it will be a limited feature version of XSI, just enough for making models for HL2 and thats it. I don't plan on spendinf $1500 for HL2 thankyou.

thats right...... how could it be otherwise.... Softimage XSI is an industry-grade program...... they would NEVER give it away free....

 

[oldi1knoby]

I'm guessing you will ONLY be able to use the files with the Source engine. No software company would just give away their brainchild.

 

[ankalar]

It's a trial version like Maya PLE.

 

[SidewinderX]

5000 polies is far to low to be effective! valve's player models are 7000!

 

[cyborgguineapig]

Well get the point. there is a 5000 poly limit just for being generous. If you want higher poly models than your just outa lucj and may have to go and buy a real 3D package/educational version as long as your not making money from your mod.

So pretty much people who do own 3D software are more privelaged, but also at the same time just think, How many modelers from HL1 who previously made 1000 poly models going to quickly adapt to the new level of polycount? People will have to learn first that source can handle higher poly counts and I don't expect people right off the bat to start making 7000 poly models and most likely 5000 limit is good enough.

 

[ankalar]

Modelling high, yet low poly is extremely easy. This is a fact because when you're modelling a low poly character you don't have to make every single nook and cranny, but you still have to keep the polycount very low. When you're making a high poly model you have to model everything including wrinkles, zippers, etc. which can be hard even with no poly limit. If you're modelling a low poly character with a higher polygon limit, your task is much easier due to the absence of the need to make it extremely low poly.

 

[cyborgguineapig]

Ankalar you are correct but I was more referring to people actually using the poly limit too their advantage. my point was, that yeah 5000-7000 polies is nice looking for a model but using that poly count to your advantage by makign your model flow correctly and have a clean mesh may actually be a bit harder than very low poly 1000-2000 polies because with very low poly you can get away with non flow/clean meshed models, hope you get what I'm saying.

 

[ankalar]

I get what you're saying. (WE NEED A WINKY FACE SMILEY!)

 

[SidewinderX]

There is one ....

 

[ankalar]

Oh yea, it's just not on the main little box of smileys...hmm....:dork: