I have some 3d models of buildings, bridges, etc. that I did a long time ago for GPL. They were simple box shapes (or complex box shapes) that images were mapped to. The building for example had no windows in the model, the windows or roofs had no definition. I converted these to FBX and would probably be OK for distant buildings. Am I correct to assume that the newer sims (AC), with shadows and such need better defined detail (i.e. 3D roof lines, windows, etc.). EXAMPLE:
anything requiring different materials should be modelled. as much as flat stuff is rotten up close it can be fine far away depending on how good the texturing is. mostly about texturing imo which then has the connotation of shader involvement. and that is equally as important. when you open kunos tracks, its quite amazing how low poly stuff generally is. in the highlands track. you go through a small built up area. its really quite simplistic modelling. lets find some examples of this. edit, uh oh, opened a can of worms with this one. each close to the track building has 4 levels of detail . pics in a sec. this is a high detailed building, and at its furthest away model you could see is quite like yours, hardly any detailing. but with good texture.(same texture)
The picture I submitted above was from the back angle, but here is the building. Fortunately most of the buildings for the eventual track are not much more complicated architecturally than this.
simple build means simple model, and more emphasis on texturing, the rest could be achieved through a normal map no problem. however, material shaders work with polys quite closely too, and when theres more polys, there is better light working over it through them shaders. regards trees this how trees are best done , with double the polygons than you actually need. which allows self shadowing to better.
My concern is at my age and two heart attacks, I'll be dead before I finish my first AC track (just joking, I'm fine now). This is the first time I have tried to build a track by myself and I think I complicate things. I haven't finished my test track and I'm already moving way over my head to a detailed track..
id go off to the desert and make a road. no trees, nothing complicated. that's the most realistic track you can make. one that doesn't need **** all in it. haha. I gave this up. this was an incredible concept really. but way to big for my boots to complete. driving the super cars at 200 mph made my heart go "stop". as much as I was laughing, it was too much. to intense.
If I may, whatever tool you feel comfortable with, it's good for the job. Have seen an outstanding track from a friend in Softimage for example. Sent from my phone using Tapatalk
Thanks for your reply lichian! I'm considering committing to Blender or Maya. I'm concerned long-term the newer Max is too expensive and older version will not function at some point. Maybe I'm wrong. Maya LT is reasonable at 240 a year US$.
One factor might also be: how much time do you count on spending on the tool ? Once for learning of course, but most importantly for creating stuff. I am asking simply because if it's not "huge" to make the investment worthwhile, then Blender is not at all a limited tool - and whatever you might need on a track, you can do it. Look at Lilski . LE: and Blender keeps getting better and better. Lots of scripts as well. Sent from my phone using Tapatalk
I just tried converting some old 3do models from GPL with 3DSIMEDi to fbx and import to Blender. Error: Version 6100 not supported. Must be version 7100. Looks like several people left a message at the pits with that exact issue. However, somewhere I have the original max files if I could just find them. EDIT: Sorry for the Facebook type diary above. It's being retired and no life.
Way off topic of this post: F1 considering using gamers to trial new rules https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/brawn-gamers-trial-new-rules-929795/
Managed to convert all the objects from GPL to fbx. Not usable as-is, as modifications are required. Hoping it will be easier than starting from scratch.
If you get something decent and not mind sharing, please DO. We have a section for that and it just waits for big hearted modelers .
