Modelling for HL2 - THE RIGHT SETUP

    Hi,

    I'm planning to learn some modellin in my spare time. I'm a little familiar with MS3d and I'm only planning to make non-animated models, keepin' 't simple.

    Ya feel me?

    Good. Now, what I need to know is a good setup. I have googled but failed to find some valuable infos, so that's why I turn 2 u!

    A few questions I have:

    - Do I need to export the models to something else then .mdl? What then?

    - Wich program (converter) should I use for that? Is there a plugin available?

    Any tips are very welcome 2.

    Anyone who's willing to post a contributing reply can collect a big wet kiss @ my adress*.

    ~ tomato

    * Meh, forget it.

    Well, I think Milkshape has a built in converter in it, and if it doesn't I'm pretty sure there is one.

    About setup, you have to be clearer what you mean.

    As for tips, well let me see. If you are going to make some dynamic objects, like tables and such, you should take consideration that it will have physics and it will most likely be breakable. There should be some very good tutorials on how to make your model in to a breakable physics object like box or a table.

    Thanks Kosmo, thats useful.

    With having the right setup, I ment that someone might know some plugins, useful tutorials and stuff to get me going, but I think I might be on the right track now.

    ~ tomato

    U need to export into smd files and use a qc script to compile the model to use in HL2 (compile script info and compile tool are in sdk)

    XSI is the offical modeling tool for HL2, they have a hl2 plugin to load vmf files (hammer) and to export to vmf and smd formats.

    For any other program you need to find custom made exporters.

    I only know they exist but you might want to try a search on smd exporter.

    hmm.. that UV program will get you pretty lazy... but anyways.

    I personally use Gmax, then export to MD3 -> Milkshape then to SMD -> Compile to HL2. But that's because my computer cannot handle the full 3Ds MAX.

    Then Photoshop to skin. I MANUALLY unwrap my models too

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