Jump to content

Maya as a map editor


SoundsFerg

Recommended Posts

Hey everyone. I just joined the forums after taking a beginner-level computer graphics class and would like to learn more, particularly in terms of map creation. I've experimented with SDK tools and the like and have a general knowledge of BSP editors, but recently discovered that some engines require maps to be made in modeling software. What I actually want to do is just make a basic map in a game called Painkiller. The game comes with an editor, but from what I understand it's only for editing the entities in existing maps, and to actually make structures from scratch, Maya (and apperently some sort of plugin) is required. The problem is that I can't find any documentation. The forums that might have had this information at one point are down and I can't find any proper proper place to start. I understand I'm being pretty vague, but I was hoping someone can point me in the right direction or at least explain how using modeling software to map differs from using a BSP editor.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is what I found after a couple quick google searches:

 

"...First thing that we`ll release will be MP map making toolkit. At first you`ll need Maya for that (to export maps) *BUT* you can make the map in any program you want (even Radiant), import to Maya (in generic .obj format for example) then export. We`ll probably do plugins for other 3D software as well..."

 

Sorry I can't be of more help. Have not messed with Painkiller. Here is the editor far as I can tell.

Edited by Sigma
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi SoundsFerg and welcome to mapcore :)

 

Unfortunately I'm not familiar with painkiller specifically, it's a pretty specific game in terms of modding. I think you are best off going to the developer forums or any resources they release. 

 

That said unless I'm gravely mistaken I think Painkiller is made on the Unreal engine which has a dedicated application for making levels. In many unreal engine games the pc version ships with the editor (although that's happening less these days). It's possible the dev team replaced that with a maya export pipeline but that seems odd and a lot of work. I would be surprised if they did that. Can you post a link to where you read that maya is the level editor? 

 

 

 EDIT : In the future the more appropriate forum for this question would most likely be this forum :

 

http://www.mapcore.org/forum/21-3d/

Edited by AlexM
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the welcome. And I'll post in the correct forum next time :P

But Painkiller runs on its own engine (PAIN Engine). 

And in fact when I finally decided to figure this stuff out I found this link: 

And the only other source I found was a few snippets in this that Sigma linked me to: http://www.enterthegame.com/painkiller_chat.htm

There are blog posts on a Painkiller fan website but they only go over using the PainEditor for modifying entities. From what I've found out I can use pretty much any editor to map for PK, but I would then need to import the .obj file into Maya. Beyond that, I'm lost. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So having dug a little further, I think what you are needing is either an obj. export or an .mtl export from Maya. Because Painkiller utilizes the Serious Sam engine, I suspect the export for Maya did not originally exist and so they built a plug-in for it. If you have either of those available (which you should for .obj at this point at least) than try that and see if it works. Here is where I am grabbing some additional information: http://forums.seriouszone.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5

 

Seems like this might have been the original plugin-http://www.okino.com/conv/pt4maya.htm

3D Explorer may be another option as well. Sorry, I don't have a link.

 

Milkshape 3D may also be an option to get it there. No direct export to Painkiller but Serious Sam is in there.

 

There is also this tool that might help as well :? : http://www.deep-shadows.com/hax/3DRipperDX.htm

 

Hope you get this solved!

Edited by Sigma
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow ^_^ Again thanks for the knowledge. I'm still trying to figure this out but I'll let you know what happens. I lack ANY experience with Maya so I think I'll look into to some of the resources available for that. I know I have the option to import/export an .obj in Maya, but when I try the object doesn't show up. I think I'm missing a very basic step. Maybe I'm using the wrong editor or don't have the correct settings selected. I thought it was a gonna be a simple import/export job but there's a lot going on in Maya and I should really start reading. Haha :D 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...