Plan for Matt Summers
by Matt Summers · 11/15/2004 (8:12 pm) · 56 comments
Work is progressing nicely on the Softimage XSI 4 DTS exporter. Right now I'm writing the helper tools that automate all of the setup involved in creating a DTS shape, but everything will still be able to be setup manually for people who like to understand whats going on under the hood. Here's screen capture of the work in progess version.
Some of the cool features I'm working on are a DTS setup validator that scans the scene and list problems before you even export (my selfish attempt at reduceing support) and auto collision shape generation similar to the auto bounds generation in some of the other DTS exporters. i.e. it will auto-magically create a collision box the volume of selected object(s). You'll also be able to export a .CFG file from the GUI as well, for those people out there that fear text editors.
Docs will be built right into the exporter UI so no one will be able to use the excuse that they couldn't find them. (you know who you are people) :)
Some of the cool features I'm working on are a DTS setup validator that scans the scene and list problems before you even export (my selfish attempt at reduceing support) and auto collision shape generation similar to the auto bounds generation in some of the other DTS exporters. i.e. it will auto-magically create a collision box the volume of selected object(s). You'll also be able to export a .CFG file from the GUI as well, for those people out there that fear text editors.
Docs will be built right into the exporter UI so no one will be able to use the excuse that they couldn't find them. (you know who you are people) :)
#42
08/04/2005 (5:48 pm)
@matt - It has been a few months could you please update us on your progress. I appreciate that you have a real job and I do not mean to pester you. With the developments at Softimage I am very anxious to check out this XSI exporter!
#43
We've been working hard a several projects at the moment that I cant say much about just yet but they are fast approaching completion. As soon as I get the green light Ill post an updated plan about what we've been working on.
We are working directly with both Softimage and Garage Games to finish the XSI DTS Exporter. The folks at Softimage have given us full access to SDK development team at Softimage and they have been wonderful to work with.
Keep in mind we are working on a polished, documented product, and that takes time. Believe me the wait will be worth it.
Im hoping to have the exporter tested and ready for release before IGC.
Later,
Matt
08/04/2005 (6:59 pm)
Hello All, We've been working hard a several projects at the moment that I cant say much about just yet but they are fast approaching completion. As soon as I get the green light Ill post an updated plan about what we've been working on.
We are working directly with both Softimage and Garage Games to finish the XSI DTS Exporter. The folks at Softimage have given us full access to SDK development team at Softimage and they have been wonderful to work with.
Keep in mind we are working on a polished, documented product, and that takes time. Believe me the wait will be worth it.
Im hoping to have the exporter tested and ready for release before IGC.
Later,
Matt
#45
08/06/2005 (8:43 am)
Ditto that. I am glad to hear this is turning into a real product! The Gamespace/Truespace exporter that Matt and team developed has A+ features and documentation. Sounds like the XSI exporter is going to be even a level above that! Matt- when you get permission to "talk" can you tell us also if you are working w/ 4.2 or 5.0?
#46
I totally understand about how hard it is to make a quality, polished product with documentation, etc etc etc. What is it, 80% of the effort is in the last 20% of the project or something? :)
Anyway, just wanted to encourage you, keep going at your own pace, and I look forward to seeing what great things you've done! :)
08/08/2005 (1:11 pm)
Sounds great, Matt!I totally understand about how hard it is to make a quality, polished product with documentation, etc etc etc. What is it, 80% of the effort is in the last 20% of the project or something? :)
Anyway, just wanted to encourage you, keep going at your own pace, and I look forward to seeing what great things you've done! :)
#48
08/31/2005 (7:33 pm)
Matt that sounds great! Thank you for your hard work. I am really looking forward to this exporter.
#49
09/22/2005 (11:03 am)
Any update on how things are going?
#50
09/28/2005 (6:26 pm)
XSI 5.0 is released
#51
09/28/2005 (8:29 pm)
Yep, and the exporter works great in it too... ;o)
#52
10/06/2005 (1:21 am)
My gawd thankyou!
#53
10/10/2005 (11:03 am)
Now that IGC has come and gone with no exporter - how about the status??
#54
The XSI exporter is being sent out to beta testers as early as next week. The exact date is hard to gauge as I still have to catch up with projects left hanging while I was away at IGC. Basically all thats left is just to finish porting the UI that I wrote for the new Max Pro Exporter to XSI and then user testing. The core exporter is already feature complete.
Ill be putting out the call for XSI beta testers later this week, if you are interested please email me with your request and include one or more screen shots of your 3d work. (You must also own a copy of XSI 4.x or 5.0.)
10/10/2005 (9:47 pm)
@Tom: I just got back from IGC late last night where I was showing off the latest builds of the new Max 7 and XSI 4.x-5.0 DTS exporters. Read my latest plan for more info...The XSI exporter is being sent out to beta testers as early as next week. The exact date is hard to gauge as I still have to catch up with projects left hanging while I was away at IGC. Basically all thats left is just to finish porting the UI that I wrote for the new Max Pro Exporter to XSI and then user testing. The core exporter is already feature complete.
Ill be putting out the call for XSI beta testers later this week, if you are interested please email me with your request and include one or more screen shots of your 3d work. (You must also own a copy of XSI 4.x or 5.0.)
#55
Myself I am taking a detour into T2D land for my 1st game but definitely plan on buying & using the XSI exporter at some point.
10/10/2005 (11:31 pm)
You all are in for a treat with the upcoming Max and XSI exporters because the Gamespace/Truespace DTS exporter, that Matt helped produce, was really top-knotch. If the interface and DOCS in the Max and XSI exporters are comparable to the Gamespace/Truespace... wow! Myself I am taking a detour into T2D land for my 1st game but definitely plan on buying & using the XSI exporter at some point.
Torque 3D Owner Thomas Shaw