T3D Sticks & Twigs Update Status, Current Work/Questions
by Alan James · 07/30/2009 (11:24 pm) · 27 comments
Hey Everybody!
Progress has been kind of slow this summer. Josh and Hannah and I have gone on a few day trips to the Lava Beds National Park caves and other things and we've had some fun. I do miss Kyle off in the Navy. Haven't heard from him in several weeks and worry like Dad's do. He's just in A-School, but it's kind of not like him to not get in touch with us. Just praying everything is ok with him.
Anyway, I've been bringing the "Sticks & Twigs" Environment Pack up to date for T3D but as I mentioned, it's been kind of slow going with my old 7300 GT. I keep expecting it to burst into flames trying to do half the stuff I try and get it to do. I hope to be able to pick up a nice Video Card in August, but it all depends on how funds flow. We'll see.
What I have got done is completed the skybox to skycube updates for the pack and the materials.cs for the meshes so that all of their transparencies work correctly in T3D. If you picked up the "Sticks & Twigs" Environment Pack from www.monsterpacks.com then the update should be in your available downloads. If you picked it up from GG, I just sent it off to Derek B. and hopefully it will be added in at some point (can't give you a timeframe). If you desperately need it, email me and I can see what I can do before it goes up on the GG Site. This update does not include updated missions/terrains for T3D. There are a few things that I'm waiting on as I work through those, and then I'll release another pretty much complete T3D version.
Here are a bunch of screenshots from T3D and a little of what I've been up to so far regarding the update:
So the other things...I've been trying to re-learn mesh based modeling and that seems to be going ok. It takes a bit of a mindset change for an old BSP based modeler, and I keep freaking out when I create a concave surface, face, etc. and then start breathing again when I realize that it won't explode. At one time I'd been slightly adept at it, but it's been a while, so here are some of the things I've been working on as I go:
So here is the plan and the question: A while back I'd had a content Pack called "Alley Ambiance" it had a bit of basic game content directed around the Downtown District & Warehouse Packs. What I'm considering doing is a major overhaul/update with an assortment of various basic game content assets. What I was thinking of was something like the "Sticks & Twigs" pack, only for all around content. Things like those above plus whatever I could get a list of/suggestions of to create a basic game asset pack. I was wondering first if anyone thought that might be a good idea, and secondly what assets would you consider for such a pack? I'm thinking from kitchen sinks to shovels to...? Any and all suggestions are welcome, I may not use them all, but what I see as a pattern and valuable in multiple genres I'll definitely consider.
By the way, since I'm considering this a re-boot of the Alley Ambiance Pack, as I've promised before, if you've picked any pack up in the past, it's a lifetime of free updates and it will be the same for this one.
Here are a few "work in progress" updates in line with the direction I'm heading with this:
Anyway, that's all I have for this evening, and probably more than you were interested in. Keep Kyle in your thoughts and I'll let you all know when I hear from him.
Thanks!
Alan
Progress has been kind of slow this summer. Josh and Hannah and I have gone on a few day trips to the Lava Beds National Park caves and other things and we've had some fun. I do miss Kyle off in the Navy. Haven't heard from him in several weeks and worry like Dad's do. He's just in A-School, but it's kind of not like him to not get in touch with us. Just praying everything is ok with him.
Anyway, I've been bringing the "Sticks & Twigs" Environment Pack up to date for T3D but as I mentioned, it's been kind of slow going with my old 7300 GT. I keep expecting it to burst into flames trying to do half the stuff I try and get it to do. I hope to be able to pick up a nice Video Card in August, but it all depends on how funds flow. We'll see.
What I have got done is completed the skybox to skycube updates for the pack and the materials.cs for the meshes so that all of their transparencies work correctly in T3D. If you picked up the "Sticks & Twigs" Environment Pack from www.monsterpacks.com then the update should be in your available downloads. If you picked it up from GG, I just sent it off to Derek B. and hopefully it will be added in at some point (can't give you a timeframe). If you desperately need it, email me and I can see what I can do before it goes up on the GG Site. This update does not include updated missions/terrains for T3D. There are a few things that I'm waiting on as I work through those, and then I'll release another pretty much complete T3D version.
Here are a bunch of screenshots from T3D and a little of what I've been up to so far regarding the update:
So the other things...I've been trying to re-learn mesh based modeling and that seems to be going ok. It takes a bit of a mindset change for an old BSP based modeler, and I keep freaking out when I create a concave surface, face, etc. and then start breathing again when I realize that it won't explode. At one time I'd been slightly adept at it, but it's been a while, so here are some of the things I've been working on as I go:
So here is the plan and the question: A while back I'd had a content Pack called "Alley Ambiance" it had a bit of basic game content directed around the Downtown District & Warehouse Packs. What I'm considering doing is a major overhaul/update with an assortment of various basic game content assets. What I was thinking of was something like the "Sticks & Twigs" pack, only for all around content. Things like those above plus whatever I could get a list of/suggestions of to create a basic game asset pack. I was wondering first if anyone thought that might be a good idea, and secondly what assets would you consider for such a pack? I'm thinking from kitchen sinks to shovels to...? Any and all suggestions are welcome, I may not use them all, but what I see as a pattern and valuable in multiple genres I'll definitely consider.
By the way, since I'm considering this a re-boot of the Alley Ambiance Pack, as I've promised before, if you've picked any pack up in the past, it's a lifetime of free updates and it will be the same for this one.
Here are a few "work in progress" updates in line with the direction I'm heading with this:
Anyway, that's all I have for this evening, and probably more than you were interested in. Keep Kyle in your thoughts and I'll let you all know when I hear from him.
Thanks!
Alan
About the author
#3
That texturing work looks excellent! And so do the T3D environments.
07/31/2009 (12:03 am)
Spot the odd one out - fire hydrant, lamp, desk chair, TANK!That texturing work looks excellent! And so do the T3D environments.
#4
So far as all around content goes I would suggest several such packs. Modern day miscellania, turn of the century (last century/Victorian/or even SteamPunk), sci-fi, Rustic/Western, even maybe the typical medieval pack, although there seem to be many of those.
07/31/2009 (12:15 am)
Nice work! I was tempted by the first release of Sticks And Twigs, now I'm even more tempted for the T3D update :DSo far as all around content goes I would suggest several such packs. Modern day miscellania, turn of the century (last century/Victorian/or even SteamPunk), sci-fi, Rustic/Western, even maybe the typical medieval pack, although there seem to be many of those.
#5
until seeing this.
just purchased it from the site,
well worth the price.
07/31/2009 (1:23 am)
I've also put off getting this pack.until seeing this.
just purchased it from the site,
well worth the price.
#6
07/31/2009 (2:42 am)
Your stuff is always freaking great Alan! 
#7
Awesome work on the packs btw, I'm headed to the site to get the update right away! Thank you very much!
07/31/2009 (5:00 am)
I'm sure Kyle is doing fine, it's just not always possible for him to get in touch with the family, probably. It could be a part of the training / education. Do let us know though once you have news of him!Awesome work on the packs btw, I'm headed to the site to get the update right away! Thank you very much!
#8
Regarding the new Pack/Packs I know this sounds odd, but what I'm looking to do is produce something generic. "Why?" you ask. what I've noticed is the things that can quietly fit into folks projects seem to be the most sought after, i.e. a particular art or asset style that doesn't super stand out from other styles and doesn't draw attention to itself, but enhances the look of the level/game/mission etc. Day in and day out things that we don't really notice until they're needed or if absent make an area seem...not quite right.
@Daniel B.
LOL, yeah the tank kind of sticks oddly out there in that group. It's for a project for Josh (my youngest son). We want to do an updated version of Atari's "Tank" top down old school game, and I was going to use that for the sprite renders. It also brings to mind a quote by Homer Simpson:
"A gun(or tank) isn't a weapon; it's a tool. Like a harpoon, or a hammer, or an ... alligator."
@Konrad K.
Yeah, I'm sure he is. But you know us dads, we get worried. =)
I definitely will let everyone know when I get in touch with him. If you come across any missed materials in the script or oddities in the skycubes, let me know. There were quite a few to cover.
@Tom S.
Hey, the work you guys are doing on T3D makes my stuff look good! And when I get a new video card I'll even be able to post some videos!
07/31/2009 (6:24 am)
Hey, thanks everyone. Appreciate the always so positive feedback!Regarding the new Pack/Packs I know this sounds odd, but what I'm looking to do is produce something generic. "Why?" you ask. what I've noticed is the things that can quietly fit into folks projects seem to be the most sought after, i.e. a particular art or asset style that doesn't super stand out from other styles and doesn't draw attention to itself, but enhances the look of the level/game/mission etc. Day in and day out things that we don't really notice until they're needed or if absent make an area seem...not quite right.
@Daniel B.
LOL, yeah the tank kind of sticks oddly out there in that group. It's for a project for Josh (my youngest son). We want to do an updated version of Atari's "Tank" top down old school game, and I was going to use that for the sprite renders. It also brings to mind a quote by Homer Simpson:
"A gun(or tank) isn't a weapon; it's a tool. Like a harpoon, or a hammer, or an ... alligator."
@Konrad K.
Yeah, I'm sure he is. But you know us dads, we get worried. =)
I definitely will let everyone know when I get in touch with him. If you come across any missed materials in the script or oddities in the skycubes, let me know. There were quite a few to cover.
@Tom S.
Hey, the work you guys are doing on T3D makes my stuff look good! And when I get a new video card I'll even be able to post some videos!
#9
07/31/2009 (9:00 am)
How about the average items you find in a home? Like TV sets, refrigerators, appliances, furniture, ect. I know it's not the most exciting things to model but would definitely speed a lot of my development. 
#10
07/31/2009 (9:55 am)
nice work Silo is a fun tool. Does it have Collada now? what path are you taking into T3D? 
#11
07/31/2009 (11:47 am)
Just curious if the textures in the the sticks and twigs contain Normal maps or Parralax maps (not sure if I spelled that right)
#12
07/31/2009 (12:51 pm)
@David: There are normal maps, displacement maps (isn't that the one you mean for parallax?), occlusion and specular maps. These are in the TGEA version that comes as a free upgrade to the original kit. It's a pretty cool pack, my long time favorite in its league.
#13
Thanks! That's perfectly the type of info I was looking for. I'd already been working on a list, and yet I hadn't included basic household items like you mentioned. They're on the list now!
@James B.
I've been going out as .obj. They seem to be the most cross 3D app compatible (at least in the price range I can afford, Lightray, Silo, Fragmotion, Milkshape). UV in Ultimate Unwrap 3D. DTS & Collada exporting from Milkshape. Haven't had a stitch of issues with it's exporters and I doubt in this lifetime I'll afford 3D Max or the equivalent! =)
@David S.
Konrad K. is correct and quicker! (I've been trapped at work all day in internet isolation). I may at some point do an update to those also, I think some might be a little on the rough side, and I've been really getting into Shader Map Pro as of late (the originals were done with Crazy Bump).
@Konrad K.
Thanks again for jumping in there and helping with the answer when I'm stuck behind the paper curtain...that would be an office supply store joke...) I can read the posts at work through my email, but GG is blocked through our corporate intranet. The whole "games" thing at work you know.
Again appreciate the kind words and encouragement.
07/31/2009 (4:27 pm)
@Ryan M.,Thanks! That's perfectly the type of info I was looking for. I'd already been working on a list, and yet I hadn't included basic household items like you mentioned. They're on the list now!
@James B.
I've been going out as .obj. They seem to be the most cross 3D app compatible (at least in the price range I can afford, Lightray, Silo, Fragmotion, Milkshape). UV in Ultimate Unwrap 3D. DTS & Collada exporting from Milkshape. Haven't had a stitch of issues with it's exporters and I doubt in this lifetime I'll afford 3D Max or the equivalent! =)
@David S.
Konrad K. is correct and quicker! (I've been trapped at work all day in internet isolation). I may at some point do an update to those also, I think some might be a little on the rough side, and I've been really getting into Shader Map Pro as of late (the originals were done with Crazy Bump).
@Konrad K.
Thanks again for jumping in there and helping with the answer when I'm stuck behind the paper curtain...that would be an office supply store joke...) I can read the posts at work through my email, but GG is blocked through our corporate intranet. The whole "games" thing at work you know.
Again appreciate the kind words and encouragement.
#14
He just blew threw his aircard limit and didn't get a notification two months in a row and racked up a $900 cell phone bill, got it cancelled and then got most of it worked out today! Yeah! It was only a money thing!
So he's fine...broke but fine...so everything is good in the universe at this single moment in time...have to remember to cherish these moments!
07/31/2009 (7:37 pm)
Hey Everyone, a quick Kyle update. He's fine! He just blew threw his aircard limit and didn't get a notification two months in a row and racked up a $900 cell phone bill, got it cancelled and then got most of it worked out today! Yeah! It was only a money thing!
So he's fine...broke but fine...so everything is good in the universe at this single moment in time...have to remember to cherish these moments!
#15
08/01/2009 (2:44 am)
Glad everything is fine. Alan, how long before I can download Sticks and Twigs T3D update from GG, I have an account on your site, but bought it from GG - me being impatient :)
#16
I'd imagine Derek B. should have it up the first of next week. I've sent you a temp direct link so you can get it in the interim.
As I've mentioned, watch for anything I might have missed -- unrotated skcube textures, missing definitions in the materials.cs script -- the trees won't have proper shadows for the leaves if I missed a texture name. Just let me know. There are a lot of trees and foliage to load in game and there is always the chance I missed something in the process.
Thanks again!
08/01/2009 (3:58 am)
Hey Julian, thanks.I'd imagine Derek B. should have it up the first of next week. I've sent you a temp direct link so you can get it in the interim.
As I've mentioned, watch for anything I might have missed -- unrotated skcube textures, missing definitions in the materials.cs script -- the trees won't have proper shadows for the leaves if I missed a texture name. Just let me know. There are a lot of trees and foliage to load in game and there is always the chance I missed something in the process.
Thanks again!
#17
08/01/2009 (6:33 am)
@Alan: I'm glad everything's ok with Kyle! Being broke can be really cool. ;)
#18
08/01/2009 (9:33 am)
Thanks Alan. Keep up the good work. Julian 
#19
I was just wondering whether the addition of a weeping willow would be occuring, because I am not much of an artist, and in all the tree packs I have seen, there is not one Weeping Willow or old Oak trees
08/01/2009 (9:55 pm)
WOW! Those shots o fthe Sticks and Twigs pack look awesome...I am realy tempted ;DI was just wondering whether the addition of a weeping willow would be occuring, because I am not much of an artist, and in all the tree packs I have seen, there is not one Weeping Willow or old Oak trees
#20
I've always considered a weeping willow, but haven't tried to model one of them. I'll revisit them and some more traditional old oaks and see what I can do. Some of the basic mesh work is procedurally generated, since organic modeling is probably my weakest point, but I'm working at fixing that.
Maybe that will something that is included with the packs with the final release of the T3D Update...who knows? =)
08/01/2009 (10:53 pm)
Hey thanks Maximillian!I've always considered a weeping willow, but haven't tried to model one of them. I'll revisit them and some more traditional old oaks and see what I can do. Some of the basic mesh work is procedurally generated, since organic modeling is probably my weakest point, but I'm working at fixing that.
Maybe that will something that is included with the packs with the final release of the T3D Update...who knows? =)
Torque 3D Owner Todd Pickens