NEW ASSET PACK AND PREVIEW VIDEO!
by Ron Kapaun · 02/11/2013 (4:48 pm) · 21 comments
Greetings All,
Well, I am here to announce a new art asset pack. This one is a bit different from my usual stuff. The Fantasy Ruins Pack contains all buildings and ruins and is much more 'fantasy based' than anything I have done in the past. To show you, I have uploaded a short introduction video. So, enjoy the visuals and please keep in mind that I placed these models within the Conifer Forest Pack so that they had a good setting in which to show them off. I have used them in the Tropics Pack and even the Africa Pack and they work really good in all of them (Scale and such was important):
THE PREVIEW VIDEO:
.
.
DETAILS:
At this time I am about 33% complete with this pack. I have 10 complete models and it's looking like the final pack will contain between 25 and 30 models once final. With the depreciation of the .DIF format. I thought it would be prudent to release a model pack that shows buildings and structures that do not use .Dif. These models are all .dae with LOD and Collision meshes attached. I plan on creating a new video tutorial that explains how buildings are created using this format. Of course, the tutorial will be placed on my site and will be free for all to view.
WHAT ADDITIONAL STUFF ARE YOU PLANNING?
With this pack, I also plan on releasing some custom particle effects that work with the stock T3D particle engine. These will include some custom "magic flames", smoke, fire, and a few other effects that will help make your fantasy setting feel more real. There may be more additions as I progress and find the need for stuff. That's just the nature of building these packs, you find a need and fill it.
SO, WHEN CAN WE EXPECT THIS PACK TO HIT THE STORE?
Honestly, I am shooting for another 30 days to finalize and wrap this pack up. I have been working on this pack for about a week+ so far, and all is going well. I have 10 models complete and in order to fill out my personal wish list, I will need another 20 models with textures etc. With luck, I should have that complete in about 30 days. I play a lot of Skyrim and Elder Scrolls games so, I am challenging myself to reach a level close to that. Obviously, I am not quite there, but within a month I hope to be.
WHAT'S IT GONNA COST ME?
Since the number of models is rather low, I was planning on releasing this pack for $39.99 (US Dollars). This may change if I end up producing 50+ models and a bunch of extra stuff. I will let everyone know if I go way over projection but, trust me, I will make it worth more if it ends up being much more content. I'm an indie developer and I will always be one so I know how tuff it can be, money wise.
SO WHAT ELSE YOU GOT GOIN ON?
Well, I am in the middle of upgrading the Conifer Pack. *you can see some the minor changes in the video, if you look close*. I am also, working on T3D steering committee stuff. There are a number of really good things coming in the next release. Basically, for one guy, working out of his home office.... I am staying really really busy. (yes, it's just me modeling all of this stuff. Trisha, my wife handles the business end of things.) Anyway, to those that go to my website, I know I am VERY VERY behind on updates. I am sorry for this but, I will do an update soon. I owe you all a free model set or two as well as some new tutorials. Those will be coming soon. With that, I best get back to work.
Oh yeah, one other note, I want to thank Konrad Kiss for his feedback concerning my other videos. See, I was using the standard camera and just flying around with my keyboard. Sometimes this was ok, but the majority of the time, it was jerky and horrible. Konrad pointed out the Newton Camera Settings in Torque (Smooth Rotate) and I used it on this video. So, if you don't get sick while watching this video... its because of Konrad. Thanks Konrad, I think this one is much better (not perfect, but I am still learning). Additionally, I have learned much more about YouTube and uploading the best quality I can. So, this video looks amazing at 720p and I hope the final video looks closer to what I see with the full resolution version.
Thanks again for reading and all of your support.
Ron
Well, I am here to announce a new art asset pack. This one is a bit different from my usual stuff. The Fantasy Ruins Pack contains all buildings and ruins and is much more 'fantasy based' than anything I have done in the past. To show you, I have uploaded a short introduction video. So, enjoy the visuals and please keep in mind that I placed these models within the Conifer Forest Pack so that they had a good setting in which to show them off. I have used them in the Tropics Pack and even the Africa Pack and they work really good in all of them (Scale and such was important):
THE PREVIEW VIDEO:
.
.
DETAILS:
At this time I am about 33% complete with this pack. I have 10 complete models and it's looking like the final pack will contain between 25 and 30 models once final. With the depreciation of the .DIF format. I thought it would be prudent to release a model pack that shows buildings and structures that do not use .Dif. These models are all .dae with LOD and Collision meshes attached. I plan on creating a new video tutorial that explains how buildings are created using this format. Of course, the tutorial will be placed on my site and will be free for all to view.
WHAT ADDITIONAL STUFF ARE YOU PLANNING?
With this pack, I also plan on releasing some custom particle effects that work with the stock T3D particle engine. These will include some custom "magic flames", smoke, fire, and a few other effects that will help make your fantasy setting feel more real. There may be more additions as I progress and find the need for stuff. That's just the nature of building these packs, you find a need and fill it.
SO, WHEN CAN WE EXPECT THIS PACK TO HIT THE STORE?
Honestly, I am shooting for another 30 days to finalize and wrap this pack up. I have been working on this pack for about a week+ so far, and all is going well. I have 10 models complete and in order to fill out my personal wish list, I will need another 20 models with textures etc. With luck, I should have that complete in about 30 days. I play a lot of Skyrim and Elder Scrolls games so, I am challenging myself to reach a level close to that. Obviously, I am not quite there, but within a month I hope to be.
WHAT'S IT GONNA COST ME?
Since the number of models is rather low, I was planning on releasing this pack for $39.99 (US Dollars). This may change if I end up producing 50+ models and a bunch of extra stuff. I will let everyone know if I go way over projection but, trust me, I will make it worth more if it ends up being much more content. I'm an indie developer and I will always be one so I know how tuff it can be, money wise.
SO WHAT ELSE YOU GOT GOIN ON?
Well, I am in the middle of upgrading the Conifer Pack. *you can see some the minor changes in the video, if you look close*. I am also, working on T3D steering committee stuff. There are a number of really good things coming in the next release. Basically, for one guy, working out of his home office.... I am staying really really busy. (yes, it's just me modeling all of this stuff. Trisha, my wife handles the business end of things.) Anyway, to those that go to my website, I know I am VERY VERY behind on updates. I am sorry for this but, I will do an update soon. I owe you all a free model set or two as well as some new tutorials. Those will be coming soon. With that, I best get back to work.
Oh yeah, one other note, I want to thank Konrad Kiss for his feedback concerning my other videos. See, I was using the standard camera and just flying around with my keyboard. Sometimes this was ok, but the majority of the time, it was jerky and horrible. Konrad pointed out the Newton Camera Settings in Torque (Smooth Rotate) and I used it on this video. So, if you don't get sick while watching this video... its because of Konrad. Thanks Konrad, I think this one is much better (not perfect, but I am still learning). Additionally, I have learned much more about YouTube and uploading the best quality I can. So, this video looks amazing at 720p and I hope the final video looks closer to what I see with the full resolution version.
Thanks again for reading and all of your support.
Ron
About the author
Owner and Production Designer for 3td Studios.com. Publisher of a number of Asset Packs for T3D as well as an active (wish I could be more active) member of the Torque 3D Steering Committee.
#2
Not a bad idea. I could use them as skins. Thanks! I will give it a go.
Ron
02/11/2013 (5:01 pm)
Frank,Not a bad idea. I could use them as skins. Thanks! I will give it a go.
Ron
#3
02/11/2013 (8:15 pm)
Your stuff is always beautiful and top-notch. 
#4
There are kits for explosions and the like, but I haven't seen any for the more environmental style effects like falling leaves for trees/bushes, or relevant footpuffs for grass and the like.
Better smoke and fire effects will be welcome. Looking forward to seeing the kit.
Cheers
02/11/2013 (9:58 pm)
Hi Ron, looks good. Especially interested in the custom particle effects you mentioned. There are kits for explosions and the like, but I haven't seen any for the more environmental style effects like falling leaves for trees/bushes, or relevant footpuffs for grass and the like.
Better smoke and fire effects will be welcome. Looking forward to seeing the kit.
Cheers
#5
02/12/2013 (4:24 am)
fantastic! 
#6
Some models( the columnar ) could have a bit more polygons, so they looks more rounded. Maybe one more LOD level with more polygons for near view. But that is just my opinion :)
I really like the plants at top of the columnar. A idea for a ruin could be some thing with a cave.
Best wishes for this pack
02/12/2013 (4:41 am)
This ruins looking great! Some models( the columnar ) could have a bit more polygons, so they looks more rounded. Maybe one more LOD level with more polygons for near view. But that is just my opinion :)
I really like the plants at top of the columnar. A idea for a ruin could be some thing with a cave.
Best wishes for this pack
#7
02/12/2013 (6:09 am)
Nice work Ron, I'm very interested.
#8
I already have several particle systems for flying leaves and things like that and they are going to be included in this pack. I plan on mostly environmental effects since as you stated, there are several really good packs for explosions and such already.
@ Everyone,
Thanks! Glad you like the preview. The final will be adjusted of course but, this was just to let everyone peek at what I have done so far.
Ron
02/12/2013 (6:53 am)
@Joshua,I already have several particle systems for flying leaves and things like that and they are going to be included in this pack. I plan on mostly environmental effects since as you stated, there are several really good packs for explosions and such already.
@ Everyone,
Thanks! Glad you like the preview. The final will be adjusted of course but, this was just to let everyone peek at what I have done so far.
Ron
#9
02/12/2013 (8:42 am)
Great looking pack ron,is your tropical pack update uploaded yet i dont see it in my products page. 
#10
Something else to throw on your plate; We need some good rocks. You know, boulders, cave entrances, stalagmites and stalactites, that sort of thing. From 1 meter to about 10 meter sizes, probably 4 or 6 that can be scaled without looking funny.
I've been thinking of making modular cave pieces sized to T3D's 1m grid so that they can be "snapped" together in the editor....
02/12/2013 (10:03 am)
Looking good Ron! Are most of the columns and "rubble" pieces going to be separate?Something else to throw on your plate; We need some good rocks. You know, boulders, cave entrances, stalagmites and stalactites, that sort of thing. From 1 meter to about 10 meter sizes, probably 4 or 6 that can be scaled without looking funny.
I've been thinking of making modular cave pieces sized to T3D's 1m grid so that they can be "snapped" together in the editor....
#11
@Richard, Yes, there will be individual rubble pieces, along with a few larger set pieces. The plan is have the larger set pieces then break them up into individual parts. For example:
.
The individual stone columns will be exported as a separate model as will the hanging foliage etc. Similar to these:
.
.
.
.
So, you will have the 'hero' set pieces, and the elements that went into making them as separate elements. These and a few other elements will make up the entire pack. Overall, I am starting to warm up to expanding this one a bit already.... The rocks, stalagmites and stalactites each sound like a good match for this pack. I think you are the second person to mention 'cave elements', so I may do them. I would do a entire cave system, but I have not messed around with one as a .dts yet and I would need time to figure out a good way to lock a system together and make the collision reliably work. Not saying I can't do it...Just have not tried yet... ;-)
Ron
02/12/2013 (10:57 am)
@David, nope not yet. The guys at GG have been really busy with the T2D MIT launch so they are probably running a bit behind. I will try and find out an estimated time for the trop pack to be up. @Richard, Yes, there will be individual rubble pieces, along with a few larger set pieces. The plan is have the larger set pieces then break them up into individual parts. For example:
.The individual stone columns will be exported as a separate model as will the hanging foliage etc. Similar to these:
.
.
.
.
So, you will have the 'hero' set pieces, and the elements that went into making them as separate elements. These and a few other elements will make up the entire pack. Overall, I am starting to warm up to expanding this one a bit already.... The rocks, stalagmites and stalactites each sound like a good match for this pack. I think you are the second person to mention 'cave elements', so I may do them. I would do a entire cave system, but I have not messed around with one as a .dts yet and I would need time to figure out a good way to lock a system together and make the collision reliably work. Not saying I can't do it...Just have not tried yet... ;-)
Ron
#12
02/12/2013 (3:00 pm)
Cool stuff, Ron. Just bought your savannah pack too. 
#13
Good job ... looking forward to this one.
02/12/2013 (8:13 pm)
+1 ... I am buying this the moment it hits the stores. 8-}Good job ... looking forward to this one.
#14
Some of the ruin pieces look like they were brand new bricks just stacked then someone neatly unstacked a few instead of what's left of structures that have been left to ruin by the elements for years unknown.
Mostly the brick wall sections is where it's noticible. The layered hexagonicial step/altar structure looks a bit too hard cut as well.
All in all a great start, but with just a few improvements I feel it could be bumped up to a professional level.
02/13/2013 (2:37 pm)
Would have to second the idea of perhaps one more lod level, or at the very least rounding off a few more edges.Some of the ruin pieces look like they were brand new bricks just stacked then someone neatly unstacked a few instead of what's left of structures that have been left to ruin by the elements for years unknown.
Mostly the brick wall sections is where it's noticible. The layered hexagonicial step/altar structure looks a bit too hard cut as well.
All in all a great start, but with just a few improvements I feel it could be bumped up to a professional level.
#15
if am not mistaken u use Blender, therefore
u could just use the displace modifier and apply it (optional sculpt some roughness/ variety)
finally bake it onto the lowpoly model
that way u would get much better results especially since u can define the bake resolution and since u can use the texture of your model to displace.
at the end this is just a extra step...
its just a suggestion
anyways great work
02/13/2013 (3:02 pm)
@ Ron Kapaunif am not mistaken u use Blender, therefore
u could just use the displace modifier and apply it (optional sculpt some roughness/ variety)
finally bake it onto the lowpoly model
that way u would get much better results especially since u can define the bake resolution and since u can use the texture of your model to displace.
at the end this is just a extra step...
its just a suggestion
anyways great work
#16
02/13/2013 (6:26 pm)
Awsome yet another one I have to have :) 
#17
02/14/2013 (2:55 pm)
Nice stuff Ron, looks great in the environment!
#18
Agreed, many of the models and such will be a higher quality. I posted this as a 'test' to get feedback from everyone. So, thank you for the feed back! I need to 'age' the models and such MUCH more as well as refine the polys and such. This will happen. This is why things will take at least 30 more days :-) At the same time, poly/tri count, has always been a personal issue with me. I can model anything.... Not bragging, just putting it out there. Just as a note, I have NEVER released anything that is over 2000 polys, although I do have source models that are higher than that. I try to keep the final products universal.
For example, if someone wants to use these as placeholders for an MMO, the requirements are much lower (poly count wise) than someone making a single player game. Just take a minute to compare Skyrim with Elder Scrolls online. You can see what I am talking about. My original intent was to find a happy medium with all of my packs (thereby helping the most people and provide a good quality level overall). Thus, polycount does suffer a little bit. The other thing that I think gets lost in translation, 3TD Studios is really just me (as far as production, development, web stuff, etc. Trisha , my wife handles most of the business side of things to free me up to focus on products and models).
Yes, I alone model, texture, light and animate everything you see in the videos and packs. This is not an excuse, it's just something I wanted to make clear because I push a lot of polys out the door. In other words, I need a life.
I want to assure everyone that I listen to all of these posts, and I do my best to take the time to correct all that is pointed out. I rely on each and everyone of you for feedback on ways to improve. So thanks, I will do my best.
Ron
02/14/2013 (3:57 pm)
@All,Agreed, many of the models and such will be a higher quality. I posted this as a 'test' to get feedback from everyone. So, thank you for the feed back! I need to 'age' the models and such MUCH more as well as refine the polys and such. This will happen. This is why things will take at least 30 more days :-) At the same time, poly/tri count, has always been a personal issue with me. I can model anything.... Not bragging, just putting it out there. Just as a note, I have NEVER released anything that is over 2000 polys, although I do have source models that are higher than that. I try to keep the final products universal.
For example, if someone wants to use these as placeholders for an MMO, the requirements are much lower (poly count wise) than someone making a single player game. Just take a minute to compare Skyrim with Elder Scrolls online. You can see what I am talking about. My original intent was to find a happy medium with all of my packs (thereby helping the most people and provide a good quality level overall). Thus, polycount does suffer a little bit. The other thing that I think gets lost in translation, 3TD Studios is really just me (as far as production, development, web stuff, etc. Trisha , my wife handles most of the business side of things to free me up to focus on products and models).
Yes, I alone model, texture, light and animate everything you see in the videos and packs. This is not an excuse, it's just something I wanted to make clear because I push a lot of polys out the door. In other words, I need a life.
I want to assure everyone that I listen to all of these posts, and I do my best to take the time to correct all that is pointed out. I rely on each and everyone of you for feedback on ways to improve. So thanks, I will do my best.
Ron
#19
02/17/2013 (12:28 pm)
Do you do all the singing too? Almost as good as fellow Minnesota native Prince! lol Nice work as usual Ron. 
#20
02/18/2013 (3:45 pm)
when I watch the new video I was acutally pulled a Keanu and said "Whoa" out loud....Please do more fantasy themed packed I could use them in my project. 
Torque Owner Demolishun
DemolishunConsulting Rocks!
If you are doing ruins are you going to have textures for the ruins for when they looked new? The reason is some areas/ruins may get restored by people at a later date. It could also make it so that you can show phases in the game of things new then later destroyed/aged.