Vote for your 3d package

#21 I'm a Max user.
I use Milkshape for model conversions.
I use GTKRadiant/Quark for CSG.
I use the Gimp/Paint 2.0 (my Paint shop Pro is pirate, I hardly ever used it so I didn't see why I should buy it)
I use an Electric Oven for making pizzas, A stove top for Boiling Pasta, and a Deep Frier for the Chips. Then we get together and have an Italian Food Party!

#22 @Mincetro

:)

#23 I'm just trying to get an idea of what 3d packages people want supported in content packs. I'd like to support them all obviously - if anyone can supply workflows / pipelines from one package to another that would ultimately speed up development. I have one such workflow from Evi for Max to fragMotion to Milkshape.

I just wanted percentages, but it would seem like the dominant software is Lightwave - I guess it's because it's Lightwave is cheaper than Max?

So based on the poll so far, I will endeavour to support, LW, Max, Milkshape first then Blender, Gamespace and blender second.

#24 Lightwave for teh win!

#25 MAYA !!!! and why hasn't anybody mentioned Zbrush?? I don't care what your main program is, Zbrush is the best modeler, is great for texturing and is worth it just for the awesome normal mapping abilities. I know Max, Maya, and Blender (probably Ligthwave too??) can make normal maps, but Zbrush is far superior in this arena.

BTW, does Torque support Anim8or, Carrara, or Hexagon 2?? I didn't know there was any support, just curious.

Lol, Mincetro....mmmm, Italian food....

#26 Lightwave for me too.
I use also use Vue for landscape starting points.
I've also own Hexagon 2, I just don't use it for Torque since it doesn't have the model exporter like LW.

Given the shear number of LW users, it would be great if there was even more support for doing things in LW.

Anguel: No. Although you can export the model to a format that can be loaded by one of the supported exporters. So because I own Lightwave, I could export from Hexagon 2 to LW, and then export from LW to Torque.

According to my count, the tally is currently:
%: Software : #users
45%: Lightwave: 9
30%: Milkshape: 6
15%: Hexagon 2.0: 3
10% each: TrueSpace, Anim8or, Max, & Maya: 2

#27 Well I will certainly be developing resources and content packs for Lightwaves user - don't worry about that :)

#28 Milkshape for me

#29 @Andy
I think that might have something to do with it when it comes to new users, but for me, I use LW because I've used it for a long time and have a spiffy maxed out G5 that we use for film editing and compositing. I needed a Mac 3D app so Max was out. If I had worked more with Maya, I would have most likely chosen it over LW. But I like LW, I know LW. I just wish I were a better artist. I'm a good example of a functional user, just like the fact that anyone can learn to draw. Anyone can learn a 3D app. But it takes an artist to make the tool create works of art.

EDIT:
And I know there are a large number of Max and Maya users here. It might be a good idea to contact Spencer to see how the Adam pack has sold for him since it is Max specific.

@Rex
I didn't think you were throwing stones. I just answered your question as to my software licenses. Since I make software for a living, I have a certain fealty to the idea of companies making money on the software that they produce. Especially with so many free alternatives out there, the old line sounds pretty damn lame (it sounded lame back in the day, but I could understand it more then than I do now): "but it's so expensive...maybe I can just pirate and learn it and then pay for it later...(three years later)...where's the torrent for the new version of Max? Oh and the crack site I used to go to seems to have shut down. Where can I get that...I just want to learn it..."

#30 Interesting that none of the main Max and Maya users in this community have responded to this thread. There are a ton of them out there. Guess they're too busy getting work done. :P

(This Maya user being the exception. I'm such a slacker. Hehehe...)

#31 Lightwave - Primary
Milkshape - Secondary

#32 It is quite interesting to see how few Max users have chimed in... but you can count me as one more, I am addicted to the modifier stack like a junkie's addicted to crack. heh.

#33 It's the Mesh modifiers that got me too ;)

#34 Yeah, its strange only some of the max people have spoken up. Maybe most of them are commercial Torquians?

#35 I use:

Anim8or(my first 3d modelling program)
Blender
GameSpaceLight

Yep, I am cheap. All of them are free.

I think I am gonna buy Milkshape though...Nice and cheap...:D

-Okashira

#36 @Okashira - are there DTS exporters for all these packages?

#37 I'm moving out of TrueSpace/GamesSpace, and into Lightwave. I've used Paint Shop Pro for awhile now (upgraded to X this January), but will be moving into PhotoShop when I can plop down the $600. I use Ultimate Unwrap for all my UV Mapping. I have Milkshape around for those times when nothing else will convert correctly (I use it to convert to .DTS right now).

I bought 3DWStudio awhile ago, but I will definately be getting Constructor when it comes out.

I found that Gamespace/TrueSpace was a good stepping stone for me while learning 3D. I took to Paint Shop Pro right away as well (I've used it's Animation Shop for a 2D game we've got coming). Once I establish my Pipeline with LW->UU3D->PhotoShop for my models, and 3DWS/Constructor for the levels; I should be good to go. I don't see any reason in moving into 3DS Max at this time.

-Keith

#38 EDIT: @Andy
Anim8or - no DTS exporter
Blender - Good DTS exporter, from what I understand.
GameSpace Lite - Plug-ins (and therefore the exporters) do not work, I believe.

#39 Lightwave

#40 Currently trying to learn Blender