Creating computer or video games, a simple explanation.

 

Muscles and Bones

 

First you create the muscle and bones of the animation. The muscles in humans are generally the same color all over. They outline the shape of the individual. The 3D modeling terminology of the muscles is called the mesh. The mesh is a colorless, transparent frame drawn over a grid. The next step is to create the bones inside the muscles. In 3D terminology this is actually called adding bones to a model. The bones and the joints they are attached to, make it easier for us to animate the character. It is also possible to animate a character using the muscles or mesh. This is more like real motion where the muscles move bone. However, this method of animation requires more time and processing power from the computer. Can you image trying to manipulate hundreds of individual muscles to move someone instead of just moving a couple of bones? The most important thing to know about your software is; does it create a model compatible with the software you’re using to make your game or animation? They usually have a list of different formats they can save a character in. The good news is that all you have to do is create a character once and you can save it in different formats for different software. Here are some popular software to create the mesh and bones.

           

3DS max          Maya               Blender            Lightwave         Milkshape        Sketchup pro

 

 

Ulead               Truespace