The latest Game Production task has been to model 2 different species of tree. Initially I didn't enjoy the task because I very much enjoy the modelling aspect of 3D and I felt trees didn't allow for much creativity and exploration in this area. However I was wrong and I found enjoyment in researching the many different processes people use to create foliage in games. Here is what I ended up with.
While I prefer the small tree, I'm very happy with both of them. The budget for these assets was 1000 triangles and 1 256 x 256 texture sheet. I was concerned that the texture budget was not enough to create adequate natural variation so I decided to build my canopy with 2 different triangular cruciform planes. Through a conversation with my tutor I also learned about padding and I created a script in Photoshop to generate it automatically in the future.
Large, Low Poly Tree 256 x 256 Texture sheet.
The Large tree had a lot of colour variation and the size increased the importance of the canopy looking good from underneath. I decided to have 1 triangle be a 'silhouette branch' (top, left) and the other be a 'bulk branch' (bottom, right). The silhouette cruciform was used to define the shape of the canopy in the early stages. As it would be less visible when the player is up close, I designed it with a preference to being viewed from the side. The bulk cruciform formed the greener interior of the canopy. Primarily visible up close and underneath the tree, the branch was designed with a preference to being viewed as such. Because this method of modelling trees is extremely efficient, for the first time I did not feel at all restricted by the tri budget. I was extremely pleased with my small tree, completed in three quarters of the budget and overall I feel this project went very well.
In Visual Design, I've been focusing on rendering and varied lighting which is currently one of my weaker areas. We visited Leicester pumping station and the Space Centre which was very interesting. I very much enjoy being encouraged to explore different parts of Leicester through drawing on location and going to places that I wouldn't otherwise take the time to visit.
Still Life, Objects on my desk.
Machinery at Dusk, Leicester Pumping Station.
Astronaut, Leicester Space Centre.
I am particularly happy that I have explored 3 very different scenes in terms of environment and lighting for my final pieces. I will continue to vary my finals as much as possible to develop my skills and identify areas for improvement.
Looking at the final outcomes, I feel I need to take care not to neglect fundamental elements like composition, tone and line weight so I will focus on that in future projects. This was confirmed by the feedback I received in my formal assessment which was invaluable in helping me set targets for the next term.
I haven't updated in a while, it seems I've gotten a little distracted so in the new year I will set a regular posting schedule. More goals for the next term are to better manage my time, work more efficiently and overhaul my presentation style. It's going to be a busy second term! For now though I really should start packing. I wish you all a very happy holidays and great new year. See you in 2014.
Looking at the final outcomes, I feel I need to take care not to neglect fundamental elements like composition, tone and line weight so I will focus on that in future projects. This was confirmed by the feedback I received in my formal assessment which was invaluable in helping me set targets for the next term.
I haven't updated in a while, it seems I've gotten a little distracted so in the new year I will set a regular posting schedule. More goals for the next term are to better manage my time, work more efficiently and overhaul my presentation style. It's going to be a busy second term! For now though I really should start packing. I wish you all a very happy holidays and great new year. See you in 2014.
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