Maya for Games

Well-known Maya professional, Michael Ingrassia, takes readers through his unique style of modeling: "Image Based Modeling". Ingrassia's techniques allow modelers to create exact replicas of objects or objects. The techniques presented are very efficient and allow game modelers.

Presented are tried and tested in the game for the past 10 years. Most, if not all 3D books, focus on the basic "box" modeling techniques, which are the basis for proper 3D modeling, but not the complete solution. In the author's experience, students who have learned through the Image Based modeling, have quickly excelled into effective models.

One of the hardest things for any modeler to do is match their model EXACTLY to the concept art or photos they are provided. The insider tips in this book. Artists begin with basic modeling and game level. Rather than including sporadic models with an integral part of the game.

The accompanying DVD includes 8 exclusive video tutorials on advanced. Maya techniques as promissory modeling, rigging and texturing samples. Also, an in-depth video on assembling a "Killer Demo Reel" showing how to get to work. The book not only teaches effective methodology, but it provides the user with impressive content for the effective demo reels and portfolios. Pros and cons of demo reel, website and artist. The video tutorials. Step by step. Creation of that particular technique.

--Author Ingrassia is a veteran artist and instructor (Senior Artist for several XBox game projects; and Senior Maya Instructor for Escape Studios in London, with the game credits Shadowrun (2007), Azurik: Rise of Perathia (2001), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001), Electronic Arts, Inc.) He provides insider, tips, and tricks to learn about the cutting-edge modeling and texturing techniques.

- The latest Next-Gen modeling techniques combined with the "tried and true" process give the ground running with professional results. + DVD with bonus videos on advanced modeling techniques.

--Game Industry professionals speak about their experience in the game industry (how they are in the game industry).

--Coverage of Autodesk's newly acquired MUDBOX software, so that artists can quickly and effectively use the tools. (Ingrassia has been working with Mudbox for years - he recently gave a lecture at the Prague festival.



Maya Modeling and Texturing for Games

Next-Gen Techniques of the Pros

Overview of what you'll learn

Basic and Advanced techniques of game modeling in Maya:
Weapons / Characters / Buildings / Vehicles / Terrain

1. Project One- Modeling and Browning WWI Rifle with bayonet

2. Project Two- Modeling and Soupwith Camel Biplane

3. Project Three- Modeling a blown out building from 3/4 view concept art

* Industry Pro-File: John Smith- Senior Modeler, FASA Studios- Microsoft Game Studios

4. Project Four- Modeling and British B-VII Tank

5. Project Five- Modeling realistic WWI barracks

6. Project Six- Modeling realistic WWI (doughboy) soldier body

* Industry Pro-File: Luke Skywalker- Texture Artist, WXP Game Studios

7. Project Seven-Modeling and Realistic Head and Hands

8. UV Layout- Preparing mesh for texturing

9. Texture Painting- Technique I: Color Map Creation

* Industry Pro-File: Indiana Jones- Character Modeler, Bungie Studios- Microsoft Game Studios

10. Texture Painting- Technique II: Normal, Occlusion and Displacement Map Creation

11. Digital Sculpture- Next-Gen techniques with Digital Sculpting

12. Creating the Killer Demo Reel- Getting a Job in Games!

* Industry Pro-File: Michael Ingrassia- Senior Modeler / Maya Instructor, Microsoft Game Studios

** Plus 10 Bonus lessons on the DVD:

DVD Videos Content:

Rigging the soldier for posing

Creating and animating an impressive model turntable

Lighting a set design

3point Lighting a model

Facial blend shape basics

Advance facial blends using Mudbox

Animating the Sopwith Camel biplane

Animating the plane using a curve path

* Creating the Killer Demo Reel-Contains a basic and polished version

* Cinematic trailer created with all the book's models

* All meshes and texture maps of the final models