GSP 261 Week 4 Update

With my character completed, it was time to port it to Unreal Engine 4. Because of its simplistic low polygon count, it imported with no issues except from scaling. I had to scale it in order to get a proper proportion against the vehicle. Once I had my scale to where I wanted, I started to do some research on how to animate the meshes. That’s what I will be working on for the time being.

GSP 261 Week 4 Update

With the base model of my character complete, it’s time to create textures to fill him out. I went with a camouflage pattern for the character’s outfit to include black “boots.” For the face I decided to create something along the line of Minecraft because of the “blockiness” of the head. I am truly amazed on what talented people can create utilizing these tools.

GSP 261 Week 4 Update

I started off a little late this week than when I would have wanted to; however, after what I thought was a fairly successful week, I g0t to jump back on and take a stab on creating a 3D model character. A review of the lab instructions seem straightforward however it was still a little challenge creating this “simple” character.

GSP 261 Week 3 Update

What a week so far! I was able to complete the iLab and thought I was almost completed with this week’s portion of the project. Man was I wrong! If I learned anything this week it’s that you really have to take your time with your models! If you mess something up early on, it could cost you hours of time trying to fix it. That is essentially what happened to me these last two days.

GSP 261 Week 3 Update

Before I jumped off the cliff and started modifying my vehicle’s uvw map, I thought it best to complete the iLab and ensure I have a handle of the process. At first I was completely lost and thought that this week’s task was a little too much, and after the trouble I had with my first model, a simple table, I confirmed my thought. However, after going over the documentation and tutorials, I think I have a basic understanding of the process and created some solid uvw maps. 

GSP 261 Week 3 Update

This week I took a step forward and started creating my vehicle in 3DS Max. From the beginning of the project, my appreciation for artists grew even more. I started by creating two planes in which I added a bitmap of the vehicle I drew last week. From there I was able to have a visual guide to help me when I started off. I created a basic box primitive and started sculpting the box into a rough image of the truck.

GSP 261 Week 2

I started this week off with the required reading assignments. Luckily I started diving into the 3DS Max tutorials and manuals early last week has there is a strict learning curve to using the software competently. I was able to complete a simple animation tutorial as well as an artistic building.

GSP 261 Week 1 Overview

So here we are on Jan 3^rd, the holidays a fresh memory and classes starting on the fourth. I don’t really know what to expect from GSP 261 but the requirement is to keep a running journal of your progress, so here goes nothing.

Virtuals Worlds can be Worth the Time

Online gaming has been on the rise of late and I for one am happy for it.  The fact that virtual worlds are enabling people to get together in different ways is beneficial to just about anyone however more so for shy individuals with social anxieties.  I believe that most shy gamers prefer online social interactions over real life situations, use online social environments to establish and maintain relationships, and that the creation of such environments should not be taboo because of any social stigmas that are present.  Online virtual worlds are enabling shy individuals, such as me, to socialize who would otherwise shy away from any social interactions that would lead them towards isolation.

Net Neutrality

The debate on net neutrality in the U.S. has been escalating after a U.S. Court of Appeals overturned a regulation put in place by the FCC on January 14^th.  An upcoming decision will have lasting effects on the internet as we know it today and will do more than just affect our internet service bill.  The FCC must approve a net neutrality regulation because the repercussions of continuing without a regulation will turn the internet into a private network controlled by internet service providers (ISPs), affecting our freedoms of speech and information.