3D Development software

3D development software can be used for developing 3D graphics for such purposes as Video game models and environments, animation and architectural walk-throughs

Here are some examples of 3D development software and their uses.

3DStudioMax

3D studio max is for modelling, animation, rendering and compositing. 3D studio max is most commonly used for producing animation and computer games. The video game industry uses 3DStudioMax to create assets for video games including 3D models of characters, environments and objects.

This is an screen shot from the online video game War hammer that was developed using the 3D development software 3D Studio Max. Every angle of every scene in this video game had to be generated using 3DSMax software. The example labels the assets that were made using 3DsMax and include 3D objects (weapons in this example). 3D character models (playable characters and enemies) and 3D environments (everything that surrounds the characters, including the buildings, ground etc.) 3DSMax was used to create, texture and render the 3D models in the example above.

Maya

Maya is an application used to generate 3D assets for use in film, television, game development and architecture. Maya is used mainly for special effects in movies and modeling objects and characters in video games. In addition to 3D, Maya is also used for matte painting for backgrounds in digital work. Maya has been used for many films that have received academy awards for their visual effects because the films artists have use Maya such as the film “the case of Benjamin button” that received an academy award for the ageing effects that were created using Maya.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Star Wars, Episode II: Attack of the Clones and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Gladiator, The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Hulk, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and king Kong all had effects created by Maya.

Here is a screen shot from the film the chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The film used Maya to create its special effects. Maya was used to create the effects for many of the talking animals in the film such as the 3D wolves, foxes and beavers. Maya was used to animate these 3D characters to move, speak and interact with actors and live action animals throughout the film. The beaver character shown in the example was crafted using the 3D development software Maya, this example shows the 3D character alongside live actors.

Lightwave

Lightwave is a software program used for rendering animated and static images. Lightwave has advanced features such as reflection and refraction, radiosity and caustics. The animated film “Jimmy neutron- boy genius was made entirely using lightwave software.

This is an example of how the 3D development software Lightwave can be used. This particular image shows the lightwave software in action as it shows an example from an animated film that was made using the Lightwave software. The film in the example Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius was made in its entirety with Lightwave. Everything from the 3D models of characters to the background, The animation was even rendered in Lightwave.

AutoCad

AutoCAD is a computer aided design program used for 2D and 3D design and drafting. AutoCAD software is used by architects, CAD technicians, designers, engineers, project managers, in a variety of industries, including the manufacturing, building, civil, and mapping industries. AutoCAD Software is popular for creating and making architectural visualisations and walkthroughs.

This example illustrates how the AutoCAD software can be used. In this particular example AutoCAD has been used by architectural company. The artist has used The AutoCAD software to create 3D models of buildings that make up a city and has placed a 3D model of a potential future building in the location it may be built. This provides architects with an accurate architectural visualisation of how the building will look if it is built.

Cinema4d

Cinema 4d is a modelling animation and rendering package used for creating advanced 3d graphics. Cinema4D has unique features such as 3D texture painting and motion graphics and has been widely used by the film making industry because of its ability to create stunning visual effects.

The uses of Cinema4D in industry include a number of films that have been made with the help of the Cinema4D the golden compass, surfs up, war of the worlds and the polar express.

This is a screen shot from the film “surfs up” which was created with the help of Cinema4Ds 3D texture painting to create its lush environments and details on the characters such as feathers on the penguins. The example above shows the level of detail that can be achieved using Cinema4D.

Softimage/XSI

Softimage/XSI is a 3D computer graphics application designed for producing 3D computer graphics, 3D modelling and computer animation. Softimage/XSI is predominantly used for creating computer generated characters, objects and environments in the film, video game and advertising industries. Softimage/XSI has been used for games development in games such as metal gear solid 3 and 4, devil may cry 4, resident evil 4 and 5 and final fantasy XIII to name a few. Softimage/XSI has been used in numerous film and television productions which include 300, charlottes web and transformers as well as advertising in the coca-cola and M&Ms commercials.

This image demonstrates how the 3D development software Softimage/XSI can be used. This particular example shows a video game cinematic in progress and shows the computer generated characters, objects and environments that are being made using Softimage/XSI. The 3D characters in this example have also been animated using Softimage/XSI.