Which 3D software used for GT5 ?

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dynasty_dennis

dynasty_dennis

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Hi,

I was curious whether anybody knows which 3D software PD uses, in order to do the 3D modelling of the objects (e.g. cars, race tracks, etc.) and the 3D animation (e.g. car physics; impact of wheather, track surface, etc. on car physics; dynamic wheather; etc.) in GT5.

I am asking this because I also do 3D modelling and animation just for fun in my free time using software like Cinema 4D and 3D Studio Max which are also used for professional gaming design.
 
That's actually a good question. I'd be curious to know as well. PD obviously have incredibly detailed models made of the premium cars if you look at the ones in phototravel mode. A lot of game companies and movie companies develop original software. When using existing software I had the impression that game devs like 3d studio and movie/tv people use Lightwave. This is just what I've heard. I know Lucas' studio have created their own CGI programs from scratch. I guess they'd have to since ILM are technically the ones that set the bar in the first place. lol.
 
maya or max imo, but any 3d modeling app can produce highly detailed models, it all depends on how much time you want to put in
 
Game developers tend to like Max, but usually use some sort of bespoke software. I doubt the cars are laser scanned. A good modeler could build those cars with good reference materials. It's possible that the manufacturers might provide CATIA, or other engineering data, but it's more likely they were built without.
 
invader67
Game developers tend to like Max, but usually use some sort of bespoke software. I doubt the cars are laser scanned. A good modeler could build those cars with good reference materials. It's possible that the manufacturers might provide CATIA, or other engineering data, but it's more likely they were built without.
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In some cases manufacturers provide their own 3D mesh data that is the converted by the game company.

In other cases the game company DOES laser scan the cars (some great articles showing this at the Forza forums and elsewhere.... maybe even here).

I doubt that there are many companies who trust "eye" resolution any more when it comes to boasting the most accurate models.

In terms of implementing in-game renders; game companies tend to use their own bespoke software and use an MD5-type algorithm to code the raw 3D data in an attempt to stop people from reverse engineering the files. This doesn't hold the wolves at bay forever, of course.
 
TenEightyOne
In some cases manufacturers provide their own 3D mesh data that is the converted by the game company.
Click to expand...
Seems very likely. I know that current slot car manufacturers are getting original AutoCad files from car manufacturers so they can get the bodies right in 1:32 scale. It seems to be in the best interest of the car company to let the toy/game maker get the car right. In the end, it's better content for us and better advertising for them.

For cars that were made without the benefit of AutoCad, 3D scanning is a good alternative and much easier to do these days.
 
Thanks for the replies so far.

- Cool, that's interesting to know that PD developed its own software ! Maybe they should make it purchasable, so we can create our own cars/cars by ourselves :lol: !

- Yes, I know and read that a lot of those big and popular computer/video games were developed e.g. with the Autodesk products like 3D Studio Max or Maya.

- Yes, I remember I read somewhere (maybe here at GTPLANET) that the car manufacturers sometimes provide the CAD files to PD, so PD just needs to convert them to their file format and make small adjustments. This way the cars look as original as possible.

- By the way, I remember that I read somewhere that PD used 500,000(!) polygons to model each car (or at least the premium ones) ! No wonder they look so realistic !

- Talking about laser scans: How does it work ? Is there a big machine with a laser and they move the machine/laser around the car to scan it ? If yes, what about the laser scanning of race tracks ? I read that original tracks like Nürburgring were scanned with a laser but how is this supposed to be like ? Like they use a UFO, jet or helicopter with a laser and fly around the track :lol: ?

- Last but not least: It's really fascinating and impressive to see how great and detailed PD modelled the cars (both exterior and interior), especially if you are familiar with 3D modelling :) ! I'm talking about not only the modelling but also the textures ! When I do 3D modelling with Cinema 4D or 3D Studio Max, I love to play around with textures because they make the objects look so realistic, especially if you consider the interactions with the lighting ! I usually love to use reflecting (e.g. chrome) or transparent (e.g. glass) textures because it just looks f...ing cool :) !
 
dynasty_dennis
- Talking about laser scans: How does it work ? Is there a big machine with a laser and they move the machine/laser around the car to scan it ? If yes, what about the laser scanning of race tracks ? I read that original tracks like Nürburgring were scanned with a laser but how is this supposed to be like ?
Click to expand...

There's a video at Forzamotorsport.net that introduces the Veyron and shows one being scanned (link - if this doesn't show the video directly choose the Forza Motorsport 3 category and scroll down to see the Veyron).

The cars are covered with long strips of vinyl that effectively make a visible mesh over the car and then each point of the mesh is mapped. The more polygons you want then the tighter the mesh.

For track laser mapping this is done at ground level using 3D positioning devices tracked from a central point (or a number of points).
 
TenEightyOne
There's a video at Forzamotorsport.net that introduces the Veyron and shows one being scanned (link - if this doesn't show the video directly choose the Forza Motorsport 3 category and scroll down to see the Veyron).

The cars are covered with long strips of vinyl that effectively make a visible mesh over the car and then each point of the mesh is mapped. The more polygons you want then the tighter the mesh.

For track laser mapping this is done at ground level using 3D positioning devices tracked from a central point (or a number of points).
Click to expand...

Ah, very interesting ! Thanks for the info TenEightyOne :) !
 

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