Current Gen 3D Game Prop Production

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/3d-game-prop-production

Introduction

**Course Review: Current Gen 3D Game Prop Production on Coursera** In the rapidly evolving world of video game design, developing high-quality assets is crucial for creating immersive experiences. The "Current Gen 3D Game Prop Production" course on Coursera is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring 3D artists who wish to enhance their skills in game asset production, focusing on both artistic and technical aspects of the craft. ### Course Overview This course is designed for individuals who already possess fundamental knowledge in 3D modeling and game art but are seeking to refine their expertise with advanced techniques. Over six weeks, students will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that takes them from conceptualization to the final presentation of a photo-real game prop. The course utilizes industry-standard software including Maya, Zbrush, Marmoset, and Substance Painter, providing learners with practical hands-on experience. ### Week-by-Week Breakdown 1. **Week 1: Blocking-In Model** The course kicks off with the fundamentals of object selection, where students gather reference materials and create a rough block-in of their chosen model. This essential step sets the groundwork for more detailed work ahead, allowing students to familiarize themselves with their subject. 2. **Week 2: Mid-Poly Block-In Model** In this module, participants develop a mid-poly model that captures the form of the object accurately. This stage challenges students to focus on creating a viable mesh that serves as a precursor for the further detailed high and low poly models. 3. **Week 3: High-Poly Model** Here, students elevate their models to high polygon counts using subdivision modeling techniques. Although the high-poly model won't undergo UV unwrapping, its development is crucial for generating texture maps later in the course. 4. **Week 4: Low-Poly Model** The focus shifts to optimizing the model by reducing its geometry while retaining the silhouette. This is a vital skill for game asset production, as game engines require low-poly versions for performance efficiency. 5. **Week 5: PBR Texturing** This week highlights the power of texture maps in realizing the photo-real stakes of the game model. Using Substance Painter, students will add color, detail, and materials to make their low-poly creations stand out, transforming them into lifelike assets. 6. **Week 6: Final Project and Presentation** In the concluding week, students revisit their work, applying feedback to refine their models into a polished, portfolio-ready piece. This final project not only showcases their skills but also emphasizes the iterative nature of the production process. ### Learning Experience Throughout the course, learners benefit from instructional videos, practical assignments, and community interactions that foster collaboration and feedback. The structured, progressive approach taken in each week makes the learning experience manageable and rewarding. Students will gain a robust understanding of the entire pipeline for 3D game asset production, which is invaluable for those preparing for a career in game design. ### Recommendation I highly recommend the "Current Gen 3D Game Prop Production" course for anyone looking to enhance their 3D modeling skills, especially those interested in careers in the gaming industry. The blend of technical proficiency and artistic development offered in this course makes it a standout choice. Additionally, the use of current industry software prepares students for real-world application and increases their marketability. In conclusion, if you are looking to advance your skills in creating high-quality game props, look no further. Enroll in this course on Coursera today and take a significant step toward realizing your potential as a 3D game artist!

Syllabus

Week 1: Blocking-In Model

To start the project we will choose an object to model, gather reference, and create a initial, rough block-in of the model. The goal is to understand as much about the object as we can before we start modeling. This will likely be the lightest workload of the course, so make sure to take the extra time to check over the essentials module and make sure you have mastered the skills covered there. Later weeks will be much more time-consuming.

In this module you will work to create the form of your model. This mid-poly block-in will not be textured, nor smoothed into a high resolution model. The goal is to create a mesh that is accurate to your reference that can become the starting point for your high and low poly models. This is often the most challenging part of the process.

In this module you will take the low poly block in and generate a high polygon mesh that is accurate to the real world model as possible. We will be using a combination of sub division modeling and . The sky is the limit with poly counts, this model will never be UV unwrapped, it will just be used to generate texture maps for the game-ready version.

In this module you will take the mid-poly model from week 2 and reduce the geometry. This is the model we will be UV unwrapping and baking maps to. The goal for this model is to still achieve the silhouette of our object while using fewer vertices than the mid or high poly model.

In this module you will take your low-poly model and add back the missing detail from the high-poly by baking texture maps. You will also use Substance Painter to add color, material, and micro-details not present in the high poly. This is where the model will start to become photo-real. The goal here is to take a well crafted model and use texture maps to bring it to life.

This last week is set aside for you to spend more time polishing you model and going back to fix any issues that might have popped up during production. Often you will get to the end of a project and realize there were things you should have approached differently. Taking the feedback you received from the previous week's project, resubmit a final, portfolio ready version of your work. Our goal is to finish the course with the best possible looking final result.