I just downloaded Blender recently for the first time. Definitely way different to 3ds Max, but I've been looking at some video tutorials and it seems pretty damn good for freeware model software. I've always used 3ds Max and found it does almost anything you'd want, and I find the maxscript language very comfortable to code in. The language is a big thing, as I can whip up code pretty quickly in it.
The downside: 3ds Max is expensive and is mammoth in size for people grabbing the trial version. This alienates alot of people from having access to the software. It frustrates me that the plugins being native to 3ds Max forces people to have access to the program which they may not be able to have. Ideally I would prefer to use a stand alone editor for importing and exporting Starcraft II models, but I do not have the capabilities to code such a program and even if it were possible, it would be extremely primitive compared to well developed modelling software.
So here's what I want to know. Do you think I should code the plugins in Blender instead of 3ds Max due to Blender being freeware and relatively advanced modelling software? Before you scream your approval, keep in mind a few things. I'm only one man, and the 3ds Max plugins have alot of momentum. Converting to python will hinder me considerably and thus all future plugin releases will consequently be delayed. Blender also may not support some of the cool things like custom materials and such which I rely on heavily in 3ds Max, but Blender may also allow me to do better things (like render more M3 effects) than 3ds Max. I don't know the software well enough yet.
I may or may not change to Blender depending on your opinions, but I'd like to hear the fors and againsts for the idea. Thank you all for your time on the matter.
I am in favour of also benefitting other people that don't have 3ds max but I don't want the cost to be you either delaying your future updates or working twice as much (porting it to python, figuring out things in blender).
Indeed blender is an awesome tool but I think you should finish up the plug ins that "bit more" you always wanted in what you currently know (3ds max).
I'm all for Blender plugins, because it is a free tool, and Ive found I can model something much quicker in Blender then I could ever in 3ds max.
Also if we follow the same trail as WC3, Blizzard may eventually release their export plugin for whichever modelling software they used in-house, probably still 3ds Max, but won't do something for the more accessible Blender.
Personally I think sticking with 3ds max is the best option at the moment. I'm not a native Max user, so don't get me wrong. I just feel it'd be better to focus on getting the 3DS exporter fully functional, then working in other exporters after once kinks are sorted out. I think this would help down the road as well.
I think you should focus on 3ds max until the plugins are "complete" and then decide what you want to do next. Especially for someone as strapped for time as you are, I don't feel you should be considering something this massive at this point in time. Also, I despise Blender. :P
Go with Blender! Blizzard themselves will probably release an art tools pack for Max eventually, the ones they used, but I can't see them going out of their way to make tools for Blender.
I am also going to say that the tools from Blizzard might be missing a few things that some of us would need or something, anyways supporting both would be totally cool. If you wanted NiNtoxicated01, I am rather decent with Python and I can help you out. I was working with some people on taking Ghost++ for WC3 and adding Python Extension ability to it.
Would it be too much to ask that both are worked on?
As I understand it, once the plugin for 3ds max is finished once it is finished, unless a new version of 3ds max is released which may make it dysfunctional.
However, if you wait a couple weeks we can see if there will truly be a converter for 3ds max included with the retail version of StarCraft II, as was with WarCraft III and an archaic version of 3ds max.
The art tools didn't come until after Frozen Throne was released. It was released very late compared to community-made exporters like DEX, which was readily available before then.
Right now we have a working exporter, and I somehow doubt Blizzard will release art tools until a ways into the release of the game. It won't be as readily available as the Editor is.
You could export from Max to Blender to Starcraft 2, but to export from Blender to Max to Starcraft 2, you'd have to have 3ds max... not everyone does... But EVERYONE can get Blender, it's free software.
I've waiten so long for a blender plugin! I really would like a m3-Plugin! Sadly blender is the only good 3d software i'm able to use... (damn 3DMax & Cinema4D are so expensive...).
I just downloaded Blender recently for the first time. Definitely way different to 3ds Max, but I've been looking at some video tutorials and it seems pretty damn good for freeware model software. I've always used 3ds Max and found it does almost anything you'd want, and I find the maxscript language very comfortable to code in. The language is a big thing, as I can whip up code pretty quickly in it.
The downside: 3ds Max is expensive and is mammoth in size for people grabbing the trial version. This alienates alot of people from having access to the software. It frustrates me that the plugins being native to 3ds Max forces people to have access to the program which they may not be able to have. Ideally I would prefer to use a stand alone editor for importing and exporting Starcraft II models, but I do not have the capabilities to code such a program and even if it were possible, it would be extremely primitive compared to well developed modelling software.
So here's what I want to know. Do you think I should code the plugins in Blender instead of 3ds Max due to Blender being freeware and relatively advanced modelling software? Before you scream your approval, keep in mind a few things. I'm only one man, and the 3ds Max plugins have alot of momentum. Converting to python will hinder me considerably and thus all future plugin releases will consequently be delayed. Blender also may not support some of the cool things like custom materials and such which I rely on heavily in 3ds Max, but Blender may also allow me to do better things (like render more M3 effects) than 3ds Max. I don't know the software well enough yet.
I may or may not change to Blender depending on your opinions, but I'd like to hear the fors and againsts for the idea. Thank you all for your time on the matter.
Cheers,
NiN
I am in favour of also benefitting other people that don't have 3ds max but I don't want the cost to be you either delaying your future updates or working twice as much (porting it to python, figuring out things in blender).
Indeed blender is an awesome tool but I think you should finish up the plug ins that "bit more" you always wanted in what you currently know (3ds max).
Bottom line, stick with 3ds max a bit more.
I'm all for making a plugin for an inexpensive product (and one that'll actually install).
I'm all for Blender plugins, because it is a free tool, and Ive found I can model something much quicker in Blender then I could ever in 3ds max.
Also if we follow the same trail as WC3, Blizzard may eventually release their export plugin for whichever modelling software they used in-house, probably still 3ds Max, but won't do something for the more accessible Blender.
Just my thoughts.
Personally I think sticking with 3ds max is the best option at the moment. I'm not a native Max user, so don't get me wrong. I just feel it'd be better to focus on getting the 3DS exporter fully functional, then working in other exporters after once kinks are sorted out. I think this would help down the road as well.
I'm all for blender because most people will not be able to get 3ds max, so for the benefit of more people id say make it for blender :D
I'm 3dsmax user, but if you want to support blender users I am with you. Even if that will delay updates for 3dsmax users.
i use(ed) blender,it is very good for a freeware software, and i really would like a plugin to make sc2 modeling!
I think you should focus on 3ds max until the plugins are "complete" and then decide what you want to do next. Especially for someone as strapped for time as you are, I don't feel you should be considering something this massive at this point in time. Also, I despise Blender. :P
Go with Blender! Blizzard themselves will probably release an art tools pack for Max eventually, the ones they used, but I can't see them going out of their way to make tools for Blender.
@LazyCoder: Go
Their tools never have importers. :(
Definitely make it for blender! Myself and others don't have a lot of money but we have great ideas!
Would it be too much to ask that both are worked on?
As I understand it, once the plugin for 3ds max is finished once it is finished, unless a new version of 3ds max is released which may make it dysfunctional.
However, if you wait a couple weeks we can see if there will truly be a converter for 3ds max included with the retail version of StarCraft II, as was with WarCraft III and an archaic version of 3ds max.
Pppppphhhtt... I'd wager that over half the people who would use this plugin don't even have max legally... damn pirates...
The art tools didn't come until after Frozen Throne was released. It was released very late compared to community-made exporters like DEX, which was readily available before then.
Right now we have a working exporter, and I somehow doubt Blizzard will release art tools until a ways into the release of the game. It won't be as readily available as the Editor is.
You could export from Max to Blender to Starcraft 2, but to export from Blender to Max to Starcraft 2, you'd have to have 3ds max... not everyone does... But EVERYONE can get Blender, it's free software.
How much max costs ? 10000$ ? More ?
You can get it only in school, or if you are in company, but I think one man cant afford it if he is not expert in this field.
Keep in mind that people can also use this software legally without paying for it :) .
NiN is lazy ?
Oh damn!
I've waiten so long for a blender plugin! I really would like a m3-Plugin! Sadly blender is the only good 3d software i'm able to use... (damn 3DMax & Cinema4D are so expensive...).
I would really really really like it!
(My cerebrate will be lucky too =D)
We're still neck and neck with the first two options. Come on, Blender! :P