Question @ Modelers

**Alexander the Pretty Good** · 07-01-2005, 19:07

Just how many of you obtained 3D Max 7 legally? I mean, that piece of software is expensive enough to be a family heirloom! And it bothers me that the only way I can edit models is to either steal (which I won't do) or steal to pay for the thing (also unlikely).

A rant, yes. I guess what I'm asking is: did anyone go out and purchase 3D Max to mod RTW or did you have the software before hand.

On a side note, would it be possible to make a .CAS extractor for other modelling programs?

**Bwian** · 07-01-2005, 20:49

My copy of Max 6 is legit....but I got it as a 'student' copy. The price is extremely reduced this way, but you are most definitely NOT allowed to use it for commercial purposes. It still isn't cheap.....but it was affordable.

**Alexander the Pretty Good** · 07-01-2005, 21:06

So the .CAS exporter will work with older versions?

**Epistolary Richard** · 07-01-2005, 21:07

I believe it'll work with 5 and above.

Before this goes any farther let me just make it clear that we will certainly not allow any discussion or encouragement of piracy of software.

I don't know how possible a cas converter for another programme would be, it has been occasionally spoken of, but until someone with the skills actually makes it then we have what we have.

I'd suggest people who want a taste of modelling to make the most of their free downloads. Do your learning on GMax, download the trial version of 3dsMax but uninstall it after a session. Aside from that Sundjata has previously offered to convert people's Gmax files into usuable cas files also.
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**Bwian** · 07-02-2005, 00:25

It's not really a 'warez' discussion, but actually quite a relevant question in the wider world of modding. Quite a few games have needed MAx as 'the' modding tool, and there have always been a large number of people willing to step forward and make stuff. I often wondered how many had paid money to use the software......

Now...as to 'other' software...

I have heard rumours of Blender being thought about, also Milkshape 3D. Basically, you need osmething with the ability to support skeletal animations and a flexible plugin making system.....

**GodsPetMonkey** · 07-02-2005, 02:29

I got it cheap from my university who had more copies then were needed (also picked up a few copies of windows this way).

Perhaps not the most 100% legit way to obtain something, but it's no warez copy, and it was dirt cheap (compared to the retail price). I wasn't complaining.

**Sundjata Keita** · 07-02-2005, 07:40

Well I got MAX from my parents' work so thats a legitimate copy for me (because they paid for it) I didn't go and buy max just to mod RTW, it was bought for proffessional stuff. Discreet know that thier software is so expensive and complicated that it is not for everyone but they did develop G-Max

http://www4.discreet.com/gmax/

which is free to use and is designed to let you modify games. The cas importer works with g-max but not the exporter, however, as Epistolary Richard already said I will convert any max files into cas files if you just email them to me. (PM me first and I can see what you are modelling and give you my email) Anyone can be a modeller as long as you are patient

Regards,

Sundjata Keita

**ScionTheWorm** · 07-02-2005, 09:19

using the trial version. I was planning to make a .cas import/export for blender, but had other priorities as I have to learn a little about bones, uvw and stuff - but the vig..?..nx's 3d-max script will help me out a lot here. will maybe/probably make one when my trial expires. if you know python, that's the plugin language for this free and excellent 3d program (www.blender3d.org)

it's got a game engine made for testing models in the 3d modelling program. maybe a in-game preview of models could be made here in a nifty way. haven't tried yet though

**Bwian** · 07-02-2005, 11:15

GMax was quite an interesting commercial venture. They took the basic modeller section out of Max, and left out all the complex rendering stuff. Made it pretty much useless for the big boys, but ideal for just modelling.

Then, to get it out into the hands of the users, they made it 100% free. But...unable to export ANY format, and only save in it's unique, native 'gmax' format.

Then...you license plugins to major game producers who are looking to support a big mod-community. When I was last properly involved with the commercial aspect of this, the plugin license was around $10,000+ depending on the work needed and the estimated volume. The game sellers pack up a copy of the plugin on their disc, and you can produce an instant model all ready to go. It doesn't appear to have caught on bigtime though. The price of the plugin puts it out of the realms of most small selling titles. You need to sell a lot of extra units on the back of this to justify the cost.

Anyway...it would be good for everyone if another modeller could be pursuaded to export CAS files. Max is a tricky tool to learn for the novice, and really must put off a lot of people who would otherwise be modelling right now! Something like Milkshape 3D, Blender, or maybe the new version of Zmodeller if it supports proper skeletal structures