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FE 3D Model support
headkaze:
This is probably a message for Howard, but I'm curious about the 3D model support for FE's like 3D Arcade (and the next DK I think?). How do you import the .w3d mesh files on the 3D Arcade site? What exactly is the .w3d format? DirectX only allows for .x mesh files as far as I know. And I can't find anywhere support for .w3d. Is this an external dll or something that can read these files?
Howard_Casto:
You can't use w3ds for any app that isn't written in director or flash.
You also can't convert w3d's into anything else.
Dk will use X files.
If you go to the 3darcade forum, in the wip section, I have a thread called "UAM" which explains the x-file-based format I've designed and how model builders can take their 3dsmax source files and convert it to the new format. I've already converted some of mine, but the reason everyone is waiting is because... well, aside from me and peter, nobody is even remotely interested in adding 3d model support to their fes. Or at least, it appears that way. Since none of the released builds of dk use x files, all the builders are in a holding pattern.
It's all my fault I guess.
headkaze:
Thanks for the info Howard
DX comes with a program called conv3ds which will convert .3ds files to .x. But the 3D Arcade models are in .max format. Is there anyplace to download the full collection of models in .x format? Have you converted them, and if so could you possibly host them somewhere for download?
Howard_Casto:
I explained that above....
No there aren't any models and there probably won't be until I get the next release of dk out. Users cannot convert them, even if the source is available. They aren't a walk in the park to convert, and aside from that we want to get the authors' conscent whenever possible.
When I do (and the other authors do) they will be hosted over at 3darcade.
(p.s. 3ds2x is crap, especially considering the 3ds format doesn't even support textures)
headkaze:
I should have read your reply properly, I ended up on the 3DArcade forums and got a bit lost in reading threads. I found the two topics regarding the conversion to .x.
I think more authors would use the 3d models in their front end if they knew how easy it is to do. Importing a mesh and rotating in DX it is easy but I think alot of authors would possibly think that it's difficult.
I'm asking because I was interested in getting 3d model support into GameEx, so I was going to knock up a demo in .NET to show Tom how easy it would be to do. Although he uses DirectDraw, I'm sure there is some way to place a Direct3D layer onto a DD surface.
Does DK use DirectDraw mainly or is it all in Direct3D? Anyway, sorry I didn't read your full post properly, it looks like the conversion has already been in process for a while. Good luck with it, and don't forget to make a post here when your closer to completion!
BTW, if the .3ds format dosn't include textures, does the .max format include them? Perhaps there is a command line util that can convert .max to .x? But I would expect you've explored every avenue on that front and have realised the only way is to painstakenly convert every model manually. I take my hat off to you for undertaking such a large project (as with all the many other utils and software you give to the scene).
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