About this Video

• Video Title: Creating A 3d Game Asset (Full Process) | Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter
• Channel: Stu Lloyd (CG Stu)
• Speakers: Stu Lloyd
• Duration: 21:01

Introduction

This video demonstrates the complete workflow for creating a 3D game asset, a stylized axe, using Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter. The tutorial focuses on efficient techniques for modeling, texturing, and baking, emphasizing a balance between detail and optimization for game performance.

Key Takeaways

1. Low-Poly Modeling in Maya: The process begins with a simple design sketch, followed by creating a low-poly base mesh in Maya using tools like multi-cut, target weld, bridge, extrude, and fill gap. Maintaining quads for good edge flow is recommended where possible, although tris are acceptable in non-deformable areas.
2. High-Poly Detailing in ZBrush: A duplicate, "smooth" mesh is created in Maya with supporting edge loops to maintain form during smoothing. This is then imported into ZBrush for high-poly detailing using various brushes and techniques like masking, the Inflate deformer, and custom alphas.
3. Baking and Texturing in Substance Painter: The high-poly and low-poly meshes are used in Substance Painter to bake textures. The projection cage is optimized to minimize red areas, improving texture quality. The tutorial details texturing techniques including using fill layers, masks, gradients, curvature, and ambient occlusion to create a stylized, worn look for the axe. Emissive textures are added to the gems.
4. UV Unwrapping in Maya: The video explains how to efficiently unwrap the UVs in Maya, focusing on clean seams and straight UV islands for optimal texture application. Softening edges is crucial before exporting for baking to avoid issues.
5. Optimization for Game Engines: The video stresses the importance of keeping the low-poly model clean and efficient, minimizing polygon count for optimal performance in game engines.