I can seriously use MD3 or MD2 in a commercial game and not get sued?

That would be great....

You can use the file format, this does not mean that you can use existing models from Q2/Q3 as the artwork is copyrighted.

I know there are various models on the net, ask the author if you may use theirs in your game.

wow thats great. I knew I wouldnt be able to use the original models but I never thought that i would be able to use the format. Thats quite good.

thanks

As far as I remember you can't legally use quake model formats if you used any of ID's source code, whether its in your game engine or in the actual animator/editor itself.

Unfortunately this includes quake models created with milkshape (as I've emailed mete the author on this matter before) and also you can't use quakes open source code to load the file (which presumably most tutorials are based on) since its covered under the General Public License.

In the same way you can't use brett porters milkshape loader because its also copyrighted (I think), altho you can use it for learning purposes and maybe make your own loader?





[edited by - Turnip Monster on June 12, 2003 9:29:05 AM]

dotXSI format is free, even though the software isn''t
there are dotXSI exporters for every 3d software (every 3d software worth the use of course, not milkshape 3D or smthing like that), and Softimage provides a FTK (which is a SDK for importing dotXSI files)

ok. I am gettig a hundred different answers here.

What turnip moster is saying makes the most sense to me.

So basically I have to come up with a whole new model format.
That our write my own milkshape loader. What a pain in the ass. I feel like I am reinventing the wheel here.

SKSlayer said the dotXSI format is free but i am limited to the software I own to do the job. That being milkshape, 3d max and maya. Of course any freely available editors from various games that have come out.

Use Cal3D., it''s very powerfull, has real-time LOD , skeletal animation blending, many more stuff and it''s free.

cal3d.sourceforge.net

If you want to learn a lot about skeletal animation, implement an ms3d loader / renderer, then take a look at cal3d for hints on a more advanced solution.

If you just want something that works, use cal3d as it is. It''s animation blending and LOD features are amazing and it has exporters for 3d studio etc

1. Make your own format.
2. Use Milkshape 3D. You get it for free for 30 days, then have to pay 25 USD.
3. Maya, 3DS Max, Softimage, Mirai, and Lighwave
4. .x

Scott Simontis
Game Programmer in Training
Have a nice day!