quote:
Original post by Lamont
I have been doing research about the "Free" editions of software. While they are almost full-featured, portions of the software have been removed, so someone with the SDK can''t say for instance, write a plug-in to export to a game engine. Maya and Softimage are like this. To get access to the gMax SDK is $25,000 USD and if you write an export plug-in with MaxScript, there is a good chance it will not work. Lightwave will only alow 400 points per layer.
So what is the best solution? I know Softimage will negotiate a price/payment plan. Alias will not. Discreet is just a money hungry monster, and Newtek won''t budge from $1,500.
If you ever come across $3000 USD, then buy Maya and Lightwave. Personaly I say screw XSI and 3DS Max. XSI for clumsyness (hard to get into) and 3DS Max for price.
Go here to see a pretty good list of free 3D apps.
http://www.cgchat.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15279
You can''t really "write off" 3D applications, there''s tons of rules and regulations. Last thing you need is a fat IRS bill.
Raduprv, all the free learning editions let you save your work. Just there are limitations.
Some of you are students. You can get Lightwave for 400USD full version, 3DS Max for 600USD a whole suite of Adobe products for 600USD.. ect to infinum.
My first 3D app was Pixels 3D.. I negotiated a price to like 200USD.
There is a 3D app within the price range of everyone.
Lamont G.
CG Artist
Chula Vista CA
http://www.digitalweapon.net
Well before I chime in on the whole piracy issue let me first explain who GMax is targeted at. GMax was developed as an application to sell to game developers so that they could then package their game and GMax togeather as a tool for Mod makers. For MOD makers it''s a god send, it gives them a standard interface that they can make content for any game that ships with the product with out having to relearn the interface. The high cost of GMax is due to the fact that it''s supposed to be sold to developers as an application they can re-distribute freely with their applications hence the huge $25k SDK fee.
Onto the priacy issue. There is absolutely no excuse or justification for pirating software. You want to be a programmer or make applications or games yet your willing to steal from others to do so? Do you think that individual programmers don''t see the effects of software piracy on their salaries or bonus''s? Perhaps you think your justified because your "learning"? What ever your excuse you are hurting yourself, the industry you want to enter, and programmers you may work with in the future. If you pirate software now what''s going to stop you from "leaking" software to others once you get into the industry? Developing software pays my bills, and it pays other programmers and artists bills as well, piracy is nothing more than a smack in the face after you''ve spent a long time trying to develop a product that people will enjoy. Personally I find it distasteful that anyone would be stupid enough or arrogant enough to fully admit they pirate on a board filled with aspiring game developers or those in the industry.
There are a number of free or very in-expensive programs out on the market which can fill the void of any of the products that you may want to pirate:
Need a compiler? There are a number of various compilers you can get, download cygenus and get gcc, install linux use KDevelop.
Need a photo program? Paint shop pro costs $50 or so, and if that''s out of your league you can use The Gimp which is almost exactly like photoshop and it''s free.
3d applications? Its only $35 for milkshape, and blender is now free.
Still want max, Maya, photoshop, Visual Studio? Check out some of the online stores such as www.journeyed.com which sell low cost educational versions of these programs as long as you have proof your in school.
The bottom line here is that you don''t NEED to use photoshop, you don''t NEED to use MAX, you don''t NEED to use maya, you don''t NEED to use softimage. There are plenty of alternatives, if you can''t find one then that speaks more about your lack of ability to do a web search and find something suitable than it does about how high priced commercial programs are and how your justified in pirating these applications because of it.
Joseph FernaldSoftware EngineerRed Storm Entertainment.------------------------The opinions expressed are that of the person postingand not that of Red Storm Entertainment.
