Hi Everyone, We're new to 3D gaming and we'd like some advice. We're making a game based on a gameshow, and we need to create a couple of dozen 3D contestants, and also a host. The contestants are generic people, but need to be a good cross section by age, gender, race, etc. The host needs to be an accurate model of the real-life gameshow host. (We can get good photos to help with this.) The contestants have a few animations like clapping, looking disappointed etc. and some specific to the gameshow. The host has some specific animations, and also need to lip-synch with recordings of the real host. What is the best way to approach this, and what are the most effective tools and techniques? There is a confusing array of options out there, and we'd love some clear advice from somewhere who's done this kind of thing before. Also, if anyone is interested in helping out on the job and has the skills to do it, please let us know. Thanks!

first of all, welcome :)

-You can try the Help Wanted forums to seek talent

-You can search the models you are looking for and purchase them here: http://www.turbosquid.com/

-The show host model can be based on one of your contestant models with some tweaks and good texture work. Do you have the written permission to use the likeness? if so, you scan the host (just kidding)

good luck :)

You might find MakeHuman useful for making the different generic people. It makes high-quality human models and allows you to change numerous parameters to make a variety of people. The models it produces are high-poly, so you'll probably have to reduce them for your game. Also, it doesn't currently do animation or clothes, so you may need to do some work on the model yourself, although I believe both these features are in the works. Nevertheless, I have found it useful myself, and it might suit your needs.