Ok, I''m a kid who is starting to make games. I heard that to make 3D games, you need 3D Studio Max, or some comparable program, that will export .3ds files so you can make the 3d models for your game. Well, my problem is that I don''t have 1,000 bucks to buy 3DS. Is there a cheaper (free?) program that will do the same thing? (maybe at a student discount too?) Also, what do you guys think of Fastgraph? I heard that will do graphics and textures for you but not 3D...

Milkshape 3D is free (for 30 days unless you register it) and I think it''s pretty good but I haven''t been able to compare it to anything so far...

The editor I use to make 3d games is milkshape3d. It is cheap and it''s really good for 3d games. It only costs 20 dollars to register but you get a free 30 day trial! You can find it at:
www.swissquake.ch/chumbalum-soft/

If you wnat to make 3d games I suggest you buy a book on direct3d
and read it. Directx is the best SDK to use when making 3d games(in my opinion). Or take up opengl that''s kind of good, I don''t like it though(that is my opinion).

I hope this helps!
Or if you wnat to help me in my 3d games I''ll be happy to let you help. E-mail me at: skatetronics@yahoo.com


<-SKATETRONICS->
Maker of 3d
skateboarding games!
<-SKATETRONICS->

I haven''t used this one too much yet but it looks promising, 3D Canvas, its freeware (www.amabilis.com)

You could also check out Moray and POV-Ray.

Peter

Talos Studios
http://talos.togglespin.com

MILKSHAPE 3D ROCKS

not only is it pretty good for modelling, it is awesome how you can import all your favourite models from different games and export them in a format which your game will support.

Thanks

Wait a sec.. I don''t think I saw this clarified earlier in this thread, so I''ll do it here:

You do *not* need a 3D modeller to make 3D games! Only to make 3D models. If you''re talking about programming, then all you need is your compiler and, if you want, some 3D graphics API like OpenGL or Direct3D.

3D Canvas'' native file format is *.x (dX 3D file format) making it ideal for use with Direct3D. The creator Richard Borsheim is aware that users primary use of 3D Canvas is for 3D games modelling. He is very supportive of his user base and will listen to your questions/suggestions. Certainly worth checking out.

I know you don''t need a 3D modeler to make 3D games, but I heard that it was easier to use a modeler program to make your untils and such. Lets say your making Dark Reign 2, it is much easier to make the units in a 3D modeling program and import them, then trying to write all the 3D modeling by hand. My question was where can I get a cheap/free modeling program so I can do that.

Also, is there a tutorial that will explain how to do some simple importing into a 3D world with directX?

3D canvas looks promising, I''m downloading that one now...