Does gmax have a native format, and if so, does 3DS 4.x read it? I know gmax 1.1 can read 3DS now, but that doesn''t help me. Here''s my situation: I have 3DS 4 and an exporter for the engine I use. I do not have gmax dev nor do I plan to get it. What would be really cool is if I could have my level designers work in gmax 1.1 (which is free) and then hand their levels off to me so I can load them and export to engine via 3DS. This would be that much of a hindrance to our current art path, since it''s a virtual office and files are being transferred all over the place as is. Does anybody know if this would work for levels? What about animated charater models? If it will work, anybody know of any big limitations? Thanks in advance! Rhino

3ds max can''t read gmax files. The only way to do what you want is to add another step to the process. gmax can output to formats specified by game paks. Quake 3''s .md3 format is one option. Characters and levels can be exported to .md3 and then imported via plugin to 3ds max. The problem with this is not only is there an extra step, but you''re limited by the intermediate format. If the game developer that supplied the game pak doesn''t support something neither do you. If most of the data is just models and textures then you should be fine.


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http://www.3dcgi.com/

Thanks, I knew about using intermediate steps. As you pointed out, there are some limitations. I''ve already used the Tempest route before, it works well for some of what I needed.

I wonder if 3D Exploration will ever get gmax import? That would rule! It''s intermediate format is very rich, and it already rocks at 3DS output.

Rhino

quote: Original post by rhinoguy
Thanks, I knew about using intermediate steps. As you pointed out, there are some limitations. I''ve already used the Tempest route before, it works well for some of what I needed.

And, of course, the Tempest pack explicity states it''s only for non-commercial use.