Game-Ready Pipeline
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The Game-ready pipeline outputs 3D assets that are textured, rigged, and optimised. The pipeline consists of six stages and ensures a final output that is ready to be integrated directly into your games or projects.
What it is:
The creation of a highly detailed 3D model with up to millions of polygons. Captures intricate surface details like wrinkles, pores, or fine textures.
Why it's important:
Provides a detailed source for generating texture maps (e.g., normal maps, displacement maps) to retain high-quality visual detail in lower-poly, optimised models.
What it is:
Simplifies the high-poly model into a version with significantly fewer polygons. Focuses on maintaining the silhouette and essential details while reducing computational load.
Why it's important:
Optimised geometry ensures the asset is lightweight and suitable for real-time rendering in games, improving performance.
A lower polygon count is critical for maintaining frame rates, especially in modern games that require rendering multiple complex assets simultaneously.
What it is:
A 2D representation of a 3D model's surface (UV map) for applying textures. This involves "unfolding" the model so that texture coordinates can be assigned correctly.
Why it's important:
Allows textures and materials to be applied accurately to the 3D surface.
Essential for avoiding texture stretching, seams, or misalignment in the final model.
A good UV layout maximises texture resolution and minimises wasted UV space, improving visual quality.
What it is:
The process of applying colours, materials, and surface details to the model using texture maps (e.g., diffuse, normal, roughness, metallic, etc.).
Why it's important:
Defines the look and feel of the asset (e.g., weathered metal, soft fabric, glossy plastic).
Enhances visual realism or stylistic appeal.
Proper texturing ensures the model integrates seamlessly into the game’s artistic direction and environment.
What it is:
A skeletal structure (rig) and control system for the model, allowing it to be animated. Includes adding bones, joints, and weight painting.
Why it's important:
Enables movement and deformation of the model for animations (e.g., character walking, a tree swaying, a vehicle's suspension).
A good rig ensures animations are smooth, natural, and free from distortions.
Crucial for interactive elements in games, as it brings the asset to life.
What it is:
The creation of multiple versions of the same model at varying levels of detail. For instance, LOD0 is the highest quality, while LOD3 might be a very simplified version.
Why it's important:
Optimises performance by displaying lower-detail models when the asset is far from the camera.
Reduces rendering workload without noticeable loss of quality during gameplay.
Ensures consistent performance across different hardware capabilities.
