Basic Building: No Entry

Types

Simple Entity - Modeler

🟒 Easy

ABOUT

  • Filled interior

  • Voxels on one Model's X, Y, and Z axes

PROS

  • Low impact on game performance

  • Helps players focus on quests

CONS

  • Decoration only

  • May appear blocky if made without much 3D depth or texturing

Compound Entity - Animator

🟑 Medium

ABOUT

  • Closed or open view of the interior

  • Models positioned and rotated to create an angled roof or other details

PROS

  • Visually attractive with smooth angled lines

CONS

  • Optimisation is important since structure assets may be used frequently in one Experience by level designers

  • Details may distract players from quests, especially if there's an open view of the interior

Notes

Add 2D texture and some 3D depth, but keep in mind this type of asset is usually lower priority in the visual hierarchy of an Experience unless it is important to the story.

To optimise, you must track face count even on a simple entity. You must also track node count on a compound entity. This is why it's best to start your project in the Animator, which provides this information in the top left of the Viewport.

  1. Create a new project in the Animator and add a Control node in the skeleton on the left.

  2. Create a new VXM in the Library and open it in the Modeler.

  3. If you plan to make a simple entity, modify the collision boundary, create your asset, adjust the pivot point, and trim the volume. Then save and exit the Model, drag and drop it into the node you created, and check face count. Make adjustments as needed for the lowest face count possible, not to exceed 5,000 faces.

  4. If you plan to make a compound entity, complete step 3 to make a 3D "sketch" of your design (angled lines will appear blocky). You can select voxels and choose "Save Selected Voxels" from the Edit menu to create new Models or create new ones in the Library. Trim, adjust the pivot point, and position Models you create into a skeleton of nodes in the Animator. Keep the total faces below 5,000 and nodes below 175.

QUALITY & PERFORMANCE

Follow Quality Guidelines to make the best version of your Asset.

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