OniKabraxxis Posted April 9, 2006 Share Posted April 9, 2006 I'd like to mod a lightsaber weapon into the game, and I'd like a few tips on what programs to use. I will need to create a 3d model for the weapon, so I guess what I'm asking is what programs any of you have used in the based for like-based projects and what tools I'd need to import the file into the game. I'd like to learn how to create items as simply +2ing my stuff seems alittle weaksauce to me. Any productive input is much appreciated. P.S- If anyone is working on a current lightsaber/star wars mod, message me up. I'd like to roll up my sleeves and get into this modding business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peregrine Posted April 9, 2006 Share Posted April 9, 2006 The 3dsmax import/export plugin has not been released yet, and we don't even have a definite answer that it will be. Bethesda refuses to promise that we'll get one, and I'm beginning to have my doubts about their honesty about ever planning to release it. So until they do, adding a lightsaber isn't possible. Of course once it's out, there's even more problems. According to what they've said, they'll only be releasing it for 3dsmax 5, an obsolete version, and not updating it for more recent versions. So the only way you'll be able to use it is if you happened to buy version 5 and never upgraded. The old version isn't for sale anymore, and apparently the license agreement bans third-party sales, so there's no legal way to get a copy. And I don't think you can even pirate it, it's so obsolete I doubt anyone would still offer it for download. On the good side, virtually any 3d modeling program can make the lightsaber itself, it's a really simple model. So that part at least will be easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loveme4whoiam Posted April 9, 2006 Share Posted April 9, 2006 I didn't know that. So, they are refusing to release the plugins so we (by which I mean, people who can actually model) can make new models and do cool things. But if they DO give the plugins out, there will be for a piece of software that is not only obsolete, but also not sold any more. So they are in every single way possibel restricting modding ability. Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peregrine Posted April 9, 2006 Share Posted April 9, 2006 I didn't know that. So, they are refusing to release the plugins so we (by which I mean, people who can actually model) can make new models and do cool things. Correct. They're claiming "licensing issues" that make no sense, as I've explained in more detail elsewhere. In short, they're either lying, or not trying very hard to get them resolved. But if they DO give the plugins out, there will be for a piece of software that is not only obsolete, but also not sold any more. So they are in every single way possibel restricting modding ability. Right. Because updating it would be too much work I guess, and take away from releasing more pay-to-download garbage. So it's a nice stab in the back to us, they claim to support the modding community, then refuse to put a little work into updating the plugins to support a more available version. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OniKabraxxis Posted April 9, 2006 Author Share Posted April 9, 2006 I dunno guys. Not doubting you or anything, but somewhere alst night I got a Buster Sword mod. I'll see if I can find that link and I should message whoever it was who made it, but.. It's the real thing. No Elven Sword with increased size, that thing is honkin'. And Martin's head hates it. I could get screenshots, but it wouldn't really prove much. I'll see if I can contact that guy, but it the meanwhile thank you for the support guys. Sounds like Beth is really letting us down =/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peregrine Posted April 10, 2006 Share Posted April 10, 2006 I dunno guys. Not doubting you or anything, but somewhere alst night I got a Buster Sword mod. I'll see if I can find that link and I should message whoever it was who made it, but.. It's the real thing. No Elven Sword with increased size, that thing is honkin'. And Martin's head hates it. I could get screenshots, but it wouldn't really prove much. I'll see if I can contact that guy, but it the meanwhile thank you for the support guys. Sounds like Beth is really letting us down =/ I saw that one, and apparently it was done with an export plugin for another game using the same model format. But the problem is, as he admits, some of the mapping options don't work, and from what I've heard elsewhere, collision boxes don't either. So it might work ok for weapons, but if you export a house with it, you'll walk right through the walls. But I guess that might be all you need for a lightsaber, if you don't care about having a glow effect on the blade, or a reflective metal handle? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OniKabraxxis Posted April 10, 2006 Author Share Posted April 10, 2006 *Shrug* Yeah, the weapon don't look pretty inside the inventory window, and there's a big purple window where it should display it as equipped. I also noticed some display problems, not reflecting enough light, etc... But it does prove we can do SOME things. I'd still like to give it a go. As mentioned, I just need to get my hands dirty and start changing stuff and I'm all for graphic programs. Photoshop, PSP and the like I can use without any worries but I'd like to start working in 3d. I'll see what I can do and what others post for mods within the next week. Considering this game is fairly new, I'm willing to give it time to see what happens. Heck, NeverWinter Nights hakpaks and mods are still going strong today, at LEAST two-three years after it's release. Y'know? Maybe we'll find a way around Beth's lack of export programs and such, but only time will tell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoulBlazer_87 Posted April 10, 2006 Share Posted April 10, 2006 Guys I might be new to the modding business (which means I don't know anything) but I definitely know modders and hackers (practically modders "hack" in the game and change it right? so it makes them hackers in one mind you only one sense ok?) . Plus I know determination... thus : whatever is locked can always be unlocked. This means that even if Bethsoft does not release a plug-in then somehow someday the modding community WILL release one. of course it isn't easy and it will ruin a lot of the game plus ruining the company but it CAN be done. I might sound a bit crazy or whatever but that's the way I see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russki Bear Posted April 11, 2006 Share Posted April 11, 2006 The problem is that with exporters you need to know 3D file formats to the letter and I am not sure if we do or not, but the NIF format or whatever TESCS requires needs to be fully known and documented. Then a process has to be devised to translate the data. What often happens is that the modding community can partially understand a proprietary format and we get an exporter that is partially functional, such as the Team Hornet models for Jane's F/A-18, they have no animation. Russki Bear Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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