LE Using Meshes to Create 3D Prints

[NerevarineProphecy]

Hey guys, new to the forums, veteran of the games.

 

I'm putting together a front end team for my company that produces miniaturized statues of player's Skyrim avatars (using 3D printing). Essentially, the customer lets us know what kind of character he/she plays with, and we build a nice looking 6in statue for you! (Think FigurePrints for the Elder Scrolls)

 

We are working with the guys at Bethesda to secure a licensing agreement -- hopefully things will be underway in the next month or so.

 

Obviously, in order for this service to work we need a program that can export meshes from the game matching those indicated by the customer (Our artists build a replica NPC from the meshes --> then we print). Thus far we've been using nifskope maya / 3D max exporters by hand for each character, but we need to speed up the process.

 

If you are interested in working together with a large team of 3D artists and a 3D print studio on this project, let me know via PM and I can let you know more about how each piece of the supply chain works / how much you will be paid, etc.

 

I've included some pictures of my favorite printed model along with its digitized counterpart (it's an artist's original -- don't really want to post Skyrim related models publicly via rights to IP) They come in color, but I feel like this one shows off the level of detail that can be achieved with 3D print. Also...the sword broke off...my cousins and younger siblings were a bit careless over break :down:

 

http://i.imgur.com/3txg2.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/NRduv.jpg

[ShadCroly]

Does the character have to be wearing only core gear or is mod gear allowable? =O

[luddemann]

Very interesting. Im not that good though.

[J3X]

That looks and sound pretty awesome. I assume that this would also work with any other NPC or creature in the game, so one could create a mini M'aiq the Liar?

[ghosu]

Every 3D model you see ingame can be used. There are companies out there, that print 3D in general if you provide them with a model...with a bit practice you can export and pose a model yourself to do so, you could even use different armor/clothing/weapons or whatever. Edited January 3, 2013 by ghosu

[NerevarineProphecy]

Every 3D model you see ingame can be used. There are companies out there, that print 3D in general if you provide them with a model...with a bit practice you can export and pose a model yourself to do so, you could even use different armor/clothing/weapons or whatever.

 

This is precisely true. However the skill required to prepare these models for print is a barrier for many to have their own models printed. That's where my service comes in.

 

To answer the other questions:

Yes, you can have modded gear printed with your character. In fact, the process for acquiring the meshes of a PC gamer's character is much easier than acquiring those of a console gamer's. As a PC gamer, you could provide a saved file of your character with all relevant meshes included.