Developers Corner

Do you know how to use 3ds Max? To what extend? What is your opinion on the software? Also if you have any tips on the software post them here...

I couldnt say i know it perfectly, No one can. Even the engineers at Autodesk 2008 launch were saying not one of them have the full knowledge of max. I decided yes though it is because i've been using it for arround 4 years now and have pritty much got environment and level design hands down.

My tip is to learn Max script. Because once you know it you won't need any level editor again. My max interface looks more or less like UnrealED, BigBang and Hammer all mashed into one.

More tips on level design within max at gamasutra:

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3044/using_max_script_for_building_game_.php

There are some great online tutorials regarding 3D max .  If you google "3D Max tutorials" you will find a plethora of them! :)

I know how to use some of the basic features, but I don't really do much modeling.

I try to use open source or free tools these days, anyway.

I know Max well enough: I learned how to use 5 and recently bought 8 and later 9 for the convenience of packaged tools and improved macros.

I still use it in tandem with ZBrush and Photoshop now and then when I need a detailed image or something fancy to throw in Flash, usually to make a website more interesting and appealing.

I use it about everyday, as I am a professional artist. We currently use Max 9 and 2008, though i have more experience overall in Maya, which I personally prefer. Not really sure what you are asking for here. It is a beginner-friendly 3D package with a fair bit of punch. A bit lite on visual effects unless you get a few plug-ins like fume or afterburn.

I do like some of its shaders, like the fallout shader, though I GREATLY prefer Maya's Node-based setup, which is very flexible and therefore quite powerful.  I have the shaderFX plug-in with gives max a similar type of fuctionality, but the point is, it has to be added on, after the fact. Max does have a great radiosity renderer that is easy to use. Frankly, I hate the biped rig that max uses, as I prefer to animate the old fashion way...drag bones, set key, repeat, edit curves.....Modeling in Max is very intuitive, except for NURBS, which is done a bit wierd imho.

IF you were planning on learning a software package,I would ask, for what purpose. Game makers use Max a bit more then Maya, though both are used. However, in Film, Maya is king.  If you wanna try both, game level and production level art, I'd say go with Maya. If you are only about games and game mods...either one will work, though most people seem less intimidated by Max.

Side note, I use ZBrush a bit too. I have more issues getting displacement maps to work in Max, though its quite a simple workflow in Maya. It seems like max is really geared towards architecural and gamework, and not so much film/production.