3D Creature modeling/ RTS game developing

[humphrey502690]

first let me say that i dont know if this is the right category for this topic.. sorry if not

second let me say that i know my system is probably not perfectly adequate for this type of work,
it is foremost a gaming PC.. not originally intended for rendering...

Im also a complete noob at this... and i mean noob as in i know NOTHING as of now but i am researching as i type and will continue to do so..

I plan on making a small but graphically appealing RTS with the UnRealEngine4..

I know my fx 9590 isnt going to be the best but i am waiting for the i7 6700k so dont tell me to upgrade my cpu..

now my question is what software do you guys mainly suggest to use when making 3d models?
as i believe this is my first step (after concept art) ???

what i understand through my small bit of research is:
1. Concept Art
2.Create Mesh in 'Maya'
3. Create topology in 'Maya' <--- dont know what this 'topology'
4. Check silhouette in 'ZBrush' (turning off interactive lighting)
5. Apply ZBrush "brushing"
6. Import to 'Blender' to add color..
then somewhere inbetween i add my rigging, fur, posing, ect...
Plz correct me on anything im misunderstanding and explain in DETAIL
TY!!

 

[humphrey502690]

Also what ever hardware you think i should upgrade let me know! IE: RAM/GPU

**Also trying to stay within a budget with the software

 

[Traciatim]

Not sure if you realize, but Maya is really really expensive. Blender will do pretty much everything you want. I think what you really want to do is get a couple of books or some online training.

 

[StarChief]

Neat, love me some RTS... I've destroyed so many mice playing starcraft.

 

[humphrey502690]

oh yeah starcraft 2 is my FAV lol
Traciatim- there is a pay as you go and there is a LT version on steam

 

[humphrey502690]

seems that maya lt on steam is $30 a month which is reasonable imo

 

[humphrey502690]

ZBrush is whats extremely expensive! $800?! OUCH

** is Blender all i would need for now?

 

[Traciatim]

ZBrush is whats extremely expensive! $800?! OUCH

** is Blender all i would need for now?

Probably, yes. I think you need to stop worrying about hardware and software and get yourself a good game design book to study first.

 

[humphrey502690]

can u give me some links to any good ones?
as i plan on doing this as a hobby.. i work 50hrs a week and have a 3yr old daughter and 1 yr old son lol

 

[Traciatim]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0240809742/?tag=stackoverfl08-20 or http://www.amazon.com/dp/0123694965/?tag=stackoverfl08-20 would be good places to start I would think.

You're concentrating on the art and assets when you should be getting concepts down, designing, actually making it function with placeholder stuff... then you work on artwork and finishing touches. You don't build a building starting with the light fixtures, you start with planning and a foundation.

 

[humphrey502690]

ok thank you...
have you done 3d modeling yourself?
i planned on originally just doing 3D modeling at first... as a step...
you wouldnt recommend that?
i only want to make a 3D picture on Blender before anything...