Designing 3D Graphics: How to Create Real-Time 3D Models for Games and Virtual Reality [Paperback]

Josh White (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0471149268 | ISBN-13: 978-0471149262

A total guide to creating real-time 3D graphics for games and virtual reality.

In this powerful book/CD-ROM package, top computer graphics artist Josh White tells you everything you need to know to create sophisticated real-time 3D graphics for computer games and virtual reality. This book contains the in-depth knowledge of software tools and hands-on modeling techniques that Josh White has learned while creating artwork for over 20 commercial games, including Descent, Zone Raiders, Locus, Legoland, and others.

In this nonprogrammer's guide to 3D graphics, you'll learn how to:
* Design 3D artwork that's optimized for real-time.
* Create realistic 3D objects that render at a high frame rate.
* Master industry-standard tools like 3D Studio and Photoshop.
* Use the three phases of 3D modeling: preparation (sketching out your ideas), design (deciding how to build your model), and implementation (constructing your 3D model).

Here's just some of what you'll find on the CD-ROM:
* A collection of 3D objects and textures you can use immediately.
* Tutorial support: all the 3D models and textures from each step of every tutorial in this book.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In Designing 3D Graphics, author Josh White explains in great detail the mechanics of creating real-time 3-D artwork on personal computers. White targets artists, not programmers or hobbyists, who want to learn about the basics of 3-D modeling and eventually create complex models. The focus is primarily on Kinetix' 3D Studio and Adobe Photoshop, and White assumes that you know these packages well; just the same, you can apply the book's concepts to similar software packages. White explains how to use mapping techniques, create textures, model objects, and optimize your work for real-time delivery. He also discusses animations and VRML worlds. A CD-ROM includes sample 3-D models and textures.

From the Publisher

This book is for computer artists and programmers who want to create 3D graphics to be used in games and virtual worlds on any type of computer. It's full of design tips, animation techniques, and step-by-step instructions for the most popular drawing tools. It's the complete guide to creating the coolest 3D graphics.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 383 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (August 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471149268
• ISBN-13: 978-0471149262
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,287,879 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good techniques, a little outdated, January 20, 2000

By 

E. Cove "arzec" (Brookline, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Designing 3D Graphics: How to Create Real-Time 3D Models for Games and Virtual Reality (Paperback)

There is relatively little literature out there on low-polygon modeling techniques. This is the only book I know of devoted to the subject. It is clear, well-written, with good exercises. The thing is, it needs a good overhaul, as the program it deals with is 3D Studio, pre-Max. But many of the techniques are still applicable.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Artistic fever, January 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Designing 3D Graphics: How to Create Real-Time 3D Models for Games and Virtual Reality (Paperback)

Well this one is for "artists". At least that's what the writer says. I got bored of phrases like "We artists this...", and "We artists that...". Being a computer scientist interested in computer graphics I wonder where these guys would be without computers. The book includes indeed some good tips that can be applied with any graphics package or language but the content in general is very 3DS oriented. The reference on VRML is vague and generic. If you are looking for a scientific computer graphics reference look elsewhere.If you consider yourself a "serious artist..." then this may be for you.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars I Hate this book, December 31, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Designing 3D Graphics: How to Create Real-Time 3D Models for Games and Virtual Reality (Paperback)

I hate this book, it stinks. Josh White stinks