Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 3
Geometry and Models: 3D Format
Conversion (FBX, COLLADA)
Benjamin Nitschke
Kirsten Grobe-Nitschke
In this chapter we will discuss several popular 3D model formats used in games and show how to convert and
import them.
Although a range of usable formats exists, most tools, engines, and libraries support the now de facto standard
FBX and COLLADA (.
dae
) file formats as well as various ways of importing static geometry (e.g., via OBJ files). While
COLLADA had the edge a few years ago, FBX is now pretty much the default 3D model import format in most engines
and content creation tools (Unity, Unreal, Maya, 3ds Max, etc.). Both COLLADA and FBX are very powerful and
extensible, which means they will remain the most popular 3D export formats for many more years to come.
After we discuss exporting with the most popular 3D content creation tools (3ds Max, Maya, and Blender) and
go through the different 3D model formats, we will show the typical workflow for getting 3D meshes and animations
into a sample game called Labyrinth. In order to deploy the game to Windows, iOS, Android, and Windows Phone 7,
we will be utilizing our DeltaEngine.net technology. The Delta Engine (
http://DeltaEngine.net
)
is an open source
game engine, written in .NET, but also available in C++ and other languages in the future. It simplifies the process of
importing content (2D, 3D, multimedia, etc.). It allows you to deploy games or applications to a bunch of different
platforms without having to know a lot of detail about them.
The Sample Game
In the sample game, Labyrinth, you run around a maze with a little dragon trying to find the exit without getting
destroyed by a spiky ball rolling towards you. The game runs on Windows, iPhone, iPad, Android phones, Android
tablets, and the Windows Phone 7. It features four different 3D models:
•
The Dragon character
•
The enemy Spikeball that is trying to kill the Dragon
•
The maze, which is surrounded by Walls and has pathways
•
And finally, Boxes that must be destroyed to advance.
