Final usage by client on NexusMods: Skyrim mod
Goal: Creating a 3D armor model of the sword of Warcraft 3 Heroic Footman Lordaeron Longsword for mod in Skyrim Special Edition. The model was based on ready-made sketches (3D models) for Skyrim modification.
Goal: Creating a 3D armor model of the sword of Warcraft 3 Heroic Footman Lordaeron Longsword for mod in Skyrim Special Edition. The model was based on ready-made sketches (3D models) for Skyrim modification.
Industry: Game Development
Project duration: April 5, 2021 - April 7, 2021
There was a requirement to create a 3D model of a knight and a sword, which replaces the original armor. The model was based on ready-made sketches (3D models) for Skyrim modification.
The purpose of creating a 3D model of the sword was a factor in the further possibility of importing and adapting the 3D model using the Skyrim engine and a good level of optimization of the 3D model. In addition to the basic 3D model of the knight, we created an additional version of the character, which was named - Fallen Knight.
An additional new version of the 3D model of the sword was also created. Thus, in addition to the basic configuration of the character, the client received a 3D model for the enemy NPC without increasing the budget.
The purpose of creating a 3D model of the sword was a factor in the further possibility of importing and adapting the 3D model using the Skyrim engine and a good level of optimization of the 3D model. In addition to the basic 3D model of the knight, we created an additional version of the character, which was named - Fallen Knight.
An additional new version of the 3D model of the sword was also created. Thus, in addition to the basic configuration of the character, the client received a 3D model for the enemy NPC without increasing the budget.
Main weapon
The primary weapon of the Fallen Knight is a hell-themed sword. The weapon also has spikes on its sides. And in case the main blade breaks down, the Fallen Knight can continue to fight back with spikes. Although the spikes inflict less damage, they can hit a small number of enemies. The Heroic Footman can also use the sword of the Fallen Knight.
Design Stages
1. The UV mapping was a complex optimization point. Only one UV set was made. By reference to what was written, the UV mapping was done with a maximum UV efficiency level of 93%, so that the textures with 2K resolution looked clear cut and without blur. There was only one UV set for optimization because the Skyrim engine is old and there is a possibility of a performance drops, stutters and freezes.
2. Basic texture maps for PBR rendering were used while texturing: Base color, Normal map, Metallic/Roughness.
The final version of the metallic/roughness textures was converted to spec/gloss while exporting due to the limitations of the Skyrim engine shader model.
Project development
1. In addition to the basic 3D model of the knight, we created an additional version of the character, which was named - Fallen Knight. An additional new version of the 3D model of the sword was also created. Thus, in addition to the basic configuration of the character, the client received a 3D model for the enemy NPC without increasing the budget.
2. The Skyrim engine is quite old and for this reason, the breakdown of the 3D model was transferred to the normal map as much as possible by reducing the polycount. To speed up the process the main detailing was done in ZBrush, and the decorative elements were added during the texturing stage in Substance Painter using alpha patterns.
Project history
Here is a collection of all the screenshots we sent to the client as work updates after each working day. We collected the screenshots in sequential order of changes.
The Legend
In a time of the deadly war between the Kingdom of Sicily and the Alliance for an undeniable victory the leadership of the Kingdom decided to equip, train and moralize a new military formation - the Lordareon Knights. 1 year before going to the military, the knights were trained in soldiery, hardened in training battles and took the oath.
The armor of the knights and the sword were eliquated from Luminium metal, blessed and gifted from the neighboring Kingdom (Ludwig the fifth) as a sign of nobility. Luminium was the most durable metal in the Kingdom, able to withstand the strongest blows and protect the knight. In the war battles the Lordareon Knights have predominantly won victories in the fiercest of fights.
But there were the knights who lost their spirit and courage. Without courage and in shame they fell to their knees before the feet of the Alliance. They were named The Fallen Knights. The armor was repainted red and black, covered with gilding and the sword took on hellish forms.
