I downloaded 2.5 yesterday (finally a windows version! :)) and after messing around with it for a bit, I was wondering how to build basic level geometry (rooms, hallways, etc) in it.
After reading through some docs and forum posts, I’ve come to understand the following: You have to build and skin level geometry in a 3D modelling app, and then import it into Unity as an asset.
I’m used to BSP based engines and editors like Hammer and the old Unreal engines (pre-version 3), so it’s quite a different way of building levels (like worrying about leaks which doesn’t really seem to happen in Unity).
Am I correct in these assumptions?
Edit: I’m sorry if this is described in some manual or wiki, but I couldn’t find any “Unity for Hammer users explanation” entry
Your thoughts are essentially correct. You’d usually build and texture your application’s 3D environments in your 3D editor of choice (Maya, Max, Lightwave, Cheetah 3D, Cararra, Cinema 4D, Wavefront, Blender (free), even SketchUp, whatever) then save those and simply import them as an asset to your project. The nice thing about Unity’s workflow is that if this is being done by the “3D guy/gal” on the team and they are placing in in a centrally available project folder, then when they work on it and update it it then automatically refreshes and updates in your editor.
You can, however, do some basic creation of 3D environments using primitive-type shapes/objects in the Unity editor (planes, cubes, spheres etc) that you can then apply textures and lighting to right from within the engine itself. The terrain engine also can be used to bring in external hieght maps etc or create and texture your own terrain inside the editor.
But yes, you are essentially correct. An external 3D editor is the route almost everyone here would take. There is a list of Unity’s wide range of supported 3D file types around somewhere … probably on the asset importing page …
At the moment it’s just me messing around with Unity, so no 3D guy/gal yet, and it’s a bit much to learn both Unity and a 3D modelling app at the same time, but thanks for explaining DaveyJJ!
I myself just started with Unity for Windows and am doing the tutorials and also learning Maya which I already own. I am experienced with Sketchup and have done environments and sets using Sketchup. I didn’t find the import tool for Sketchup with Unity though. However, I will be happy to answer questions about 3d modeling and help out where I can.
I also will be building some environments and sets that other people can use freely. These are all built with my own artwork and will be royalty free.
I find Unity surprisingly easy to learn and I love how the textures brings up Photoshop right away. So easy to do it that way.
And vice versa! When you save and flip back into Unity from Photoshop, your Photoshop changes get automatically imported and applied in the IDE! Ah, Unity goodness.
