Unleash Your Creativity with 3D Modelling in Unity
In order to achieve a flawless workflow and outstanding results in any gaming project, a robust tech stack is essential. For numerous companies, the Unity game engine has become an indispensable component of game development and 3D content creation. However, it should be noted that Unity is not a magical solution that fits every project or purpose.
While it is indeed possible to create 3D models in Unity, it is advisable to have a comprehensive understanding of Unity’s intricacies and explore additional methods to develop visually stunning content, thereby ensuring optimal efficiency for the team.
The Process of Creating 3D Models for Unity
Despite Unity positioning itself as an advanced program for content creation and game development, including tutorials on creating 3D models within Unity, it is not particularly optimized for starting from scratch in 3D modeling.
As a result, many experts resort to using third-party software to create 3D models for Unity. Subsequently, they utilize Unity for model manipulation and animation. Therefore, if you are interested in learning how to create a 3D model in Unity, it is worthwhile to explore the ultimate pipeline that combines Unity with additional capabilities for 3D modeling.
Modeling
3D modeling entails the process of creating a digital and visual representation of an object. Typically, artists employ third-party software and various techniques, including the following:
Box modeling is a technique where a simple shape such as a cube, cylinder, or sphere serves as a starting point, and the model is gradually refined throughout the modeling process. Utilizing basic forms as building blocks enhances efficiency and simplicity.
NURBS
Non-uniform rational basis spline modeling is a mathematical method for generating and representing curves and surfaces. With this approach, a 3D artist can draw rough lines, and the software automatically generates smooth shapes. This technique facilitates quick prototyping by creating basic outlines of objects.
Digital sculpting involves manipulating a 3D object using a digital brush, similar to working with clay in real life. However, in this case, artists utilize software editors to interact with digital objects. This method allows for rapid model creation but often results in high polygon counts, necessitating further optimization.
Procedural modeling (simulation)
It is a method where a 3D artist employs mathematical formulas, algorithms, and rule sets to construct 3D models or environments. Procedural modeling is particularly useful for generating objects with randomized details, such as trees, landscapes, mountains, fire, water, and other substances.
NFT 3D modeling requires a specific approach, professional skills, and the utilization of Unity tools when modeling NFT assets for Unity. To delve deeper into this process, one can explore the information and features of NFT in Unity on the official forum. Alternatively, professional NFT game development services can be relied upon to handle this task.
Retopology
Retopology is the process of converting high-poly models into a preferred polygon count. It is an integral step in the post-modeling process that ensures models can be easily handled in Unity.
Retopology assists in reducing polygon counts to optimize models for mobile games, apps, PC games, or AR/VR apps. Artists can either manually create a new mesh over the existing model or utilize automatic, semi-automatic, or manual retopology tools such as Maya, ZBrush, or 3D-Coat.
UV Mapping
In the realm of 3D modeling, UV mapping refers to the process of projecting a 2D image onto the surface of a 3D model in order to apply textures. Essentially, an artist takes a 3D model, unfolds it, and creates a 2D image that serves as a canvas for texture painting.
Prior to applying an image texture to a model, UV unwrapping is performed to specify the texture’s position, rotation, and scale. The complexity of the model and the artist’s skills determine whether the UV mapping is done manually or automatically. Popular software options for UV mapping include Roadkill, Ultimate Unwrap 3D, Rizom UV, and the built-in UV mapping functionality in Blender or Maya.
Rigging
When it comes to 3D character modeling, rigging is employed to control and manipulate the bone system. A rig consists of dependencies and expressions that automate certain movements of an object, such as a character.
Rigging is utilized in various applications, from animating a character’s face to opening doors on a car. By creating a digital skeleton structure for an object, it becomes easy to manipulate it to create desired poses for shots, animate movies, or develop animated avatars for games. However, the digital skeleton won’t actually move with the muscles unless it is bound to the mesh that has been created. This process is known as skinning.
Skinning
Skinning involves binding the 3D mesh to the rigging bones, enabling the manipulation of vertices and making full use of the model in animations. Proper skinning is crucial as it ensures smooth animation and prevents issues like the model’s legs dragging behind when manipulating the character’s eyes, for example.
Skinning ensures that the model deforms correctly. It can be done manually or automatically using various functions.
Texturing
Texturing is the final stage of the modeling process. To achieve optimal texturing results using materials and textures, artists need to ensure that the model has been rigged, skinned, retopologized, and UV-mapped successfully.
There are different types of texturing methods, including height mapping, bump mapping, normal mapping, displacement mapping, reflection mapping, specular mapping, and occlusion mapping. These methods can be employed to create either photorealistic or cartoonish graphics found in apps and games today.
Software tools such as Substance Painter, BodyPaint 3D, ZBrush, Mudbox, and 3D-Coat are commonly used for texturing, enabling artists to achieve realistic and visually appealing model textures.
Unity 2D Image to 3D Model
If artists have relevant content in 2D format for their game, they can utilize Unity to convert it into a 3D format. There are several approaches to accomplish this task.
- Firstly, artists can employ Unity’s photogrammetry functionality, which involves scanning real objects, photos, and videos, and transforming them into 3D models.
- An expert captures 360° photos of an object and uploads them into the software, which generates a model based on the imagery. The quality of the shots directly impacts the quality of the model.
- Often, further adjustments and retopology are required to enhance the visual appeal, smoothness, and usability of the model.
- Additionally, ready-made 2D content can be converted into 3D using Unity tools. However, there isn’t a specific button to transform a 2D image into a 3D shape. Instead, artists can apply effects and manipulations to create a sense of volume in the 2D image.
- These techniques involve working with sprite render, 3D meshes, cameras, shadows, lighting, and more.
Common Types of 3D Modeling with Unity
Unity and Unreal Engine are the two most popular game engines, each excelling in different tasks and purposes. When it comes to 3D modeling, Unity proves highly capable for the following project types:
- Prototyping: Prior to full-scale game development, experienced teams often create a demo version of the game. This approach allows them to visualize the gaming concept, review it, make crucial edits, and carefully consider game logic. Unity offers ProBuilder, an in-editor tool that enables fast and straightforward game prototyping. This empowers 3D modeling Unity artists to quickly block out levels and create basic models.
- Basic Virtual Worlds: While Unreal Engine may be more renowned for hyper-realistic VR/AR game development, Unity can still be used to create low-poly models and virtual worlds. Unity’s real-time tools for 3D, VR, and AR development, along with pre-existing materials, make it a suitable choice for immersive projects of simple to medium complexity.
3D Modeling for Mobile Games. In the realm of mobile game development, Unity has proven itself as a superior platform, especially when compared to Unreal Engine’s hyper-realistic capabilities. Specialists skilled in Unity can create 3D characters, environments, props, and other models specifically tailored for mobile games in terms of format and size, without compromising on quality. This ensures efficient content creation without sacrificing the final result.
3D Character Modeling. When it comes to mastering the art of creating 3D characters in Unity, artists immerse themselves in extensive documentation and learning materials provided by the platform. This helps refine their skills and streamline the process. Additionally, Unity’s asset store offers a variety of pre-made characters that can be customized to suit individual concepts and different types of projects.
The Best 3D Modeling Software for Unity. While Unity is a powerful tool for 3D modeling, it often benefits from external support. The guide above introduces the use of various software tools to prepare models for further manipulation. Here are the top three programs in the market that are suitable for 3D modeling in Unity:
- Blender: This software is highly popular among the 3D modeling artist community. It is a free-to-use program that offers a range of modeling tools, including mesh creation and a user-friendly drag-and-drop function. Blender allows for complex work with models and provides rigging, texturing, and animation capabilities.
- 3Ds Max: While 3Ds Max offers similar powerful 3D modeling features as other popular software, it is primarily used for specific projects. Due to its relatively higher price and advanced capabilities, it is well-suited for AAA game development and photorealistic modeling.
- Maya LT: Maya LT, a specialized version of Autodesk Maya, is designed specifically for gaming art creation and animation. As one of the most dedicated Unity 3D modeling software, it enables direct export of models into the Unity game engine. It offers numerous helpful functionalities, including shader effects, substance material integration, and UV editing tools.
Opting for Professional Unity Game Development. It is evident that using Unity as the primary program in your tech stack for game development involves working with various software tools. Therefore, engaging professional Unity 3D modelers can ensure sustainable and high-quality art creation for your game. Game-Ace, an experienced game development agency, offers the opportunity to hire skilled 3D artists for your team. With their expertise, you can choose from flexible partnership models that cater to your specific business needs, saving resources and eliminating the burdensome HR processes.
Choosing professional Unity game development services can provide numerous advantages beyond the expertise of skilled 3D artists. Partnering with an experienced game development agency like Game-Ace offers a range of benefits that can enhance the overall quality and efficiency of your project.
First and foremost, professional Unity game developers have extensive knowledge and experience working with the Unity game engine. They are well-versed in its ins and outs, allowing them to utilize its features and functionalities to their fullest potential. This expertise ensures that the 3D models created for your game are optimized for performance, taking into consideration factors such as polygon count, texture resolution, and file size. They understand the technical requirements and limitations of the platform, resulting in seamless integration and compatibility.
Moreover, professional game development agencies often have access to a wide range of resources and tools. They may have licenses for premium 3D modeling software, allowing them to leverage advanced features and techniques that can enhance the quality of the models. Additionally, they may have a vast library of pre-existing assets and materials that can be utilized to expedite the development process, saving time and effort.
Conclusion
Collaborating with a game development agency also provides the advantage of a multidisciplinary team. In addition to skilled 3D modelers, these teams typically consist of artists, animators, programmers, and quality assurance specialists. This diverse skill set ensures that every aspect of your game, from the 3D models to the animations and gameplay mechanics, is crafted with expertise and attention to detail.
Furthermore, outsourcing your Unity 3D modeling needs allows you to focus on other critical aspects of game development, such as game design, marketing, and project management. By delegating the complex and time-consuming task of 3D modeling to professionals, you can allocate your resources more effectively and ensure that each aspect of your game receives the necessary attention.
In conclusion, professional Unity game development services provide a comprehensive solution for your 3D modeling needs. By leveraging the expertise of skilled 3D artists, access to advanced tools and resources, and the benefits of a multidisciplinary team, you can achieve high-quality, optimized 3D models that elevate the overall experience of your game. Consider partnering with a reputable game development agency like Game-Ace to ensure the success of your Unity-based game project.