textured and ready for UDK

Tera UV/texture/Final Model:


Arctic Fox UV/texture/final model:


I say ready to UDK but...I'm too scared to use it. ;.; Maybe later...in...December...

UV mapped butterfly

Ooooh, my first ever successful (I hope, be kind lecturer reading/grading this) unfolded UV map. I really botched up in 2nd year, but plan to be UVing lots in this module, so yes :) *proud moment*
I'll probably start texturing and get angsty at the mesh tomorrow, and gradually start modelling the Antarctic animals :)

UV mapping is possible the worst thing in Computer Arts

True title. "Maya Crashing" is the 2nd most worst thing.

So I've modelled my Tera butterfly, and I've tried to keep it simple so it could be rigged for animation (The wings fluttering).


UV mapping is something I just can't grasp, but slowly, I'm trying. Just can't wait to get on to the textures - best part. :)

Endangered Animals - Part 4 Africa

Alright, finally! Going to take a wee break until I start finalizing gameplay for the other levels. I won't upload them, but put them in my portfolio thingy. So I might be abit quiet here for abit :)

Endangered Animals - Part 3 China

Endangered Animals - Part 2 Amazonia

Endangered Animals - Part 1 Antarctica

Antarctica Level Design Final

Urgh I've been researching endangered animals, ecology and locations all weekend, but so worth it - my interactive world is finally coming together :)

In glorious flat 2D I have a pretty finalized idea of my Antarctica level:

The red arrows shows the linear path the player will take, and in what order the animals are to be encountered. After completing the specific animals task, they will help you advance: -

x The arctic fox helps you through the blizzard.
x The royal penguin will help you down stream to the whale.
x The blue whale will spurt you out of his blowhole onto the top of the cliff.
x The tristan albatross bird will fly you down to the polar bear.
x The polar bear lets you advance to the next level: THE AMAZON RAINFOREST.

The order of animals in the 4 different levels that are to be faced (side note: I chose the Black Rhino to be the last animal encountered as it is the worlds most endangered species):

Pretty quick rough sketches for my own benefit really, but if you want, guess the doodle and the species! The butterfly represents Tera, your guide.

I need to okay it with a lecturer first, but I'm pretty keen on wanting to extensively layout the 4 levels the way I've done the Antarctica level, and go through all the species have spent so much time researching, and give them all a style and personality.

Rather than blog it, I want to create a physical folder; as if I was pitching this as a game idea...

Next time I blog will hopefully be more Antarctica sketches - 2D to 3D transition time!

Levels & Interactive Characters for game

4 total game levels, with 5 endangered animals to interact with. Each animal will introduce themselves (species), give the user a task, and when the task is completed they are rewarded with an educational fact.

- Antarctica

Royal Penguin
Polar Bear
Blue Whale
Tristan Albatross
Arctic Fox

- The Amazon Rainforest - Amazonia

Jaguars
Blue Macaws
Sloths
Poison Dart Frog
Golden-Lion Tamarin

- China

Brown Eared Pheasant
Crested Ibis
South China Tiger
Golden Snub-nosed Monkey
Giant Panda

- Africa

Chimpanzee
Sand Cat
Striped Hyena
Black Rhinoceros (the most endangered animal)
African Elephant

For the purpose for this class, I'm only going to extensively work into the Antarctic level, but will probably still outline all of the levels and characters :)

Colour Schemes & Butterfly Tour Guide...

Because I use mainly Photoshop, it's always good to have a set pallete of colours at the ready. Here's a pretty basic one I've stuck to:


FINALLY got access to a scanner. Here are the initial sketches for the tour guide character:

I've settled on an endangered species of butterfly called Ornithoptera Croesus - or better known as Wallace's Golden Birdwing - and I've gone with it's female form (which is this gorgeous speciemen belowww~)
I've simplified it alittle, such as making it pure black lines/patterns, and shrinking the body, but I think it'll be quite easy to model, texture (with transparency) and (hopefully) animate.
Ornithoptera Croesus is quite a mouthful. Her name is "Tera" for short. :)

Antarctica & Question Edited

Did some good ol' Google Imaging on Antarctica and glaciers. It's pretty bad of me, but I'm slowly starting to think of altering my question. The more I research, the more I realize I want to expand from "Global Warming" to "Endangered Animals". It would give me more leeway with environments, rather than being stuck to Antarctica.

That being said, I'm only to design one level of this interactive software for classwork specifications...but I love a good challenge!

I hope I don't regret it later but, here's my brand spankin new question: How can I show the impact and losses of endangered animals to kids in a simple and engaging way, through a 3D environment/world?

With that established, some more inspiring imagery:

Booterfliez

Should be concentrating on question more, but here are some simple concept sketches I've been working on for my Antarctic level:

I still haven't been able to scan in my doodles, but I decided the user needs a guide in this unknown place to give hints, tips or basic advice. It took me awhile to go with a rare or near extinct species of butterfly. At first, I was thinking a fairy and cleverly naming it "Mother Nature", but doubted that would appeal to male players. I liked birds, but felt for modelling and animating purposes, a black butterfly is badass enough too.

Upload doodles and butterfly genes soon! And some studies into Antarctica.

Theme and Question

I've FINALLY settled on a theme/question! I've decided to go with an Interactive Education Tool theme, aimed at kids (8 - 12) about the animals that disappear due to the effects of Global Warming. The environment will most likely be set in a snowy landscape, and the animals will also offer clear, simple tips and advice and thank the player for being Global Warming aware.

Final Question: How can I show the impact of Global Warming to kids in a simple and engaging way, through a 3D environment/world?



Things to consider with this question: What characters would the player encounter? (which animals?), What would the environment look like? Will the child understand the interactive demonstration? Will he react in a positive (or negative) manner and learn from the demonstration?

Another thing I'm undecided about: Should it be a fantasy style environment? Or stick closely to the landscape of Antarcitca?

I'll upload afew sketches I've been working on when I have access to a scanner. Going to get down and work on some Photoshop drawings when my laptop is fixed!