Halo 1 & 2 for PC
This topic has moved here: Subject: What would be the best way to learn how to make maps?
  • Subject: What would be the best way to learn how to make maps?
Subject: What would be the best way to learn how to make maps?
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  • 06.12.2011 10:40 AM PDT

x Foman123 x
15.
That's the number of bans in this thread. Next time you want to derail something, go stand in front of a train.

I would say watch some youtube video tutorials, here's two that should be alright.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYpDmCNj3aE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV9h8LDoNpM&feature=relate d

You would need a program like 3ds max (or gmax can be used, a free alternative by the same people who make 3ds)

Along with downloading the Halo Editing Kit which contains the tags for including weapons, placing, and of course compiling.

Here are installers for 3ds max 5-9, which allow you to trial the software for 30 days from install.

Need any help post here, or on the HaloMaps Forum.

Any questions I'll be happy to answer, I started off posting on here asking for help a few years ago, and became quite knowledgeable...but it's been ages since i've touched map making for it xD

I actually emailed a games developer in the UK a few years ago, when I had to do work experience for school...sadly it went nowhere...but they did give me some brilliant advice through email.

HI James

Just thought I'd send you a quick line, making maps in Halo is great.
We'll basically look at maps made in any 'off the shelf' modding tool,
so we have a lot of work sent in from people using Unreal, Counter
Strike or the Gears of War map makers, most developers will be more than
happy to look at these as examples of your work.

Internally we have our own tools and our own engine, we do use software
products like Maya and Sketchup for 3D modelling, have a look at the
trial versions and have a play around but DON'T purchase anything like
this, you'll be able to show anything you need too within the
customisation tools from within retail games without having to spend big
money.

Most of the guys that work at Bizarre don't have direct work experience
but are always able to explain why they've designed levels a certain
way, what they considered when making them, how they wanted the player
to feel and react etc.. so always bear this in mind.

Best of luck with what you're doing and hopefully speak to you in a
couple of years!

Nick

Nick Davies
Producer
Bizarre Creations Limited
Tel: 0151 494 4144
www.bizarreonline.net

and

Hi James,

Thanks for your email but unfortunately we only take students from university to complete a work placement and these ideally run for 12 months.

I can give you some advice though if you like?

You never said what area of video games you wanted to break into? I can give you some advice on getting into the Art/CG side of things.

The two main bits of software the artists use here at Bizarre and most places are Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk Maya. Typically if you were to buy these it would cost you upwards of £2000 but there is an easier way if you want to learn at home!

Adobe has Photoshop Elements:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001ELK946/300002147 -21/?m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

This is a cut down version of Photoshop for the home and is a great place to get started.

Autodesk have a version of Maya called a Personal Learning Edition (PLE)
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/mform?siteID=123112& id=9432085

This is free to download and use. It's a fully featured version of Maya but has watermarks on the screen so you can't use it commercially.

Both of these bits of software will run on either an new-ish Apple Mac or a Windows PC (You'll need to check you computer has either a Nvidia or ATi Graphics Card)

Getting the software is one thing, knowing how to use it another. Luckily there are now tons of books and web sites that offer tutorials that will take a complete novice all the way to a professional! Here are a few:

http://www.cgchannel.com/

http://www.cgsociety.org/

http://www.conceptart.org/

http://www.digitaltutors.com/digital_tutors/index.php

http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/

http://www.gnomononline.com/

http://www.highend3d.com/


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Introducing-Maya-8-3D-Beginners/dp/04 70051353/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227264251&am p;sr=8-8


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Game-Artists-Guide-Maya/dp/0782143768 /ref=pd_sim_b_5


http://www.amazon.co.uk/3D-Game-Textures-Professional-Photosh op/dp/0240807685/ref=pd_sim_b_5

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1592003508/ref=sib_rdr_dp



I hope this helps

All the best and good luck

Alan


Alan Mealor
Art Manager
Bizarre Creations Limited
www.bizarrecreations.com

I would say to start of on doing basic level designs, then try and include animations (doesn't sync online by the way), and scripting, making cutscenes, if you're good with graphics try and make your own textures for maps, good at modeling, try making guns etc.

If you have xfire feel free to add me.
psxb

Good luck! :D

[Edited on 06.12.2011 10:56 AM PDT]

  • 06.12.2011 10:52 AM PDT

Something smells fishy...

In addition there's also this tutorial: http://hce.halomaps.org/hek/

  • 06.12.2011 11:48 PM PDT

x Foman123 x
15.
That's the number of bans in this thread. Next time you want to derail something, go stand in front of a train.

Also http://ghost.halomaps.org/tutorials/

  • 06.13.2011 3:07 AM PDT