lightwave versus 3ds max
by Steve · in Artist Corner · 06/07/2009 (3:08 pm) · 4 replies
I need to buy a modeling package. I don't see how I can afford 3ds max, not to mention the fact that I hear terrible things about Autodesk. I have heard good things about Lightwave, but why is it (seemingly) used for so few games? Is it really worse than 3ds max or harder to use in some way? Or is it just that Autodesk has been marketed better?
#2
But the reason why game developers use Max are: There are more plugins to export to different game engines. Lightwave has no tool to influence vertex normals manually (smoothing groups). But you can cut edges to create hard edges.
In the end it saved me lots of money, not only for purchasing but also for a lot of free upgrades available.
And I bought Modo and have a wonderful pair of tools that way, since both are very similar (the Modo team is actually the old Lightwave team). But that way I have a bigger choice of tools.
06/09/2009 (12:40 am)
I am a Lightwave user. Max is too expensive here in Europe and you have to buy a new upgrade every year. So I decided to buy Lightwave. I do not regret it. It is a powerful complete software, not only for modeling, but also for rendering and animation including hair, particles, physics and much more.But the reason why game developers use Max are: There are more plugins to export to different game engines. Lightwave has no tool to influence vertex normals manually (smoothing groups). But you can cut edges to create hard edges.
In the end it saved me lots of money, not only for purchasing but also for a lot of free upgrades available.
And I bought Modo and have a wonderful pair of tools that way, since both are very similar (the Modo team is actually the old Lightwave team). But that way I have a bigger choice of tools.
#3
06/09/2009 (6:29 am)
thank you both for the info. 
#4
I think what you meant to say is "there are new releases of Autodesk software every year" as opposed to infering that you were forced to upgrade each year (which we all know is simply not the case, that's totally up to the end user to decide).
@Steve
Like Jeremy says, you will find that all the major 3D applications (Max, Maya, XSI and Lightwave) are pretty much on par with regards to the great assortment of productivity features that they give you to do your work. So any of them will do the trick for you if you are looking to not just do 3D work for games, but also for a living as a freelancer (or to get hired on as an employee).
06/09/2009 (8:52 am)
@FrankI think what you meant to say is "there are new releases of Autodesk software every year" as opposed to infering that you were forced to upgrade each year (which we all know is simply not the case, that's totally up to the end user to decide).
@Steve
Like Jeremy says, you will find that all the major 3D applications (Max, Maya, XSI and Lightwave) are pretty much on par with regards to the great assortment of productivity features that they give you to do your work. So any of them will do the trick for you if you are looking to not just do 3D work for games, but also for a living as a freelancer (or to get hired on as an employee).
Torque Owner Jeremy Farley
lightwave, blender, etc. all do the same basic functions with similar but different tools. I don't know who you heard from that autodesk is terrible, I've used many autodesk products and so have everyone of my peers and friends. No one has every said anything terrible about them...
In the end, the choice comes down to your own personal view. If your more comfortable with the tools lightwave provides, then get it. If you have never used a 3D application, you should use some trial versions before making any large purchases... If cost is a big concern, don't get a high end package like max... When you get the high end packages, your paying for the many tools that those packages contain and the license to use them... If you don't care about those tools, get a lower package like lightwave... You should definitely try some before you buy!