TrueSpace and Torque
by BrokeAss Games · in General Discussion · 08/21/2005 (3:25 am) · 46 replies
I'm a TrueSpace 6.6 owner and an indie TGE developer.
I've noticed there is not alot of support (that is, compared to 3DSMax and MilkShape) for TrueSpace.
Once upon a time (back in the Quake days) I was a 3DSMax user.
However, one of our team members awhile back purchased TS 6.6, the complete game pack, Dark Matter and the Torque export packs to help me with my project.
I was a little disturbed at first.
So, rather than let the money go to waste, I have converted to TS 6.6 (at least for this project).
This is not a flame in anyway, GG and it's community are incredible and make my project possible.
I'm hoping to use this thread to help other TS users and myself assemble a list of resources for use with Torque.
First, I would like to give a shout out to www.truebones.com.
This place has some very nice packs with rigged characters and pre-built motion capture animations.
They have a pack (TrueBones I, II and III) for about $50 that contains 20 pre-rigged character models and 350 animations that are interchangeable between the models.
A new pack was just released that contains around 700 skeletal animations, it costs about $150.
As an indie dev and martial artist, I dream about renting a motion capture system, but it's just not in my budget.
TrueBones is keeping me happy until that dream comes true.
I've tried some rotoscoping psuedo motion capture packages, and they are just too much work.
For DTS exporting I am using Dark Industries DTS Exporter for TrueSpace/GameSpace that came with my bundle.
I'm also not totally against selling my car to buy 3DSMax if possible (I'll just tell my girl that www.turbosquid.com made me do it), lol, ok, just kidding.
I'm mostly a coder and not a REAL (ie. talented) artist, so I try and find as many pre-built materials as I can.
Ari Rule
"Measure twice, cut once."
I've noticed there is not alot of support (that is, compared to 3DSMax and MilkShape) for TrueSpace.
Once upon a time (back in the Quake days) I was a 3DSMax user.
However, one of our team members awhile back purchased TS 6.6, the complete game pack, Dark Matter and the Torque export packs to help me with my project.
I was a little disturbed at first.
So, rather than let the money go to waste, I have converted to TS 6.6 (at least for this project).
This is not a flame in anyway, GG and it's community are incredible and make my project possible.
I'm hoping to use this thread to help other TS users and myself assemble a list of resources for use with Torque.
First, I would like to give a shout out to www.truebones.com.
This place has some very nice packs with rigged characters and pre-built motion capture animations.
They have a pack (TrueBones I, II and III) for about $50 that contains 20 pre-rigged character models and 350 animations that are interchangeable between the models.
A new pack was just released that contains around 700 skeletal animations, it costs about $150.
As an indie dev and martial artist, I dream about renting a motion capture system, but it's just not in my budget.
TrueBones is keeping me happy until that dream comes true.
I've tried some rotoscoping psuedo motion capture packages, and they are just too much work.
For DTS exporting I am using Dark Industries DTS Exporter for TrueSpace/GameSpace that came with my bundle.
I'm also not totally against selling my car to buy 3DSMax if possible (I'll just tell my girl that www.turbosquid.com made me do it), lol, ok, just kidding.
I'm mostly a coder and not a REAL (ie. talented) artist, so I try and find as many pre-built materials as I can.
Ari Rule
"Measure twice, cut once."
About the author
http://www.youtube.com/user/BrokeAssGames
#2
08/22/2005 (3:18 pm)
GG search is your friend www.garagegames.com/index.php?sec=mg&mod=resource&page=view&qid=5523 :) 
#3
I can send you one that I've made... It still istnt top notch , but it creates usable maps.
Just write here at the thread, I'll be monitoring it and I'll send you it.
08/22/2005 (3:20 pm)
You want a .MAP exporter?I can send you one that I've made... It still istnt top notch , but it creates usable maps.
Just write here at the thread, I'll be monitoring it and I'll send you it.
#4
admin(AT)instawave.com
Good forum for DTS exporting with TS/GS
http://www.darkindustries.com/forum/forum_topics.asp?FID=1
08/22/2005 (7:35 pm)
@Paulo That would be great, ty.admin(AT)instawave.com
Good forum for DTS exporting with TS/GS
http://www.darkindustries.com/forum/forum_topics.asp?FID=1
#5
for weapons, vehicles, and stuff like that, it's ok... but i think that you're gonna find that level making with a modeling program, especially TS, is gonna become very involved very quickly... and a real pain... i've just recently tried a small elvel, and the details quickly became overwhelming using TS...
i would recommend using cartography shop... or hammer (licensing issues not withstanding), or something similar for level construction... and the Pipeline for exporting to TGE...
that's my take on it level editing...
in addition... i think that you can benefit from also having Milkshape as part of your modeling arsenal... not primarily for it's modeling capabilities, but for its ability to import and export to various formats... Torque DTS is one of these export formats... and whichever format you save from your modeler, there is probably an import in Milkshape...
good luck
--Mike
08/22/2005 (8:00 pm)
I'm a TrueSpace devotee from way back... but, honestly, i really wouldn't use TrueSpace for creating levels... for weapons, vehicles, and stuff like that, it's ok... but i think that you're gonna find that level making with a modeling program, especially TS, is gonna become very involved very quickly... and a real pain... i've just recently tried a small elvel, and the details quickly became overwhelming using TS...
i would recommend using cartography shop... or hammer (licensing issues not withstanding), or something similar for level construction... and the Pipeline for exporting to TGE...
that's my take on it level editing...
in addition... i think that you can benefit from also having Milkshape as part of your modeling arsenal... not primarily for it's modeling capabilities, but for its ability to import and export to various formats... Torque DTS is one of these export formats... and whichever format you save from your modeler, there is probably an import in Milkshape...
good luck
--Mike
#6
08/22/2005 (8:17 pm)
Make sure you're using the latest version of the trueSpace/gameSpace exporter if you are still using the old version 2.0 has completely different work flow but has full DTS export support. 
#7
08/23/2005 (8:34 am)
Just showing my support :) I use gameSpace but I haven't tried to create a level with it. 
#8
I plan on using Cartography Shop for level building in Torque, but gameSpace would be mainly for character building. For me, character modeling , rigging, and texturing is the big need I have; it takes more time than anything else I do. I am wondering how GameSpace is in this regard as it relates to integrating it into Torque. From these forums it looks like it's going fairly well for folks.
What are your experiences with the TrueSpace/GameSpace character building/exporting scenario?
08/23/2005 (9:37 am)
That's funny... I was just looking into gameSpace yesterday out of curiosity.... I'm a Max user but I was thinking about switching over to gameSpace because it would be a cheaper option when my business grows to involve other people. I plan on using Cartography Shop for level building in Torque, but gameSpace would be mainly for character building. For me, character modeling , rigging, and texturing is the big need I have; it takes more time than anything else I do. I am wondering how GameSpace is in this regard as it relates to integrating it into Torque. From these forums it looks like it's going fairly well for folks.
What are your experiences with the TrueSpace/GameSpace character building/exporting scenario?
#9
08/23/2005 (10:34 am)
Joe: Not to get off the subject, but what martial arts have you trained in? Just curious :] I haven't looked too terribly hard for DIY motion capture solutions, but there doesn't appear to be anything really affordable. I'm sure there is a market for it though.
#10
I mean, you only need on art pipeline using plugins to do DTS / DIF, and it works, believe me. I'm going down this path myself and I don't think I made a wrong decision. Being a coder by nature and profession, It's way cheper for me to code my own plugins that to shell out U$3500(which would mean, by my country's standart around 4-5 months worth of FULL INCOME)!
I say, coders UNITE and make GameSpace a really wonderfull and complete pipeline for Torque!
I'm making my part by building a DIF exporter, which already works even though its somewhat limited, and it's free for use.
Just send me an email at eduardo at insurance-solutions dot com dot br and I'll send you it.
Suggestions/Bug reports welcome!
08/23/2005 (11:22 am)
I think that GameSpace/TrueSpace, using some custom made plugins, can be a hell of a lot cheaper and usefull than MAX.I mean, you only need on art pipeline using plugins to do DTS / DIF, and it works, believe me. I'm going down this path myself and I don't think I made a wrong decision. Being a coder by nature and profession, It's way cheper for me to code my own plugins that to shell out U$3500(which would mean, by my country's standart around 4-5 months worth of FULL INCOME)!
I say, coders UNITE and make GameSpace a really wonderfull and complete pipeline for Torque!
I'm making my part by building a DIF exporter, which already works even though its somewhat limited, and it's free for use.
Just send me an email at eduardo at insurance-solutions dot com dot br and I'll send you it.
Suggestions/Bug reports welcome!
#11
08/24/2005 (10:40 pm)
I just bought gameSpace and I'm really impressed. Throw my hat into the gameSpace camp :)
#12
1. Is TrueSpace committed to GameSpace support wise and in terms of long term goals ?
2. In GameSpace, is it possible to divide and turn edges while modeling? Do you have access to several methods of manipulation on the sub-object level? (vertex welding, target welding, face cutting, polygon flipping, etc.) I would assume so, but I know nothing about that modeling environment.
thanks.
08/24/2005 (10:53 pm)
Two questions:1. Is TrueSpace committed to GameSpace support wise and in terms of long term goals ?
2. In GameSpace, is it possible to divide and turn edges while modeling? Do you have access to several methods of manipulation on the sub-object level? (vertex welding, target welding, face cutting, polygon flipping, etc.) I would assume so, but I know nothing about that modeling environment.
thanks.
#13
Odd, they promote it as having a more intuitive interface, yet I can't seem to grasp it.. :shrug:
08/26/2005 (1:35 pm)
It seems to have a really neat interface and all, but Game/Truespace just eludes me for some reason. I've tried doing the tutorial that ship with the trial version and can get through them but it never "clicks" with me.Odd, they promote it as having a more intuitive interface, yet I can't seem to grasp it.. :shrug:
#14
It's like "fancy" ketchup.
It's irritating in ads, but it's far worse when it shows up in a spec. "The interface will be intuitive." Just sad.
Kind of a pet peeve (if you hadn't picked up on that yet).
08/26/2005 (2:09 pm)
@Michael: Have you ever seen an interface that WASN'T described (by marketing) as "intuitive"?It's like "fancy" ketchup.
It's irritating in ads, but it's far worse when it shows up in a spec. "The interface will be intuitive." Just sad.
Kind of a pet peeve (if you hadn't picked up on that yet).
#15
08/26/2005 (5:14 pm)
Well I got Trespace6.6 when it last went on sale and can't say I have done a whole lot with it but, after sticking with it I am starting to get comfortable with it's interface. The one thing that still bugs me I don't know what operations erase the undo history and which ones don't. What I want to pass on is the truespace video tutorials on 3d buzz. You have to sign up with their site but, the tutorials are worth it. They helped me get a headstart on learning this "intuitive" interface. Anyways check them out they are worth the time www.3dbuzz.com/vbforum/sv_dl_list.php?c=16
#16
I guess I got very lucky when I bought my TS 6.6 bundle.
It came with tons and tons of video tutorials.
The videos even taught me how to rig a character for TS.
Speaking of rigging, TrueBones.tsx from http://www.truebones.com is a 25$ plug-in that rigs a character for you.
Pretty neat stuff!
I have no problems using ver 2 of the DTS exporter but I'm about to start on a player character and I'm a little scared.
I have never seen a Torque player tutorial for TrueSpace so I think I'll just have to load up the Orc .max and make sure I don't miss anything.
I'm determined to make 2 custom characters work with all the features (of DTS) in TrueSpace.
What does everyone think of maybe a Nude Male/Female Model Pack or Tutorial for TrueSpace?
For that matter, how about a Nude Male/Female with plenty of mount points, etc in DTS format as a pack (of course the skeleton would be custom)?
If I have to struggle through this I see no reason not to share it when I'm done.
Ari Rule
08/31/2005 (12:03 am)
@Nmuta Yeah the tools are all there (even has a helper tool to find them), I don't know about GameSpace support.I guess I got very lucky when I bought my TS 6.6 bundle.
It came with tons and tons of video tutorials.
The videos even taught me how to rig a character for TS.
Speaking of rigging, TrueBones.tsx from http://www.truebones.com is a 25$ plug-in that rigs a character for you.
Pretty neat stuff!
I have no problems using ver 2 of the DTS exporter but I'm about to start on a player character and I'm a little scared.
I have never seen a Torque player tutorial for TrueSpace so I think I'll just have to load up the Orc .max and make sure I don't miss anything.
I'm determined to make 2 custom characters work with all the features (of DTS) in TrueSpace.
What does everyone think of maybe a Nude Male/Female Model Pack or Tutorial for TrueSpace?
For that matter, how about a Nude Male/Female with plenty of mount points, etc in DTS format as a pack (of course the skeleton would be custom)?
If I have to struggle through this I see no reason not to share it when I'm done.
Ari Rule
#17
08/31/2005 (3:59 am)
I was working on the same thing - just haven't had time to get it off the ground. I'd be happy to test anything you come up with for you. 
#18
08/31/2005 (6:30 am)
Can someone please explain the difference between truespace and gamespace. I have been all over the site, and am yet to see a difference.
#19
Ari Rule
09/01/2005 (3:17 pm)
@Chris GameSpace has less features that TrueSpace, but I couldn't tell you which ones because I don't use GameSpace at the moment. Sry.Ari Rule
#20
The biggest advantage of gameSpace -- over Milkshape, for example -- is that you can do a lot more besides just create game models. For example, I've used it to build and render graphics for my game's interface as well as detailed textures which can then be applied to interiors or shapes.
So, yeah... I'd love to see more information and support for using gameSpace with Torque!
09/01/2005 (4:39 pm)
I use gameSpace and, bugs aside, I enjoy working with it. Getting used to the UI takes a little while, but once you get it, it becomes almost automatic. Dark Industries' DTS exporter is a solid professional-level tool and it works great! I haven't tried doing interiors with gameSpace yet; I would imagine that you'd still need Quark or some other editor to finalize the textures and make sure there are no concave brushes.The biggest advantage of gameSpace -- over Milkshape, for example -- is that you can do a lot more besides just create game models. For example, I've used it to build and render graphics for my game's interface as well as detailed textures which can then be applied to interiors or shapes.
So, yeah... I'd love to see more information and support for using gameSpace with Torque!
Torque Owner BrokeAss Games
BrokeAss Games
Am I the only one who uses TrueSpace?
Ari Rule