What software do I need to create assets?

Im thinking of sending in a weapon design or two at some point to see if you like them, but im not sure what software you guys are using.

PROPHET GAME wrote:Im thinking of sending in a weapon design or two at some point to see if you like them, but im not sure what software you guys are using.

cryengine, and probably 3ds max for the models i think

Varies. 3DS Max is for most objects, but some of our more high end users (Master Noob and Mootjuh) use sculpting programs, namely Zbrush and Mudbox respectively. CryEngine is just where we import things.

Our 2D Artists use a variety of tools, Dany prefers a pencil and paper, and I don't have a clue what the others use (probably SAI)

I use AutoCAD for 2D stuff.

If you are just now starting out, the direction I would recommend taking is through a program called Blender (100% totally free, open source, easy to learn). Learn with that program. Google BlenderCookie and you will be making guns, space ships, and various other objects in no time! Just don't let your wheels stop from turning if you sink in a little too much, keep at it and if you enjoy it then you might become great at something you enjoy.

Blender is nice and all but Maya, 3ds Max and Zbrush are industry standard, and the prior two can be obtained free via student liscence

I would highly recommend 3DSMax, especially if you have an understanding of 3D modeling, but are fairly new to it. It is, as R93_Sniper said, industry standard.

If you are interested in 3DSMax but don't have the money at the moment. You can get a basic feel of how things work with GMax. It's quite outdated, but the general feel is still there. It's definitely got some ruff edges as well, and lacks a lot of fetchers offered in 3DSMax, but the feel, I believe, is closer then Blender.

Edit:
LOL! I guess I've had 3DSMax for longer than I thought. I don't know if you could even find a version of GMax to download.

I still would advise against Blender though, If you are fairly new and considering going far with this. With different UI's, it could throw you off.

Is blender's UI still terrible?

I wouldn't say it's terrible. It's just, different.

Max is good for hard surface modeling while maya is good for organics. Whilst you can use either or to do both (as Master Noob shows, he uses Max and Zbrush), differing features make certain things easier.

R93_Sniper wrote:Max is good for hard surface modeling while maya is good for organics. Whilst you can use either or to do both (as Master Noob shows, he uses Max and Zbrush), differing features make certain things easier.

To add what you have said, I and the rest of the UI team use Photoshop to concept. I'll use After Effects on occasion to make mock animations, and I also use Cinema 4D for cinematic concepts (mostly because I don't know how to use 3DS yet. I know, I'm a disgrace v.v)

Mudbox as a good alternative for Zbrush as you can get it for free with a student license too.

R93_Sniper wrote:Varies. 3DS Max is for most objects, but some of our more high end users (Master Noob and Mootjuh) use sculpting programs, namely Zbrush and Mudbox respectively. CryEngine is just where we import things.

Our 2D Artists use a variety of tools, Dany prefers a pencil and paper, and I don't have a clue what the others use (probably SAI)

is Maya ok to use? I am interesting in making some halo models for fun and was wondering what the stuff going into the game was made with.

Maya is generally really good for a lot of modern engines, cryengine included. If you were to join the team and use maya, there'd be a bit of downtime to pass it into 3DS max (or maybe you would learn to export it yourself), but otherwise all is good