Intro to 3D Modelling for Video Games in Blender

In this class, students will learn how to create and texture basic 3D models in Blender, a 3D modelling software used by many professional game studios. We will cover the basic fundamentals about modelling for games, and how this differs from other 3D mediums. 

Week 1: 
Students will gain familiarity with the Blender interface and polygon modelling tools. We'll begin with some exercises in arranging and manipulating 3D primitives. Once familiar with the basic tools, students will begin to create a simple low poly prop. A wooden barrel. Crates and barrels are signature props in video game. They can fill out a scene, be smashed or hold loot. Students who want extra practice and feedback are encouraged to work on a prop of their own after the class has ended. 

Week 2:
Students will have time to finish their barrels and ask any questions they might have after the first class. Then we will move on to some UV unwrapping exercises. This is an important step before texturing can begin. Once familiar with the concept, students will start to unwrap their barrel props. 

Week 3:
Students will have time to ask any questions they might have after the second class. We will then move onto texturing.  This is one of the final steps before the prop is ready to export into a game. We will practice first turning a basic cube into a wooden crate. After that, students will be shown a few ways to texture barrels, including hand drawing the texture and using a photo texture. 

Week 4:
In the final week, students should have finished their barrels. We will then take some renders of the final result. This will show roughly what it will look like once it is exported into a game. If anyone would like to show off their end result and get feedback, they are welcome to send screenshots to me during class. This can be added onto a portfolio to show off your talents. 
There will be time for everyone who wants to show off their end results. They are then encouraged to start work on a unique prop of their own choice.

Please download the Blender software and install it prior to the class, since students will be working in Blender throughout the class session. It is a free software. In addition, the software requires a 3-button mouse. Note: It is recommended to double-check the minimum system requirements for the Blender software before installing it on your computer, but most desktop and laptop Mac and PC computers produced in the last 2-3 years should be able to run it. (However, it will not run on tablets.)