Modelling for existing games

Modelling for games that already exist is a big deal. Most RPG's at least, even come with editors to allow users to make their modifications to their games, and modellers are in big demand.

Modelling has always been the scary part of games production or at least the thought of it has. Is it artistic? Is it maths? Is it precision engineering? 

Don't be afraid by the frightening terms like UV mapping, polygons and vertex shading. These are just words we modellers like to use to scare the pants off the coders and keep them away from our private little world of creative wonders.

Learning to model can be as easy or as difficult as you make it for yourself. Downloading Blender or signing up to Maya isn't always the best option. Blenders UI is a horrible experience to the brand new model maker, and Maya is equally terrifying, not to mention expensive.

For those about to start in the wonderful hobby of 3D modelling then I would suggest getting yourself over to Wings3D and downloading the latest version for your machine for free.

Of course, it is in my interest to promote Wings3D as I have a book series on this very subject, but that isn't the reason for this article, I just love the ease of use of the software, and I would love to see it being used more often for what it was designed for.

"What games can I mod using Wings3D?", I hear you ask.

Virtually any game that ever had a 3D model. The hard part is finding the exporter/ converter for the particular game you choose. Here are a few games that can be improved/ modified by the hobby home modeller;

Morrowind - Bethesda, nif 

Morrowind is a bit of a cult classic when it comes to games. Yes, it's old but it's still as popular as ever. I've made a lot of models for this game in my time, and I explain how to get your Wings3D models into the game in-depth on my Morrowind blog. 

Bethesda games are usually packaged with their own editor for the Gamebryo Engine called the Construction Kit, and there is oodles of information available online on its use.

I can't mention Morrowind without the games Oblivion and Skyrim. They can both be modded, and you can model for them using a similar method as Morrowind above.

All links to other software required (all free), and exporters etc are available on the blog.


The Sims - Maxis - Obj (Sim package)

This one takes a little more effort to get your model into the game and it requires other software to do it. This applies to models made in any modelling program, not just Wings3D. 

SIMPE is just a "Sims Package Editor" and is available for download as opensource. You will need this to package your finished models as the Sims package includes things such as behaviour, placements and transparency etc.

Confusing at first, but quite easy to learn with a lot of online information and help available.


Fallout - Bethesda, nif

Another one of Bethesda's offerings that uses the nif (Net Immerse File) format. Again you need an exporter to convert your models so that you can use them in-game, but again, a good starting point is my Morrowind tutorial above.


LoTR: Battle for Middle Earth 

This one I had no idea people were still modding for until someone from the community told me all about it. Incidentally, you can download it for free right here; LoTR download. There is a complete installation guide as well. Handy.


Mount & Blade Warband, brf (obj)

This is another vibrant community that is screaming out for modellers and a community that has been using Wings3D for quite some time to produce the models they need.

I'm not so familiar with the brf (binary resource file) format but the models the game uses are nothing more than object files. With a little google search, I instantly found a brf package editor on Nexus.

Within a few clicks, I was able to open and export the models and textures from the brf package and load them into Wings3D. The models are very simple, low-poly models that any new modeller would find easy to create. Why not give it a go yourself?

Incidentally, there is a beta version available for free download on the site, here 



There are many, many more games to edit and enjoy modelling for and these are but a few. Just a quick google search on the game of your choice and a few minutes of research will surely set you on your way.