Model battles - Rules [Draft]

[Jest@]

Well, it seems like a fair few people are keen on this, so here are the preliminary rules for the model battles.

--WHAT TO MAKE--

A general theme will be given, and you may make anything which suits the theme. Normally, the models should be environmental art, eg props; not characters or anything overly-specific.

You may make several models, so long as the total is under the polycount given for the particular contest.

Models should be textured with at least a diffuse map, and compiled for the Source engine. Normal/specular mas are encouraged, but not essential. Texture size limits will be given for each contest.

SUBMISSION RULES

To be accepted for the vote, entries must show the following:

- A wireframe render.
- A copy of the diffuse texture sheet.
- An in-engine screenshot against a plain background.
-Optional: 2 more shots of your choosing, against plain backgrounds (e.g. renders, or in-game, to show off other angles).
-Optional: an in-game screenshot in a setting of your choosing.

A plain copy of the mesh, in either SMD or OBJ format, should be emailed to jester@interlopers.net so I can verify polycounts. You retain all rights etc, and you have my word they won't be kept a second longer than needed.

Notes:
-Your 'in-engine' screenshot can be taken in modelviewer if it's easiest, but a custom map with plain backgrounds is encouraged.
- For the optional in-game screenshot, the model must be the prime focus and main feature of the shot (i.e. it should occupy a fair chunk of the screenspace and be relatively prominently lit)
-The texture shot can be scaled down and watermarked if you like.

DESIGN GOALS & JUDGING CRITERIA

The aim of the model battles is to test modelling skill, both technically and artistically. So we're looking for clean geometry, and visual impressiveness. Try to be creative with the theme, but don't go crazy - try and create assets that you would feasibly use in a mod/map.


---


Ok, those are the preliminary rules. Suggestions and comments more than welcome - I want the contests to be rigorous, but not fascist; they have to work for you, so let me know below.

[Spas12]

hmm, maybe only 1 finished model should be allowed? if its too many then it might be hard when it comes to voting.

Other then that it sounds good.

Also maybe we can have a thread full of all the complete models so the community can download them? Of course only if the author wants to release it that is.

[Mr. Happy]

Does diffuse = what you put on the $basetexutre? (i know, i know, laugh all you want im still a texture newb)

Heres an idea, if you make more than one model they all have to be in the renders, rather then individual renders and screenshots for each one, that way it doesnt get all cluttered

[Jest@]

Does diffuse = what you put on the $basetexutre? (i know, i know, laugh all you want im still a texture newb)

Heres an idea, if you make more than one model they all have to be in the renders, rather then individual renders and screenshots for each one, that way it doesnt get all cluttered

Yep, that's the diffuse map.

And yep, that's what I intended; the screenshots amounts are per entry, not per mesh.

[Garrador]

what? You can make more than one mesh if you are under budget?

[theblahman]

Hmmm, I can kinda model, but I can't texture nor UV to save my life, what do I do there? I'd love to do the model battles to improve my skill, but since I won't be able to provide the texture shots and the in-game shots, i guess i fail.

[Kolezan]

Perhaps you could team up with someone who can't model but do the rest?

[theblahman]

Hmm, thats an idea.

[SlappyBag]

I'm just gonna learn to UV. I know I'm not going to be winning this contest for a long time, if ever, but whatever. It all goes towards experience and learning doesn't it.


I think the rules are fine Jest. Goodjob.

[ad_hominem]

I think the polycount idea is a really good one, and it allows for somebody to create a small themed set if they cant think of creating one really detailed model.

[Mango]

Rules look great! Maybe people could allow their models to be put into an Interlopers Community Model Pack, or something?

Looking forward to this.

[crazypip666]

Are we allowed to work with others? I can do some basic modeling and am trying to teach myself more, but I can't really do texturing so if I were able to work with someone else who could do texturing it would really help me.

[Cardboard]

Perhaps doing a modeling only contest would attract more entries. Everybody knows that a lot of modelers despise unwrapping and texturing and would rather stick bamboo shoots under their fingernails.

[Jest@]

Are we allowed to work with others? I can do some basic modeling and am trying to teach myself more, but I can't really do texturing so if I were able to work with someone else who could do texturing it would really help me.

Good point, I'll amend the rules to something similar to the Map Battle rules for multiple entries: i.e. it's fine to work in pairs/groups, but the final score will be divided between the contributers, plus a bit.

[RawMeat3000]

I love that only 12 people voted.