I'm working on a project that requires real-time 3D modeling software and I'm interested in modular asset creation software.
For those who don't know, modular assets are pieces that can be combined in different ways to create varied environments - super useful for game development.
What software has the best tools for creating these kinds of assets? I'm looking for something that might have procedural modeling for games capabilities or at least makes the modular workflow efficient.
Also, how do these tools integrate with game engines? Are we talking about game engine compatible 3D software that works seamlessly, or is there always some export/import hassle?
Particularly interested in tools that are good for mobile game asset creation since that's my target platform.
For modular asset creation software and real-time 3D modeling software, Blender is actually really good.
The asset browser feature lets you create libraries of modular pieces that you can drag and drop into your scenes. You can create collections of wall segments, floor tiles, props, etc., and reuse them easily.
For procedural modeling for games, Blender's geometry nodes are getting better with every release. You can create parametric assets that adjust based on inputs - super useful for modular systems.
Houdini is the king of procedural modeling, but it has a much steeper learning curve. The Apprentice version is free for learning though.
For game engine compatible 3D software that supports modular workflows, both Blender and Maya work well. The key is organizing your assets properly in the software so they export cleanly to the game engine.
For mobile game asset creation specifically, you might want to look at tools optimized for low-poly workflows.
Blender is great for this - you can create low-poly models quickly and efficiently. The decimate modifier is useful for reducing polygon counts.
For modular asset creation software workflows, consistency is key. Make sure all your modular pieces share the same scale and grid alignment. Blender's snapping tools are excellent for this.
Real-time 3D modeling software is less about the software and more about your workflow. Any modern 3D software can be used for real-time asset creation if you optimize properly.
The export/import process to game engines is usually straightforward. FBX is the standard format, and both Blender and Maya export clean FBX files. Some engines like Unity and Unreal have direct import plugins for Blender now.
For procedural modeling for games, Houdini is incredible but has a steep learning curve. The Apprentice version is free for learning, and the indie version is reasonably priced if you want to use it commercially.
What makes Houdini amazing for modular asset creation software workflows is that you can create tools that generate variations of assets automatically. Want 100 slightly different crates? Houdini can do that.
For real-time 3D modeling software that integrates with game engines, some newer tools are worth mentioning:
1. Unity ProBuilder - Built into Unity, modeling right in the engine
2. Unreal Engine modeling tools - Also built in, improving rapidly
3. Blender with real-time engine plugins
The trend is toward more integrated workflows where you can model and see results in-engine immediately. This is especially useful for environment asset creation tools work where context matters.