Learn the basics of 3D modeling for the popular Farming Simulator gameDo you want to get started with creating your own vehicles, maps, landscapes, and tools that you can use in the game and share with the Farming Simulator community? Then this is the resource for you! With the help of Jason van Gumster, you'll get up and running on everything you need to master 3D modeling and simulationand have fun while doing it! Inside, you'll find out how to create and edit maps, start using the material panel, customize your mods by adding texture, use the correct file-naming conventions, test your mod in single and multiplayer modes, get a grip on using Vehicle XML, and so much more.
There's no denying that Farming Simulator players love moddingand now there's a trusted, friendly resource to help you take your modding skills to the next level and get even more out of your game. Written in plain English and packed with tons of step-by-step explanations,Farming Simulator Modding For Dummies is a great way to learn the ropes of 3D modeling with the tools available to you in the game. In no time, you'll be wowing your fellow gamestersand yourselfwith custom, kick-butt mods. So what are you waiting for?
Includes an easy-to-follow introduction to using the GIANTS 3D modeling toolsExplains how to export models to Blender, Maya, 3DS Max, or FBXProvides tips for using the correct image format for texturesDetails how to use Photoshop and Audacity to create custom mods for Farming Simulator
Whether you're one of the legions of rabid fans of the popular Farming Simulator game or just someone who wants to learn the basics of 3D modeling and animation, you'll find everything you need in this handy guide.
Introduction 1
About This Book 2
Foolish Assumptions 3
Beyond This Book 4
Icons Used in This Book 4
Where to Go from Here 5
Part I: Getting Started with Farming Simulator Modding 7
Chapter 1: Introducing GIANTS Editor 9
Knowing the Editors Parts 10
Loading Assets 12
Opening an existing map 13
Previewing objects 14
Navigating in 3D Space 15
Using Framed Rotate 16
Choosing camera views 17
Transforming Objects 18
Translating, rotating, and scaling 19
Selecting objects 21
Chapter 2: Creating Map Mods 23
Preparing a Map Mod 23
Selecting, Organizing, and Placing Props 26
Making complex selections in the Scenegraph 26
Using interactive placement 27
Organizing your map 29
Importing external assets 31
Adjusting User Attributes 31
Triggering Events in Your Map 33
Chapter 3: Editing Sur face Details in Maps 35
Editing Terrain 35
Sculpting the surface 37
Painting textures 43
Painting Foliage and Ground Details 46
Creating farmable land 47
Adding plant life 49
Working with Navigation Meshes: Adding Spaces for Animals 51
Painting information 52
Defining navigation mesh boundaries for objects 54
Generating your navigation mesh 55
Chapter 4: Using the Material Panel 59
Modifying Material Properties 59
Viewing Material Textures 63
Chapter 5: Playing with Particles 65
Discovering the Uses for Particles 65
Working with the Particle Editor 66
Adding Particles in Your Mod 71
Part II: Creating Custom 3D Mods 73
Chapter 6: Set ting Up a Basic modDescxml 75
Creating a New modDescxml 76
Defining Mod Title and Descriptions 77
Adding In-Game Store Items 79
Including Specializations 83
Chapter 7: Making a New 3D Mod 85
Setting Up a New Scene 86
Establishing Object Hierarchy 88
Configuring Materials and Textures 90
Defining material settings 92
Unwrapping objects for texturing 93
Using Your Triangles Effectively 96
Getting your normals right 96
Reducing polygon count 97
Generating normal maps for additional detail 100
Chapter 8: Exporting Your Mod for GIANTS Editor 103
Exporting from Blender 104
Installing the I3D exporter add-on 104
Exporting your mod 107
Exporting from Maya 109
Installing the I3D exporter plugin 109
Exporting your mod 111
Exporting from 3ds Max 112
Installing the I3D exporter plugin 112
Exporting your mod 113
Exporting with FBX 115
Importing Your Mod into GIANTS Editor 117
Part III: Enhancing Your Mods 119
Chapter 9: Adding Texture to Your Mod 121
Working in Proper Texture Sizes 121
Understanding the Texture Types Used on a Mod 123
Coloring with diffuse maps 124
Adding details with normal maps 131
Adjusting shininess with specular maps 132
Baking ambient occlusion textures 134
Using the dirt channel 137
Assembling a Complete Specular Map 139
Optimizing Textures for the Game 141
Chapter 10: Working with Sounds 143
Getting Your Sounds 143
Recording your own sounds 144
Searching online 146
Editing Sound Files 147
Exporting Sounds for GIANTS Engine 149
Bringing Sounds into Your Mod 150
Part IV: Customizing Mod Behaviors 153
Chapter 11: Tweaking Vehicle XML 155
Understanding Object Indexing 157
Discovering the Structure of a Vehicle XML File 159
Setting Correct Collisions 161
Working with Motors and Wheels 165
Focusing on the wheels 166
Moving with your motor 167
Setting Up Cameras 168
Adding Lights 170
Chapter 12: Defining New Objects and Behaviors with Lua 173
Getting Started with Utilslua 174
Understanding a Specialization Script 176
Adding Custom Specializations to modDescxml 185
Chapter 13: Getting Out Your Mod 187
Finalizing Your Mod 187
Creating Store and Brand Icons 189
Editing a store icon 189
Adding a brand icon 190
Submitting and Sharing Mods 190
Exporting and packaging your mod 191
Distributing and maintaining your mod 192
Part V: The Part of Tens 197
Chapter 14: Ten Powerful Tips When Creating Mods 199
Use the Correct Image Format for Textures 199
Use Texture Sizes that Fit Your Mods Physical Size 200
Consolidate Your Texture Data 200
Set Useful Clip Distance Values 200
Avoid Spaces and Special Characters in Filenames 201
Be Aware of Case-Sensitive Paths 201
Convert WAV Files from Stereo to Mono 202
Check the Game Log for Errors and Warnings 202
Test Your Mod in Single and Multiplayer Modes 202
Put Your Mod into a Single Zip Package 203
Chapter 15: Ten Valuable Community Resources 205
GIANTS Developer Network 205
Modhub 206
Farming Simulator Forums 206
Farming Simulator Modding Video Tutorials 206
Farming Simulator Script Source Code 206
GIANTS Software Company Website 207
Luaorg 207
Freesoundorg 207
Blenderorg 207
CGTexturescom 208
Appendix: Error and Warning Message Reference 209
Index 223
