Challenges: Post Your Feedback

[Supervlieg]

I like the prop challenge. It was really good, and easy to get into and finish. Since it wasnt a long running challenge it was also pretty easy to plan within the short running time. The relatively low polygon count was a good call.

But in contradiction to that last point, maybe its a good idea to be more forgiving in the polygon count. With the advent of the next gen machines, it might be a good idea to allow slightly more polies for the next challenge.

I would like to see a small growth in the scope of the challenge, something like doing a vehicle. But it will have to be a simple one, to keep it in the vein of the prop challenge. And also to keep things manageble.

Anyway, lets hear more ideas!

[Alistair-McCello]

I like the idea of another prop challenge, I missed out on the previous one (noticed it only a few days before the deadline), and have been anxiously awaiting a new challenge to start. I think the mini-challenge is more accessible what with being shorter and.. well minier.

If you wanted to allow for a higher polygon count you could split the entries into a low or high count weight class so that you have your <1000 tris entires and >1000 tris entries, or whatever the cross over point may be.

[DevilHacker]

I truthfully don’t mind what the next challenge will be,
But with schools, and other institutions of learning, letting out for the summer, I suspect that there will be many more people entering the upcoming challenge. The only thing that I would suggest is that you find the three judges before the challenge ends, so we don’t have to wait so long for the entries to be judged…

Just my 2cents.
;)

[HellBoy]

I really would love another mini challange, not prop, different theme :) as summer is comming, college is out of way, really up for it, I think I didn't plan good in the previous challenge

as Supervlieg said, more extented poly count would be great

[Kizza]

Prop challenge was a great idea. Unfortunatly I missed it too. So I'm quite happy for another, as soon as it can be organised. In terms of polycount, it could stay low. Talking to a head of a local dev studio said they aren't expecting to work on a next gen game for another 6-12 months. And next gen consoles will still want optimised props, if you create high quality low poly work, you'll be able to fit more props on screen.

Anyway... small challenges are good.

[Nathellion]

I'd love to do another challenge in the same vein as this last one. Maybe next time I'll actually start the model. http://cgtalk.com/images/smilies/grin.gif

[-KDX-]

agreed...maybe this time my computer won't disintegrate on me.

-KDX-

[Ivars]

I vote for a bigger (non mini) challenge. But a minichallenge would be cool too.

[glynnsmith]

How about something similar to the last one, but make it more specific in terms of a visual theme?

I'm thinking either cellshaded, stylised/cartoon, photoreal, or something along a similar route.

I'm not really a comp follower; I've only followed one really. I haven't seen any that needed a styled aesthetic visual criteria to be met.

Just an idea.

I also wouldn't mind joining the next one aslong as it's managable (read: small enough).

G.

[DevilHacker]

I wouldn’t mind having to design another character, but it didn’t seem to popular in the last UGAC…

:shrug:

[Renderman_XSI]

my contest idea. Take a everyday fruit or vegetable, and create a character base off it.its gotta ressemble the fruit/vegetable of your chosing. This is meant as a mini challenge. Triangle count doesnt matter(3000 or less).

just my 2 cent

[HellBoy]

when are we possible expecting the next challenge


p.s. I've noticed your avatar Supervlieg, it raises as soon as you enter the page, could be me :shrug:

[DevilHacker]

Let’s get this challenge started…

PS: As far as Mini-Challenge VS. UGAC, I will have to say the next challenge should be a month (min) to a month and a half (max) full-fledged UGAC… Just my 2 cents.
:thumbsup:

[jamihn]

I had a lot of fun with the mini challenge! I can see the desire for longer challenges, but I kinda like the short time span. It's a real challenge to turn out something that looks decent in a short amout of time. Good practice for a real production pipeline, you know.

[DevilHacker]

p.s. I've noticed your avatar Supervlieg, it raises as soon as you enter the page, could be me :shrug:
Yep, when the page loads, The Image fly’s in from the bottom of the page, bounces once, then sits still… But it has nothing to do when he’s on the page… Just reload the page and look for it.

[Alistair-McCello]

Just a quick thought in regards to challenge topic. I have noticed a lot of noise being made recently about boxes being used as clutter in level design, mostly about how it is unrealistic and harkens back to the days of yore when we had not the poly count to make more complex items. A contest to design a repeatable prop that could be used as clutter, either generic or one that would fit with a certain building (ie a warehouse or a lab), could be fun. I think it might be a challenge to come up with something that is an interesting prop and yet would not look bad if it was repeated several times through a level, could just be me though.

[Kizza]

That's a neat idea, Alistair. The "crate" really is an overused filler. And sometimes it's quite out of place. I'd toy with the idea of different reusable/repeatable props.

[Thunder Malloy]

I also like the idea of making props to replace crates.

[glynnsmith]

Don't forget to add barrels to the overused prop list. :banghead:

I like this idea. Shouldn't be too big a task either. Very cool.

G.

[Phennim]

Less talking.. more starting-challenges?

Finishing old ones quickly. The jungle prop only need a few more judges. Perhaps people that enter can judge the other entries.

But what ever you do, don't stop the mini challenges.

[Douglas.Costello]

I would prefer a mini challenge. Ideally the challenge would be, low texture res, low poly limit, and a very interesting theme to build off of. The more generic the theme you give, the less us artists will have to chew on. Limitations are what breed creativity. Give us a tight concept/texture res/poly count and you will get great responses with lots of creativity.

The game of tennis isn't tennis if you don't have the net up.

[Neil]

It seems like the argument for more polys more texture space always comes up, and with the 360 and ps3 i can see why.
But let me remind you that the handheld and phone market is still huge! DS, psp, n-gage, gizmondo. A lot of companies still want people that can impressive the hell out of them with 250 triangles and a 128x128 texture sheet. That is the ultimate test of your polygon usage and texture sheet squeezing skills.

Just wanted to throw that out there.

[Supervlieg]

I like the idea of coming up with an replacement for the generic crates we see in games. Though its quite hard. Since crates and boxes are so handy. So no crates/barrels. But just generel repeating chuff. Things you would have to pay attention to is to make em interesting from different viewpoints.


Anyway, can somebody do some judging on the previous comp? It only takes a little time, and we can get the next challenge rolling.

Oh, the avatar is a animated gif ;)

[Supervlieg]

Some ideas for themes (pretty simple objects, low poly count, medium rez textures)

-Cyborg farm animals
-Chair of the endboss
-Two wheeled vehicles
-BioGuns
-Retro or Futuristic Phone booth
-Personal Flying machines
-Space helmet
-Walking cacti

[Kizza]

Those are all great ideas, I hope we can get around to 'em all.
I went brainstorming, here's a pile straight out of the brain, little damp...

Power generator
Transportation device
Medical personal scanning device
Mountable animal head wall hanging
Experimental Coffee Table (of the FUTURE!)
Next Next Generation Gaming Console
UFO
Forcefield Generator (and field)
Multi-purpose tool
Steampunk device of the FUTURE!
Child's Toy
Excessive Melee Weapon

[PixelRod]

I like to continue the props challenge. It didn't require too much time. This give people with not much time on hand to join. The idea of coming up with a replacement for crates and barrels is also good. These are generally used as cover points or just fillers, so something that would fit in a first person shooter game would be a good challenge. However, should we do this I think we should come up a specific environment that everyone can make props for like warehouse, jungle, dessert, city etc.

I also like the ideas thrown by Supervlieg and Kizza. They require imagination and could bring some interesting submissions.

:)

[DevilHacker]

Next Next Generation Gaming Console
Steampunk device of the FUTURE!
Probably my two favorite suggested topics so far...
It would be awesome to see what people would do, if given a chance to design their own console of the future...
And what can I say...
I am a sucker for those Steampunk Devices of the Future (like in the next Rise of Nations Game)

EDIT: It is June 12th, and about to be the 13th… Any word on the next challenge?

[HellBoy]

-Two wheeled vehicles

I like that idea, I hope you're not thinking of motorcycles :D

Because we did a jungle theme, how about a theme based on snow/ice prop, something you find in ice (can't think of any so far). If not then:

- Local shop
- Bus Station
- Modified weapons

[Phennim]

- Bus Station (/Bus stop)
- Modified weapons
I like these suggestions.

[DevilHacker]

Any word on the next challenge?

I just got my first post as an modeler for an upcoming RTS game, and lucky for me I have a lot of time to work and perfect my models… And what’s best is that I am really sure I can work in one of the models that I have to make anyways, and submit it as an entry… Kill two birds with one stone…
http://cgtalk.com/images/smilies/grin.gif

[ColinRoss]

I like the idea of coming up with an replacement for the generic crates we see in games. Though its quite hard. Since crates and boxes are so handy. So no crates/barrels. But just generel repeating chuff. Things you would have to pay attention to is to make em interesting from different viewpoints.

I think this is a brilliant idea, and one that quite a few people would have an interest in. Also we would be coming up with solutions for this issue, and then you can take back any ideas that you've generated to your respective companies which you work for.

I'm a student, so I had to miss out on the last challenge because of coursework and time constraints, but I'd definitly be up for a new challenge soon as college finishes at the end of this month.

Can't wait. :)

[HellBoy]

Why don't we start on MONDAY 20TH JUNE 2005 and wrap all this challenge up

[RO]

lol a crate challenge :P That is a classic. I really can not think of something that can replace a crate for filler… maybe a barrel but that is also classical filler. I think people have under estimated the crate it is a handy object as filler If can be anywhere and still look somewhat believable... I mean look at your houses… the basement or garage and you will find a box somewhere :) We are surrounded by crates all over this world because we are all pack rats. Some more than others.

[Kizza]

I only find them somewhat believeable because I've seen them in almost every game ever. Sometimes they're in context and make sense, sometimes they're totally out of place. And most times they don't actually have anything inside them! If people want to improve the crate-cliche they could at least give them contents, and maybe those styrofoam beans.

I don't have any crates. I have some boxes stored away under the stairs, but they're not really lying around corridors.

I like the idea of the crate challenge. But it's quite hard to come up with an adequate replacement.

[naenae]

i would love to have another game challage. :applause: Like others, i'm still a student and what could be better time to join into a challange than this!!

unfortunatly i missed out the last one.. :sad: .. so.. WEEEE!!!

[Douglas.Costello]

I agree that we should start the 20th.

[DevilHacker]

I agree that we should start the 20th.
My only hope is that it lasts for at least 2 weeks...
Because I am going to be gone 23-26...
http://cgtalk.com/images/smilies/grin.gif

[ColinRoss]

I agree that we should start the 20th.

Well I can't personally see it starting tomorrow really, because of preperation.

Maybe in a weeks time.

[DevilHacker]

…as long as we get one going before summer break is up…
:argh:

[feedbaz]

crates are brilliant :- http://www.oldmanmurray.com/features/39.html

(the first page is a bit weird, but its worth reading on)

I'd welcome a simple prop challenge, I was really busy for the duration of the last one unfortunately.

[HellBoy]

…as long as we get one going before summer break is up…




:argh:
Yea, I'm with you

I guess lots of people will join this comming challenge. Because we're in summer break, how about a something like environtment or level design :shrug:

[Supervlieg]

Maybe we should do the ultimate crate/barrel challenge! Or if you can come up with something better then a crate/barrel, you can do that.

How about it Bentllama, are you ready to start this thing?

[DevilHacker]

Maybe we should do the ultimate crate/barrel challenge! Or if you can come up with something better then a crate/barrel, you can do that.

How about it Bentllama, are you ready to start this thing?
WOW!
There is an challenge name for you! :scream:
Ugac - Prop 101 - Ultimate Crate Mini Challenge

[Bongo]

I myself wouldn't mind seeing a challange based off reinventing the crate/barrel. It would be nice to see how some of the other posters would make such a cliche interesting.

Who knows? I might actually participate in this one :D

[Miak]

Hey :)

Reinvent the crate sounds totally cool... Always had a pick for crates lol :) It's 20th of June today, and while I was reading this I was like OMG, I'll miss it!! :P A big phew to that...

But I have a question that I don't know where to post, so I'll just ask it here... I'm making a game, you can see it here (http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?t=250751) and I'm having a sorta artistic problem lol... So, I thought if a mini challenge could be opened to do some graphics for this... Just to mention that no money is made from the game itself, it's a fun project... So, if something could be worked out, please tell :)

As for the crates, I'm in :D

Crates and penguins foreva

[DevilHacker]

LOL, It seems like the most liked Idea for the next challenge is for “Ultimate Crates”
:arteest:

[Kizza]

I love it, instead of making a replacement for the crate, we make the most damn awesome crate there is.

This could be quite fun!

[Bongo]

I love it, instead of making a replacement for the crate, we make the most damn awesome crate or barrel there is.

This could be quite fun!

No need to exclude either one :D

So I also throw my vote in with having the crate or barrel redesign mini challange.

[bentllama]

crate and barrel it is then... I will post the official thread and plug tonight.

ultimate crates!

heck i might even be able to get in on this one! :)

[Supervlieg]

Rock and roll!

[DevilHacker]

Cool, look forward to it...
-----------------------------------








[EDIT #1]
Come-on Bent!
Don’t fall asleep on us!
Its already 10:30PM over here…
:deal:



[EDIT #2]
11:33PM...
:D

[bentllama]

typing fast....blood on...keyboard....gah...

[Cyrenn]

Hello everyone on Cgtalks community: ) I was going to post this about 3 weeks ago, but wanted to first get the blessings of the cgtalk moderators before posting any kind of friendly contest onto there busy threads. But I got an e-mail from from one of CGtalk staff members letting me though that this could be a great friendly contest that the cgtalk community might want to get involved in. The contest was started on 3dtotal about 3 weeks ago, but we did want to start it the same time. It is no problem to push the due date back of the models another 3 weeks or maybe more to give any of the cgtalk community that wants to participate the same amount of time that everyone else is getting: ) The contest is gettign pretty popular but with the cgtalk community it could be amazing: )

Here is the original thread with all the rules are below. There will be a link provided below to the original thread so that you can see some of the other contestants that have there works in progress. Also we are hoping at the end maybe to give some sort of graphic award at the end if everyone is up for that: ) but thats to be decided as a group: )

If things are ok with you guys and you feel this would be a fun contest, I would like to start a thread on cgtalks Game development thread so that we can start seeing your concepts and works in progress of your Mega Man or Woman Villain Bots: ) Hope to see you guys makes this a bigger and exciting contest: ) Thanks for taking the time to read this post.

Sincerely,
Cyrenn


(Origianl Thread)
Hello 3DTotal Community. Me and Nappa decided to start a friendly competition in hopes that we end up getting a lot of participants. I think this could be a great thread and a lot of fun and if all goes planned we should have a bunch of cool looking new Villains that will be on the look out for our old friend Mega Man.

Here's a Link to the Offical Mega Man site.
http://www.capcom.com/megaman/ (http://www.capcom.com/megaman/)

Well if you decided to join this little competition, I’m sure in the process we can learn a lot from each other, by sharing tips on ways to model and texture, let alone rig a character.

Please post all works in progress on this thread: )

Well here are the rulz.
1. You have to model a Mega Man Style Villain.
It has to be a new Bot, no rip offs of any of the original villains.

2. Your Bot has to have his own original name with MAN at the end.
For example: Snot Man, Cool Man, Suck man etc.

If you decided to make a female style Villain Bot, just add women and the end - Example: Hot woman, Nylon Woman, Thong Woman Etc. LOL

3. Your Bot can only have one power, and explain his power.
Example – Fire Man shoots fire, Ice Man shoots Ice.

4. Before you start to model you must post your concept art. Colored is optional,
Name of the Bot is required.

5. All Models have to be within 5,000 tri's or 2500 Polys: )

6. 1 – 1024 X 1024 or smaller texture map.

7. Final render of your new Mega Man Villain , needs to be Modeled,
Textured & rigged in attack pose, any additional stuff like effects
And animation is optional. Any software package can be used.

8. All bots must be completed by October 31, 2005
Pacific Standard Time: )

9. List of villains you can’t use.
1.Air Man
Aqua Man
Astro Man

2.Blizzard Man
Bomb Man
Bright Man
Bubble Man
Burner Man
Burst Man

3.Centaur Man
Charge Man
Cloud Man
Cold Man
Crash Man
Crystal Man
Cut Man

4.Dive Man
Drill Man
Dust Man
Dynamo Man

5.Electric Man

6.Fire Man
Flame Man
Flash Man
Freeze Man
Frost Man

7.Gemini Man
Guts Man
Gravity Man
Grenade Man
Ground Man
Gyro Man

8.Hard Man
Heat Man

9.Ice Man

10.Junk Man

11.Knight Man

12.Magic Man
Magnet Man
Metal Man

13.Napalm Man
Needle Man

14.Pharaoh Man
Pirate Man
Plant Man

15.Quick Man

16.Ring Man

17.Search Man
Shade Man
Shadow Man
Slash Man
Skull Man
Snake Man
Spark Man
Spring Man
Star Man
Stone Man
Sword Man

18.Tengu Man
Toad Man
Tomahawk Man
Top Man
Turbo Man

19.Wave Man
Wind Man
Wood Man

20.Yamato Man
These are the Villains from Mega Man to Mega Man 8, so if you know of more feel free to list them down.

Well I think that’s it for now.
Winner basically gets to be known as the Coolest Mega Man Villain Bot Builder LOL! Well actually hopefully this thread will take off and maybe we can come up with some sort of an award for the top 3 bots: )

If you have any other suggestions that can help this thread, feel free to post it.

Good Luck and lets all have fun.

(Orginal Thread on 3d Total with all other currents WIPs)
http://www.threedy.com/site/forum/showthread.php?t=34882

[Slider7]

What about a tree or a fantasy tree?
I have always struggled with getting good low ploly trees, grass,shrubs etc.
Might be interesting as a challenge.

[jsrsolution]

Hi,

Can i now there is some software through that i can get my own
photos to canvas (http://www.photo-print-on-canvas.com). I am searching this software from last many times but didn't come up with results.

Thanks in advance.

Addy

[valentious]

i really like this area.i new here so let me no when i can start a challenge.todyay is sunday december 13 2009 11.36 am.

so when can i start???

[CADster]

Hello everyone on Cgtalks community: ) I was going to post this about 3 weeks ago, but wanted to first get the blessings of the cgtalk moderators before posting any kind of friendly contest onto there busy threads. But I got an e-mail from from one of CGtalk staff members letting me though that this could be a great friendly contest that the cgtalk community might want to get involved in.

sorry if this was done wrong but i read this thread yesterday and while relaxing at home last night
i got the creative bug...

here is my big bad boss idea.

http://i34.tinypic.com/105s49l.jpg

designed as a 2d/2.5d character. bot roll forwards and back in a closed boss room.
upper level has 1 or 2 platforms for mega man to jump up on (to rest trigger finger or whatever)

only bot 'eye' can take damage. eye guard rotates and offers some protection.
overhead gun shoots to hinder mega mans jump shoot move.

this box of a bot makes clones of mega man. whatever weapon mega man is using when he gets a 'hit'
is the weapon the clone uses when he jumps out of the bot. clone is much weaker then mega man.
but is still a problem when you have the clone and the bot attacking. bot arms open doors. doors are jaggy
and when open, bot can 'rush' mega man or release a clone. hitting doors give damage. being too close and getting hit
by bots arms cause damage and of course head gun causes damage.

bot also has a defence ability. bot can use exhaust (on back) to make a smoke screen and then rush into it. mega man can either go into the smoke blind or wait it out for the bot to come out or the smoke to thin.

planned as a 2d boos (as said) this is why the bot arms and doors serve as a deterrent to mega man getting too close to the front of the clone bot (clone man) ...- ya need some pixel space for the clone to jump out of.

anyhoo... i got about 2 hours in everything. idea, concept and model construction.
may texture it or not. i dont know. for a 2d sprite, it dont really need a texture.



if this is in the wrong section or place, please PM me if it gets moved.
i have a hard enough time finding stuff here when i only pop in every
once in a while.

thanks.