Gmax
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Gmax was a 3D modeling application based on Discreet's 3ds Max used by professional computer graphics artists. Whereas 3ds Max is a comprehensive modeling, animation, and rendering package with some secondary post-production and compositing features, Gmax is much more limited due to its singular intended use—game content creation. Tools and features rarely used or completely unrelated to creating 3D game models were removed (most if not all of the more complex rendering, materials, shaders, physics simulation, and some of the more advanced geometry tools, plus the rendering engine), leaving the core modeling, texturing, and basic animation rigging and keyframing capabilities.
Gmax can be expanded by "game packs", which feature customized tools with the purpose of creating and exporting customizable content to games and websites. As Gmax was bereft of its progenitor's rendering engine, game packs were typically required to provide such a feature for Gmax if deemed necessary (Maxis was the first company to write a dedicated renderer for their gmax gamepack, BAT—Building Architect Tool—for SimCity 4).
The introduction of Gmax—and Autodesk's distribution of the core tools of what is normally a several hundred to several thousand dollar software package, but for free—was thought by a number of digital artists and modders to be aimed towards remedying the 'limited-options piracy' of 3D modeling packages that had been widespread among amateur 3D modeling and game mod communities to that point. Until the introduction of Gmax, and a similar 'game modeler' version of Maya soon after, amateur modelers had extremely limited access to the tools needed to do so. Gmax enabled modelers to have legitimate access to content creation tools similar to those used by professionals.
Redistribution
Microsoft has distributed Gmax with Microsoft Flight Simulator since the 2002 version. Most of the freeware and also payware add-on aircraft and scenery is done with Gmax and it's considered to be the standard modeller for MSFS. It can make use of special animations through XML coding written into parts.
Cancellation
As of October 16, 2005 AutoDesk Media and Entertainment has discontinued Gmax. They no longer support Gmax. Instead, the company has decided to focus on 3D Studio Max. However the last version of Gmax is available for free to download from the official support website. Maya Personal Learning Edition, a similar 'mod builder' variant of Maya, is still active.
See also
External links
- Official Gmax support web site
- Trainz Content Creation Pack GMax game pack for Auran's Trainz railway simulator