Asset Management

ow D_ROGUE has been several years in the making (with this week marking the third blogiversary!), I thought it was time to do a spring clean and better organise everything.

I began by cataloguing all the assets (3D models) into a table in a spreadsheet. I structured the tables by interior and exterior items onboard F/V Scully, and then by area/room. I then labelled what has been completed, what I am currently working on, what there is to do and any key items (essential items that can be picked up in-game etc). All colour coded of course!

This process took some time to list everything down. Planning from what will be unique items, versus what will be duplicated and copied into different areas was no easy challenge. I had to think hard about what will fill each space and make it feel lived in (without being too empty or too cluttered).

So far, I have just over one hundred and eighty assets on the list!

At first, this seemed like a totally unrealistic goal. At the current rate I'm creating models, I would have them all finished in roughly fifteen years. Definitely no good!

A very fortunate timing at work, led me to discover Adobe Stock has a collection of thousands of free 3D models.

I was able to find several dozen models from this library (that fit the year and setting of the game) which I can use as three-dimensional templates to completely remodel over the top as well as texture; speeding up the modelling processes considerably.

Furthermore, most of the models that need creating now are much smaller (such as stationary and everyday items) compared to the large machinery and technical gear I created last year. This can all be done in batches and groups; again, speeding things along. Also, on the plus side, all these items will be well documented, so lots of reference images!

Though a little daunting, having this inventory checklist is going to help a lot in seeing the big picture all in one place. I'm sure it will have many benefits in the assembly and progression towards making D_ROGUE one step closer to reality!

Thanks for reading :)

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