Category: Knick-Knacks

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A Long Overdue Update

Work on the Knick-Knacks asset pack has been, for the most part, completed. Not only did we need to create the assets for the knick-knacks themselves, but also for the demo level in the asset pack. Creating all-new assets for the demo level was necessary because we didn’t want to use any assets from other asset packs for staging. This is allowed on the Epic Marketplace (with some very strict limitations), but we wanted our own assets in the packs that we create.

Some work needs to be done to make the screenshots a bit more photorealistic, but that shouldn’t represent a great deal of work. Some tweaks to the lighting and some adjustments in the post-process volume should make the screenshots look better. Overall, we are happy with the way that the asset pack has turned out.

Now, before we can list this on the marketplace, we need to create an LLC and get our privacy policy updated, along with the EULA posted (yes, we know that isn’t up yet).

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Integrating KnickKnack into UE4

The work has begun on integrating the assets that have been created into UE4. UE4’s render engine seems to be less forgiving than the one used in Substance Painter, and as a result, several objects have had extensive UV rework done to them. The Chinese Farmers are among the worst culprits in this regard, with them needing the entire model to be rebuilt and new UVs applied. Oh well, so it goes.

In the image above, you can see some of the assets that are completely done. The snow globes are also done and integrated, complete with scripts so that the snow flies around when you interact with it. These are not in this shot, of course. The hanging foot dolls were the most challenging, but are also among the best assets in the entire pack. The legs use a spline to tell UE4 where to draw the legs, and the geometry for the legs are spline mesh components. It is a great system in UE4 and we plan on using this technique a lot.

The assets will all have clean and dusty variants to them. In the image, the nesting dolls are shown only with the clean versions but there will be dusty ones as well.

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Work continues…

Work has continued on Odin’s Eye as well as the Knick-Knacks asset pack.

Testing has been ongoing for Odin’s Eye, with some minor UI issues that have been resolved. Checking performance is vital, with lower-end systems being tested to ensure that a wide range of computers can run the game. This last point is very important to us. We want as many people as possible to be able to play the game in a reasonable form…the graphics may not be great, but the game will be playable.

Knick-Knacks is progressing more slowly than anticipated. The items chosen are meant to be simple ‘dust collectors’ that you may find in a normal, personalized, setting. But, simple is a deceiving word as it turns out. While it may be slow going, it is going! The featured image shows the latest assets that have been created. There are five nested dolls featuring a famous Northern general from the American Civil War to free the slaves. These would be great for a character that loves history, or a scene set in academia.

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Knick-Knacks: Water Bearer Update

Chinese Farmer Water Bearer

The Chinese Farmer Water Bearer asset has finally been completed. Having switched from another software package to Blender 3D, there has been a learning curve and mistakes take time. Having said that, we feel the Water Bearer is a nice asset to finish out a generic scene.

In the image for this post, you can see a render from Substance Painter showing the final asset. It hasn’t been exported into UE4 yet, so it will look slightly different in-game.

We won’t be updating the site for every asset that is completed for the pack. But, we felt it would be nice to have some activity on the site. That way people visiting the site will know the site hasn’t been abandoned.

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Knick-Knacks: Chinese Water Bearer

Chinese water bearer

Work has begun on the Knick-Knack asset pack with this Chinese water bearer. Having seen numerous knick-knacks like this, having a few in the pack will provide generic assets that can be used for a male or female space. Work still needs to be done on the water vessels and the ropes holding them to the yoke.

A series of Remesh->Smooth modifiers will make the model look more like a porcelain statue. The material will be an ivory color with a glazed porcelain finish. That work will be done in Substance Painter.