Investing in GoW production

[Paradox]

As great as the Blender books might be, I would hold off until Blender 2.5/2.6 is released. The new UI layout will probably require an updated handbook.

[Jennifer_P]

Good point; they say they're be some big changes in the next version, and Blender for Dummies is still for 2.48... How long do you think it'll be before 2.5/6 comes out?

[Aloys]

They have already released an alpha version. Being an alpha it's not exactly complete, but it gives you a good idea of where it's going..

[diafero]

2.6? I thought they were working on version 2.5 currently?

[dendwaler]

2.6? I thought they were working on version 2.5 currently?

2.5 (0) is the first release with the new interface.
Not every function of 2.49 is implemented in it.
Now we have the alpha release 2.5 (1), the second test version.

When all the old functions of 2.49 are implemented in 2.5 it becomes beta.
Midsummer 2010 they aspect to be ready with the first stable release named 2.6!
Here is a timeline:
http://www.blender.org/development/release-logs/blender-250/

Link to download daily builds:
http://graphicall.org/builds/index.php

[Stefan]

Blender books are fine.
Much more helpful is to motivate some of the high skilled people in creating Uru content to write related tutorials. Its not nessercary to know everything about blender, if I do not know what I can use in Uru. Multiplayer-age-building is much more to the game-logic and the effects, that have to be created.
In my opinion, there's nearly no chance, to create an high quality age creator, by buying books or texture packs.

[Jennifer_P]

You're right in that there's much more to Age creation--particularly Uru specific Age creation--than just modeling in Blender. Still, I think Blender is probably the hardest part of Age creation to master, and in terms of accomplishing that I think one book is preferable to one thousand outdated, incomplete internet tutorials (And I include mine in that statement!).

[matthornb]

Sorry I'm late. Resizing 120 textures takes a while, especially when you're busy with other stuff that urgently needs to get done.

But I've finished resizing them - now I just need to upload them.

Hang in there...

BTW, I'm willing to buy Blender books and texture art books, etc, for you guys. Anyone who wants the books mentioned above, please post the book(s) you want and any info required for me to gift it to you via Amazon.com. OK?

[matthornb]

...and I know that simply having a book won't make a person a high-quality age creator.

But it can at least help them build their skills a little faster and make slightly better ages, I think.

Considering how low the cost is, I still think it's a worthwhile investment.

[ZURI]

Are you serious? Ok, I just pinched myself - and it hurt really bad - but, really?? Wow, I would absolutely love to have a learning book for Blender. Honestly, I wouldn't even post here - except that I'm in a real financial crysis and couldn't afford to order one if I tried. At the moment, outdated internet tutorials are all I've got.

However, I'm not one to just bum off of others. I have my own share website and have been working on making custom textures and meshes. If other new folks (veterans are also welcome) would like access to them, I'd be happy to post and share. Right now, access is being kept pretty tight, but for anyone interested, either PM me, catch me on Moulagain KI# 45001, or post somewhere in the threads. I'll start work tonight and should have some downloads ready soon...

P.S. I'm not really comfortable posting my mailing address in public view. I would be happy to PM it to you though..