Understanding the Complete 3D Game Assets Creation Process

The 3D game asset creation process has multiple stages to take an initial idea through to a finished and optimized model ready for the game engine. Each stage, from creating concept art and modelling the game assets to texturing, optimising and implementing them into the game engine, is important to the performance and visual quality. Knowing how all of the steps fit together as part of the overall 3D game asset workflow gives studios, artists and developers the opportunity to create unique, immersive experiences while also adhering to the technical limitations imposed by each platform.

Concept Art and Planning in the 3D Game Asset Workflow

A successful 3D game asset begins with a solid foundation of planning and concept art. This initial phase will determine the asset’s purpose, visual style, scale, and technical requirements while guaranteeing that it aligns with the visual and gameplay directions of the game.

Identifying the Purpose of Assets and Gameplay Considerations

Artists will first clarify if an asset is a prop, character, environment object, or an interactive object. Additionally, determining the asset’s function in gameplay, distance from the player camera, and platform capabilities at this early stage enables artists to establish polygon budgets and detail levels for their assets as part of the overall workflow for 3D game assets.

Development of Concept Art and Reference Boards

Artists use concept art and reference boards as visual guidance during the design process of 3D game assets. These documents allow artists, designers, and developers to discuss shape language, materials, proportions, and emotional tone before creating any geometric representation of the asset.

Maintaining Consistent Artistic Styles for all Game Assets

For players to fully immerse themselves in the game, maintaining a consistent style across all game assets is vital. Whether a game is realistic, stylised, or low-poly, maintaining the same shapes, colours, and materials throughout the game creates a sense of cohesion amongst all of the 3D game assets.

Technical Preparation and Specification for Asset Development

During the planning phase, artists define the limits of polygons, texture size, UV layout, and export format. This planning phase prevents future rework on the assets and will facilitate the assets’ seamless integration into leading game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine.

Game Asset Modeling Techniques for High-Quality Results

The modeling of video game assets turns the 3D model of a video game asset into an actual 3D Model. The purpose is to provide the best possible amount of visual quality, while still being able to perform at a reasonable level in games.

Block Out Stage

The modeling stage begins with creating primitive shapes that serve as the foundation to the Model of the game asset. The block out phase allows artists to assess quickly, the size, readability and overall shape of the game asset, prior to the addition of more detailed refinements.

High Poly Versus Low Poly Models

The way that the game assets are created, allows for the game assets to appear visually appealing without the use of excessive hardware needed for rendering during actual gameplay.

Optimized Topology for Video Game Assets

Using a clean topology on a game asset, will provide better quality deformation, shading and performance. Proper edge flow, minimum triangle count and optimized use of geometry will be a cornerstone of professional game asset modeling.

Modular Asset Modeling

Modular modeling will allow an artist to create permanent parts, such as walls or props or other similar components for the game. This allows the artist to create a variety of game assets, while reducing the time involved to create each game asset.

Exporting, Testing, and Final Integration of 3D Game Assets

The last step is to prepare the various assets for use in games. The correct way to export the many assets, test them out and integrate them with a game engine ensures that all 3D game assets, including textures, are properly functioning, looking consistent, and appearing properly in the game.

Correct Export Settings & File Types

Using standard 3D file types such as FBX or OBJ with the right size, orientation, and name for importing into game engines provide an easy way to avoid technical problems and allow you to create a seamless experience.

Testing & Modifying In Engine

The first time that you see your assets in-game, it provides the opportunity to test it for potential lighting, scaling, and performance problems, and allows you to make iterative adjustments to the asset.

Setting Up Collision Meshes and Physics Colliders

When you create an asset with a simplified collision mesh you will see a large improvement in how it behaves during gameplay and you will also be able to significantly improve performance.

Final QA and Approval

Quality Assurance tests check the quality, the technical, and final performance of assets. After the 3D game asset is approved, it is ready for production.

Key Stages of the 3D Game Asset Workflow

Concept art and planning
Game asset modeling and topology
UV unwrapping and texturing
3D asset optimization for games
Engine integration and testing

Stage	Purpose	Key Tools
Concept & Planning	Define design and requirements	Photoshop, PureRef
Modeling	Create 3D geometry	Blender, Maya, ZBrush
Texturing	Add materials and details	Substance Painter
Optimization	Improve performance	Engine tools
Integration	Final testing	Unity, Unreal Engine

Frequently Asked Questions

3D game assets are digital models used within a video game. There are many types of digital models used to represent various aspects of the game, such as characters, props, weapons and vehicles and the environment (what you see as a backdrop of your game) – all of which can be rendered.

3D game asset optimisation allows for faster loading times and better frame rates and overall smoother running of a game without degrading the graphical quality.

The most popular software for creating game assets is to use Blender, Maya, ZBrush, or Substance Painter; however, the selection of software (what you choose) will be determined by various factors (your specific objectives for the project, and the game asset that you will be creating for that project).

Creating a 3D game asset will vary depending on the complexity of the asset. A simple asset could take a few hours to create, while a very detailed asset could take a few days to create.

Game assets can be reused across multiple games. By using optimized game assets, with the appropriate modifications to the style of the asset, the development time/cost of creating the same asset can be significantly reduced.

Bigyan Kar

CEO & MD

The CEO and Managing Director at Vizent Solutions, Bigyan Kar, leads a team of talented technology professionals who excel in the development and implementation of next-generation 3D visualization solutions for the following areas: gaming, architecture, AR/VR, CAD, and interactive simulations. Through his knowledge of digital design and technology, as well as his commitment to providing the highest level of immersive, accurate, and reliable 3D experiences for its clients, Vizent is constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of the 3D modeling and visual storytelling industries.

Creating 3D Game Assets From Thought to Final Product