Thinking about getting back into Modding..where should I start?

[ITDEFX]

Years ago (more like during my wolfenstein 3d days) I use to enjoy going on BBS' and downloading tutorials on how to mod games like wolf 3d to add new characters, music and sound effects. Although I went to school for computer animation, I realized I had a hard time making humanoids and animating them properly...but later learned my strengths were in post production and editing (Adobe software). Now I still have Maya 4.0 (I know version 8.x is out). I know that most of the games and mods are made with 3d Max but I don't have it. I would like to get started in modding games like HL2, CNC3, Doom 3 and so on since I know there is a huge online community for modding these games. However most of these tutorials are for 3ds max and not for Maya (even though Autodesk owns maya now).


Suggestions?

[Vanigan]

Choose a game that you're interested in.

Choose a simple addition to make.

Learn to make it.

That's the best advice I can give. It's important to mod for a game you're interested in, because why mod something you're not going to play?

It's also important to start small, don't try to paint the Mona Lisa on your first try. Starting small gives you a reachable goal, such as getting a texture in the game, getting a model in game, etc... Then later you can start working up to making those additions look even better.

Then in the process of reaching those smaller goals, you learn the skills needed to become a successful modder, and in the future a successful game developer.

[darthbudge]

Right now I would go pickup a copy of UT2004 Directers Edition and play around with UnrealEd and watch the video tutorials that come with it.
Then I would also go out and buy UT3 when it comes out and really work on that.

I am not very good at modding but UnrealEd is simply the best modding tool ever.

oh BTW I would also torrent the latest edition of Maya and 3ds Max

[ITDEFX]

Right now I would go pickup a copy of UT2004 Directers Edition and play around with UnrealEd and watch the video tutorials that come with it.
Then I would also go out and buy UT3 when it comes out and really work on that.

I am not very good at modding but UnrealEd is simply the best modding tool ever.

oh BTW I would also torrent the latest edition of Maya and 3ds Max


funny you should say that... I DO have the tin box version of UT2004 that came with that stuff.... Now I need to go find it :)