Source Sdk Development Essentials - Softcover

Bernier, Brett

Softcover

ISBN 10: 184969592X ISBN 13: 9781849695923

Publisher: Packt Pub Ltd, 2014

Synopsis

Develop engaging and immersive mods with Source SDK

About This Book

• Create maps and mods using the tools provided with Source SDK
• Learn how to use Hammer to create your own game worlds
• Create goal-driven A.I. sequences and scripts
• Master Source SDK tools with ease with step by step tutorials

Who This Book Is For

If you're a keen gamer who wants a bit more out of your favorite game and wants to create your own modifications (mods) and levels with the Source engine, this book is great for you. No programming and Source SDK experience is required.

What You Will Learn

• Sculpt the physical world with Hammer's easy-to-use block and terrain tools
• Make visually engaging environments with props and textures
• Use lighting and color correction to create immersive atmospheres
• Import your custom content into the game
• Script special events using the powerful input/output system
• Control the non-playable characters to bring life to your world
• Manipulate the A.I. to choreograph assaults, battles, and squad movements
• Create an infinite amount of particle effects with the particle editor

In Detail

The Source Authoring Tools are the pieces of software used to create custom content for games made with Valve's Source engine. Creating mods and maps for your games without any programming knowledge can be time consuming. These tools allow you to create your own maps and levels without the need for any coding knowledge. All the tools that you need to start creating your own levels are built-in and ready to go!

This book will teach you how to use the Authoring Tools provided with Source games and will guide you in creating your first maps and mods (modifications) using Source. You will learn how to stay organized, map efficiently, and avoid the most common mapping mistakes.

This practical guide begins by setting you up with Source SDK and a 3D development environment. Through a series of guided tutorials, you will learn what it takes to create a professional, polished map or mod.

You will learn how to create varying types of worlds, from underground labs to flowing outdoor terrains. You will also learn how to bring life into your world with advanced texturing, lighting, and decorating techniques. Towards the end of the book, we will learn how to create goal-driven A.I. sequences and scripts to choreograph epic battles and take control of your enemies and allies.

The content has been developed using the illustrations from Half Life Episode 2

About this title

About the Author

Brett Bernier

Brett Bernier has been a creator since he could hold a LEGO brick and a gamer since he was old enough to hold a controller. After his father introduced him to FirstPerson Shooters, it didn't take long for him to want to create his own world. A lunch time discussion with Chris, his childhood friend and band mate, inspired him to take action and download Valve's Hammer 3.4 to create a CounterStrike map. While looking for mapping tips online, he stumbled across a small, closeknit community of HalfLife mappers at The Whole HalfLife (TWHL). Brett, also known as Tetsu0, quickly honed his skills with the help of the community's tutorials and forums. When the Source SDK launched with HalfLife 2, he was hesitant to make the jump from GoldSource (HalfLife) to Source (HalfLife 2), but once made, he did not look back. He is currently employed as a Control System Technician at ETTER Engineering in Bristol, Connecticut, and is pursuing his Bachelor's Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology at the University of Hartford. He has been creating maps for the HalfLife game series since 2002.

Edition details

• Publisher: Packt Pub Ltd
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 184969592X
• ISBN 13: 9781849695923
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 294