Another estimation thread - 3d models for a game

[Ancalagon]

Hi guys,

As some of you may know, I'm writing a game in my spare time. I just wanted to see if any of you are 3d modellers and animators, and could give me an estimation of how long this could take, or how much it would cost.

My plan is to take a loan, sell my shares and use my pension payout to pay for the artwork. People cant live on promises, so I plan to pay the modeller/animator per model on a contract basis.

What is required?

5 main character models - textured and animated. Possibly with different textures or slight model variations for equipping different pieces of armor.

Between 10 and 30 monster models. Maybe texture variation between some of them. Obviously the number of monsters would depend on how much each will cost!

Some static, non animated models, such as for walls, decorations etc. Not sure how many. Probably work on 50-100 of these. Fairly basic compared to the animated models above though.

Where possible I'll use free content or content I can pay for that isnt custom made. Thats generally a lot cheaper. I may well do that for all the trees, rocks, walls, other decorations. Maybe some of the other models, depending on if they will fit the style.

So... what are your thoughts?

My rough estimation is that one modeller could do a large chunk of the above in 3 months, working a 40 hour week. Like at least all 5 main character models and hopefully some of the monsters. Am I far off? Does modelling take much longer than that? Obviously these are game models so they dont need to be incredibly high poly.

Would welcome any advice or thoughts.

PS: If anyone wants to contact me about all this, you are welcome to, but I dont plan to take out the loan until next year. I want to work on the game over the holidays, and then probably another month or two, before I'll commit any serious money to the project. But if you want me to keep you in mind, just contact me.

 

[BobsLawnService]

My thoughts are to get a game running with simple cube or sphere placeholder models before even thinking of paying for real models. Especially if you are thinking of cashing in your pension or taking a loan.

 

[Ancalagon]

Thats what I'm doing right now. But I need to think of this stuff, I need to investigate how much it will cost.

 

[oldhat]

You may find something usefull here(read faq first):

http://opengameart.org/

 

[encrypted]

If this is a project you will be pouring a lot of money into I would highly recommend using stuff like the open game art link above, that way instead of squares and triangles you can work with animated models. Since the coding around the animation, you can also get your story line etc done with the generic models and then get the customs done where needed.

Perhaps for getting a 3D designer find someone who is fresh out of training but has a serious interest and teaches themselves in their own time. You could hire them for 40 hour weeks for as many months as needed at a decent rate. So your creating a temporary job and giving some indebted ex student working experience.

 

[Ancalagon]

Thanks, I had a look at opengameart - I wouldnt go live with it but its good enough for placeholder stuff.

I might well look for a student or some other young person. I know a lot of young people are into that kinda stuff, and you're right, they would go at a cheaper rate than a professional. As long as they can produce work of a decent standard.