The day began with a spritely, passionate professor who introduced us to the world of 3D modeling for games. The class started with a discussion of the history of 3D modeling and animation, which is an integral part to understanding… well anything. If we are to fully understand the purpose and context of how we interact splits the world around us, then we must understand the purpose and contextual history of that which occupies us, right? My professor highlighted how 3D models have evolved over the years, playing a crucial role in shaping the visual storytelling within games.

We explored the fundamentals of 3D modeling, from the basics of polygonal modeling to the intricacies of texturing and rendering — but let’s face it, at this point these words mean nothing to me but don’t they sound fancy! Polygonal. Say it with me! Po-lee-gone-ul… what a sound! The professor emphasized the importance of understanding the historical context of 3D models to appreciate how far the industry had come. The following video discusses the history of 3D modeling and animation, an invaluable resource for understanding the evolution of this field.

The video beautifully depicts the transformation of 3D modeling from its early days, where polygons were rudimentary and animations were limited, to the breathtakingly realistic and immersive 3D worlds we see in contemporary games.

My first day in the “3D Models for Game Design” class has left me inspired and eager to dive deeper into this world — 3D modeling and animation. I’m so grateful for the patience and dedication of my professors and mentors, pressuring understanding the history of 3D models and their role in gaming as essential for crafting compelling narratives and immersive experiences within the games I aspire to design. This exciting journey had just begun, and I couldn’t wait to explore the creative possibilities that lay ahead.

The proceeding files are a sneak peak into my inspiration and prototypes from work in progress, Popcorn Jr.