"Ever wish you had a nice place to keep all your medical supplies in Star Citizen? Lewis from the Interactables Team creates a medicinal case while showcasing their process for building functional containers.
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In this episode of Star Citizen Live, Jared Huckabee and Lewis Thompson, a senior props artist, discuss the process of creating interactable objects in the game. They specifically focus on a first aid kit that can be picked up, opened, and carried by players. The interactables team aims to make props more engaging by adding functionality and interactivity to them.
Lewis primarily uses 3DS Max for 3D modeling, but he is also learning Blender. He showcases the progress of the first aid kit he is working on, explaining that it will include a med gun, refills, and syringes. The goal is to create a complete kit that players can use in various scenarios, such as missions or stocking their ship’s cargo bay.
The team discusses the challenges of scheduling content between different shows and the importance of showcasing work in progress to engage players. They also touch on the varied interests of the CIG staff, including playing other sci-fi games and their love for tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons.
Lewis demonstrates the functionality of the first aid kit, including opening and closing it, as well as picking up and placing items inside it. He shows examples of other props he has worked on, such as a socket set and a tool case. These props can be used for mission objectives, decorating locations, or personal inventory.
Overall, the episode provides a glimpse into the process of creating interactive props in Star Citizen, showcasing the tools, challenges, and flexibility of the team in bringing functional and engaging objects into the game world.