This is Getting GOOD! AI Art to AI 3D Model - Unreal Engine UE5 Game Development
People & Blogs
Introduction
In today's guide, we'll explore how to transform AI-generated character concept art into a 3D model ready for game development in Unreal Engine 5. We’ll use Leonardo AI for image generation, followed by Hyper Humans Roden for 3D model conversion, and finally, we’ll demonstrate how to import our character into Unreal Engine.
Step 1: Generate Concept Art with Leonardo AI
We start our creative journey on Leonardo AI, which excels in real-time image generation. The platform allows you to input prompts such as "robotic dog," and adjust sliders to customize the art style to fit your project. You can maintain consistency across different characters by modifying the prompt slightly; for instance, creating a "blue armored robotic dog."
It's crucial to keep track of the seed information and slider settings to recreate desired styles. If you maximize the realism slider, it results in more realistic outputs, and lowering it produces cartoonish effects. You can also adjust various sliders such as tune anime to explore more diverse art styles. Once satisfied with the art style, proceed to generate different characters that fit within that thematic visual framework.
Step 2: Converting Art into 3D Models with Hyper Humans Roden
Next, we transition to the Hyper Humans Roden, a platform designed to convert illustrations into 3D models effectively. This program has gained popularity for its capability to translate designs into well-polished, high-quality models.
For this tutorial, we selected another character (a robotic kitty) to illustrate the process. Upon generating the preview, adjustments are often necessary—like correcting the dubious appearance of multiple tails. The user has the ability to adjust prompts and refine the generated model until it reflects the desired result accurately.
Once we refine our model to satisfaction, we opt for a resolution of 10,000 polygons during final generation to ensure quality. When the 3D model is ready, we evaluate the output resolution before moving on.
Step 3: Importing the Model into Unreal Engine
With the model finalized, we now shift gears to Unreal Engine. We download the model and texture files in the required FBX format. After creating a new project folder, we import the base FBX model into Unreal. If the textures fail to import correctly, we rectify this by manually creating a new material for the character and linking the respective textures (diffuse, metallic, normal maps, roughness).
After applying the material, we review how our character appears within the game environment. We can fine-tune physical aspects; for instance, we may adjust the metallic appearance or add visual effects to achieve a desired look.
In the end, we succeed in creating a fully 3D model from AI-generated artwork, complete with texture and material application. This showcases how efficient the pipeline is and highlights possibilities for future development.
Conclusion
This workflow represents an exciting merge of AI capabilities in both art generation and 3D modeling. As this technology progresses, it will remain a valuable resource for developers in the gaming industry, opening up new avenues for creativity while easing the entry barriers for aspiring artists and designers.
Keyword
AI-generated artwork, 3D models, Unreal Engine, Leonardo AI, Hyper Humans Roden, image generation, game development, texture application, procedural animation, character design.
FAQ
Q1: What is Leonardo AI used for?
A1: Leonardo AI is a platform used for generating real-time images based on prompts, allowing artists to create consistent concepts for characters and games.
Q2: How does Hyper Humans Roden assist in game development?
A2: Hyper Humans Roden converts 2D illustrations into 3D models, allowing developers to transform their art into usable assets for games.
Q3: Can I adjust the generated models in Hyper Humans Roden?
A3: Yes, you can modify prompts and refine details to ensure the output meets your specifications, allowing for customization in the modeling process.
Q4: Why use Unreal Engine for importing models?
A4: Unreal Engine is a powerful game development platform that supports high-quality graphics and real-time rendering, making it ideal for integrating 3D models and assets created from AI-generated art.
Q5: What are procedural animations?
A5: Procedural animations are animations generated through algorithms, allowing for dynamic movement in characters without needing keyframe animation, thus enhancing the gaming experience.