   3D modeler for Torgue 3D
  Hi,My developer team is preparing ourselves for our project once Torque 3D is fully released. A big concern I have right now is what 3D modeling program to use to keep the graphics of our game towards the middle and lower(of gaming computers) end of the computer spectrum, and not just all aimed at the top. We do not want to forget people who have lower end computers. We are deciding to purchase between Maya or 3DS Max for our artist. I know those are 2 high end 3D modeling programs.What I am wondering is that if it's too high end to where anything we make on them will automatically exclude a lot of lower end gaming computers? Would we be better of sticking with something free like Blender to keep the graphics at a minimum? We are using Torque 3D, but are not going to create a lower graphics version of our game on it. For that version we are wondering what is a better modeler to use. Only example I can think of is something like WoW when graphics are set to low, but hopefully even lower if possible.Thank You   
  The engine and the amount of polygons per model (and other technical details such as the texture resolution and use of pixel shaders) will determine the minimum spec of your game and not the 3d modeling tool that you use.Blender is the 3d program that I am currently using and it is open source and free which is a nice price point. The UI is a bit hard to use at first but there are plenty of video tutorials that can get you up and running in a fairly short period of time. Also keep in mind that Blender has a lot of powerful tools and would be just as capable of making a high polygon model as Maya or 3DS Max. You have to rely on the skills of the artist to create low polygon models. Just using a cheaper tool is not going to automatically imply lower polygon models.Personally I would recommend at least trying Blender because if it will work for your needs it will save you thousands of dollars that you could use to get more artwork done. Download the demos for Maya and 3D Studio Max and try them all out... I can't afford such expensive programs so I have no experience working with them.   ;  Thank You very much for your help.I'll have my artist start out with blender and see how his needs go.   ;  Maya and 3ds Max are fantastic tools ... for the appropriate job. There is the free complete suite Blender (weird interface, but very powerful), and other cheap tools than you can do a lot with. My favorite modeler is Silo3d, in which the "pro" version is $159. Milkshape3D and Fragmotion has a lot potential, and only being in the $30 range.   ;  A few weeks ago I saw a post on the garage games website saying that they teamed up with Houdini so that you can purchase their software for $99 and it will allow you to create content for Torque.I can't find the link right now, but this looks like it is releated:http://www.garagegames.com/community/forums/viewthread/89679If you are not familiar with Houdini, it is basically a high end 3D modeling program similar to Maya and 3ds max.  You can find lots of tutorials at 3dbuzz.com that cover houdini as well as other 3d modeling programs.   