Here’s a list of software I either currently use regularly or that I’ve used in the past. Where necessary entries are paired with a description of what exactly has been my experience with the application.

Each day of my game design career has had me spending time in 3D Studio Max. This is mainly due to the fact that at Vicarious Visions our primary tool sets rest on top of Max. Specifically our data manipulation occurs in proprietary software while our object placement and level construction is all done using 3D Studio. Because of this I’ve received a healthy dose of Max training.

Maya is the 3D program that I was taught in college. If I had to transition back it wouldn’t be a problem. I’ve spent enough time in multiple 3D suites that jumping back and forth has become a non issue.

I have spent a significant amount of time in this editor over the course of a year and a half. I went from knowing nothing to completing a retail grade map. To see some of my Unrealed 2.0 work head over to the Level Design Section.

I recently fell in love with Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer. As a result I started tinkering around with the Modern Warfare 1 mod tools. I’ve since made a detail test map where I took an image from a real world setting and made an in game version of it using Radiant and the Modern Warfare assets. I also built a purely function driven map (devoid of aesthetic) called Building Blocks. It’s a small 4 to 8 person map with a mini-map and helicopter paths to boot! I have to say that the brush manipulation in Radiant is a dream. I love the subtraction based editing of unreal tech but I also love the clean geometry and the speed of the manipulation in Radiant. I’d have to say I can’t decide between the two.

Worldcraft was the second editor I ever used. When Half Life came out I needed to make levels for it so I switched from Qoole to this. My senior project in Highschool was a home in WorldCraft. I also constructed my dorm in college so that it could be played in counter-strike.

You may not know what Qoole is. It was a long time ago that I found and played around with this editor. Though it’s probably not worth mentioning, it at least shows how long I’ve been in love with playing and modifying 3D shooters. When Quake came out I was in Junior High and I needed to make levels for it. When I looked to the community I found Qoole. I had a ball making scenarios for my friends to run through.