One of the biggest obstacles I face as a professional game programmer is finding artwork for my games. This is true whether we're talking about concept art, textures, or even 3D environment art or characters. While there are tons of game designs out there that don't require good looking artwork, I'm just not that creative. My games all require fantastic artwork, otherwise they likely wouldn't be interesting enough to merit purchase or even play, really.
As a result, I have, over the years, experimented with Photoshop, Maya, Max, and even XSI. The problem with most of these tools is they're expensive. Granted, most have free/learning editions, but if I want to do any exporting or writing plug-ins I need a fully functional version.
Enter Blender. Blender has for a number of years been the defacto 3D modeling package for people on a budget. That is to say, it's the least expensive of all the modeling packages (free is always in my price range). Unfortunately, Blender has also become notorious for having a cumbersome, difficult to use interface which only Jedi Masters can learn to use. Once learned, however, evidence suggests a dedicated artist can create amazing things with Blender.
Even now I don't have the free time necessary learn to use the complicated Blender interface. Which is why I was pleasantly surprised when out of sheer necessity I downloaded the latest version of Blender and discovered it looks like the image below! Alas, it looks more like a modern 3D modeling package. It shares striking resemblance to 3DS Max and XSI now. I guess it's time for me to Give Blender a second chance and see if I can't finally get some decent artwork for my otherwise un-interesting or innovative games.
