Does Sims 2 uses Maya .anim Format or.......

[chelnov]

In my office i just got full version of Maya and from unlimited version of Maya you can export your animations in .anim format. Now sims 2 also uses .anim format for animations.

I want to know if any of you know is Sims 2 is using Maya format or it has its own .anim. If it is using Maya format then we can make our own custom animations (only if we can afford Maya Unlimited).

[trezero]

Somehow I doubt it. It's too easy.

Try it!

[chelnov]

Well i tried it and it's no. Sims 2 anim files are diffrent from Maya. I have SMD export plugin for maya. It can import SMD files nicley but export function is real pain in ass. I don't know what Palmar was thinking. Working on skeleton is much easier in Maya then any other program due to IK chains. I hope i can export my animation as SMD and use Michie animation converter.

[bsett]

chelnov if you find a way to get maya ani's or even just objects with jionts into the game formate please pass on the info. I've tried the mel based smd exporter and it seems very hard to work with. I have made several maya animations thats that I'd love to be able to get into the game. And the new fbik's are a breeze to work with.

[chelnov]

Well If you download Miche animation editor you can can a mesh with bones in SMD format. Now if you have Prall's SMD exporter you can import that Mesh and skeleton in Maya. Make sure your units are set to feet and up axis to Z.

I work in Maya Unlimted 6 in my office. Maya has to be best 3d software and i am having hard time understanding why people are saying it is complex. I think Polygon Modeling is very easy in Maya then MAX as well as animations. I totally hate Milkshape and it's interface.

Now as far as exporting an animation in SMD format from Maya we have to make several layers and assign material which is hard to fallow. I have version 2.2 of exporter and i can't do nothing. Prall have released version 2.5 but his site 'Lycos' is down and i can't get the latest exporter anywhere else (If someone has please upload here).

As far as exporting an object. Fallow Start to Finish Tutorials in Tutorial section. Just Model your Mesh in Maya instead of Milkshape.

You can got to www.jd-movies.com site and there is a nice tuturial for a coustom animation which i fallowed using Maya .anim files. Miche converter does convert Maya .anim files in SMD but simpe don't recognize this file.

Ok tell me about your exporter. My Email is [email protected] you can email you exporter to me. I hope if this is diffrent exporter we might get our wish done. I only need an exporter which can export Maya animations in Sims.

I promise if i am succeded, i will post my work in form of tutorial.

[chelnov]

I Have Done It.

I have made an animation in Maya and sussefully exported it in Sims 2 game. The only drawback for the home users is that they have to Buy only Maya 5 Complete.

Actually if your 3d application can support Smd import/export and it can import Sims 2 skeleton without changing Joint name (Maya, Milkshape) You can create your own animations.

I am about to start a new Thread so please don't post in here.