Can't afford assets

I'm new to Unity3D and game development in general. All i want to do is a simple wolf simulator for Android and i can't, everything i need to create this game costs money. I need some animals and a wolf that's all, but they're expensive as hell in the asset store, and i don't even have a credit card i'm only 16
I searched for free 3D models sites and they don't have anything suitable for a game.
Also i can't make 3D models myself, because that would take a long time and i will lose motivation while not having any game released on the play store. And a lot of big developers told me that i need to get something done as soon as possible when i asked for their advice. So what should i do?

 

There's your problem right there. Believing you can't. You need a can-do attitude to get the job done.

 

• Make the game without 3D models. You can capture the essence of the gameplay in 2D or even ASCII.
• Use the above to inspire others to join your game.
• Learn to create the models yourself.
• Do an art for code swap.
• Take on freelance work to make money to pay for the assets.
• Google harder:
  • http://opengameart.org/content/wolf-0
  • http://opengameart.org/content/wolf-1
  • http://opengameart.org/content/wolf

 

Your options are:

1. Earn money to get models.
2. Learn modeling.
3. Try different idea that would not require expensive assets.
4. Try simpler art style. Low polygonal, or just make wolf out of boxes.

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You know, I typed "free wolf model" into google and found rigged wolf in seconds.

Are you sure you searched?

 

I agree on the attitude, but I also think that setting boundaries as to what you can/can't and will/won't do is important. If you're developing a skill then getting side-tracked overly much into others is detrimental.

I'd consider designing around limitations. Is there a specific reason you've picked a wolf simulator? Could you do a different project that doesn't require art, or that requires art that you can make, or that requires art that is available to you?

Could you do a skill swap with an artist somewhere?

Have you checked out OpenGameArt.org? Also, stores like TurboSquid often have super cheap/free models. You generally get what you pay for, but that might be enough to get you started.

Also, how much is "expensive as hell"? Unfortunately the answer might be "get a part time/casual job" or "go mow some lawns for spending money" or whatever.

 

1. Learn modelling.
2. Use Blender.
3. Stop whining. Learn to respect IP.

 

Another place to check for models is blendswap.com , by the way.

It looks like asset store wolves start at $5. You need to sort listing by price for that.

 

Thanks to everyone for the good advice. I was able to find exactly what i want and for free from the site neginfinity provided. Thanks neginfinity, i really apperciate it. I should've googled harder lol.

 

You're very young.
You have all the time in the world to learn Blender.

Go for it. By the time you are adult, you would have years of experience with 3D modelling...

 

Go join a local game dev group. Plenty of artists who can't code, and coder who can't draw. Quite frequently you can meet someone who needs your skills and has the skills you need.

 

And years less experience at programming...

 

This. One of the best pieces of career advice I got was to focus on building your strengths. And find other people who can shore up your weaknesses.

Being a jack-of-all-trades is certainly possible. But it comes at the expense of expertise in any one area.

 

You could also build 3D wolf by just using box primitives (blocky minecraft style)
and animate the bodyparts inside unity.. (as in, one leg at a time to make a walk cycle)

see example here from one unity game:
(those blocky people, animated in unity)
http://store.steampowered.com/app/378370/

 

Yes, it's as good as anything else.

Don't worry about making the next WoW or GTA, especially given you're just starting. Budgets for the games I think you're coming up with can go into the millions. As @BoredMormon and others have indicated, I wouldn't worry about becoming a programmer/artist/everything else. Become very good at an aspect of game dev, then you can outsource others (or collab for free/profit share if you cannot afford that) to achieve your goals.

 

Nope. Anyway can make any game for absolutely no money (minus multiplayer, which needs servers. And also basic living costs). Assets are only used
A). Because its quicker to buy it then make it
B). Because you dont want to learn to make it
C). Because the asset is better then you know how to make it

 

Yes, definitely. Just go to blendswap and check out staff picks.

 

Just remember...

It takes time to learn to use Blender and time to create assets like you see on the asset store.

I have advised other young people on this..because I am rather new to it all as well. I didn't start modeling until about a year ago and while I might be able to make some items seen on the asset store, most are beyond my reach, especially organic models, like wolves and characters.

The one thing I see commonly with young folks and Blender (I actually use Maya, but similar situation), is that they want to be GREAT immediately.

Model simple stuff...a box, a crate, a house, simple boxy stuff. Go watch videos...and follow tutorials, but don't make a fancy gun, make low poly simple stuff. Find those tutorials.

Otherwise, you will follow the tutorial, make a really fancy high poly gun, and then be terribly disappointed when you can't do it without the tutorial.

Start simple, realize the climb up is very steep...but once you get it, it becomes easier and easier. Suddenly the gap between what you envision you can make and what the item actually looks like when it is done is very small...and gets smaller and smaller.

Also..remember..you MUST learn to texture as well. Learn it with your modeling, don't just skip it for later.

And for a wolf, you will need to be able to animate.

Another option, is to go out and do some odd jobs for money. Ask your parents if you can wash the car or clean the garage. Mow lawns for the neighbors or shovel snow off their driveway. Use your birthday and Christmas money.

Game development can be a hobby, and like most hobbies they can require money. So if you can't do it all, which is unlikely for most of us, then you have to find a way to fund your hobby. Fortunately for you, the Unity Asset store has some nice stuff for not a lot of money.

 

That's not blender specific, but applies to everything. People usually want to immediately be great at writing, art, modeling, music, martial arts and whatever else.

 

Am I the only person who sees something wrong with this picture?

I really do not get all of the people coming into game dev for the first time in their lives focusing on releasing games on the markets. Sure, that is a fine goal for the future.

If this stuff is all new to you then focus your time and energy into learning game dev in general and Unity game dev specifically (if that is what you plan to stick with).

There is no rush. The world will not end because you haven't thrown your wolf simulator out onto the market within a month. Take your time and learn.

 

To be fair, he is only 16. As the parent of teens, that is how they think. It is not about climbing the steps of the pyramid like the rest of us...it is about getting to the top. lol

 

I understand that. Honestly, I would love to just be straight to the top. I think we all would. There is just so much to learn for game dev though. It is a life long study. Truly is. I have been at it for decades. Of course, a big part of it new tools and tech come out over time and then you have to learn and relearn. It is a bit foolish in some ways but just the way it is. For IT in general too.

Anyway, I do agree with you. No doubt it. I am just trying to encourage them to take up learning. Get a real passion for learning. It will serve them well their entire life. Of course do something too. Learn + Do =

 

Yeah, I do that every day...not easy with teens. But definitely worth trying, always keep trying.

I have met college age kids who still have that problem, but most of them do seem to mature someday....well, most of them. I am sure there are plenty of 40 year olds who still can't slow down and learn.

 

When other developers say get something done as soon as possible, they usually mean moving a box from point A to point B while avoiding the other box. Counting on assets to do everything is not a good way to start. I had no money when I started either, and built a game on 0$. It required me to learn programming and modeling myself, and it required months, but it was done and I came out smarter at the end of it. The game was a failure lol but that's a whole other discussion. You can find plenty on that searching the forums here.

 

Get Blender - better to learn it sooner than later - eventually you'll be the one selling the models.

 

Where I ended up.

 

Just like to point out, I've been learning game development for over 20 years without releasing any of my own games (not counting client work here) and I'm still motivated. Maybe more than ever, I really do want to release something but that doesn't stop me from continuing to learn and grow my skills.