Using Daz 3D Models for Games: Is it worth it?

Disclaimer: I've done what research I can, so I know that if I were to use Daz figures I'd need to pay a $50 license for every single model, morph, hair, clothing, or prop I use in the game.

I'm a bit of a newbie to game development and going through tutorials atm. I'm thinking down the line when I want to experiment with NPCs or a third person player character.

I have zero background with 3D modeling and little time or interest to learn on top of Game Development, so looking for any reasonable shortcuts to aspects of game dev I can, specifically character models.

I have a lot of assets from Daz 3D I've used for comic reference, and wondering if paying $500+ in Licenses for what models I have is worth it compared to hiring out somebody to make models for me.

I'm going to start small, use stuff like Make Human and all that, but if I ever get to the point I want to make a game with more unique looking models, I'm wondering if using Daz as a shortcut is worth the $$$ compared to hiring a freelancer (as I have no time to learn the 3D modeling aspect myself).

Appreciate any advice. I've tried to look up games that have used Daz models but almost exclusively just find goofy porn visual novels, so any *actual* 3D games that have used Daz models to look at would be great.

 

In my opinion, if it gets you the results you want(meaning the models you need and the time savings you need), then I think its worth it. I can't say from personal experience as I've yet to make a game using human models...but my case is different because I HAVE dabbled in learning some 3d modelling and wouldn't have an issue taking a base human model from MakeHuman and making it work.

I know you are trying to avoid it....but many people recommend that even programmers learn a tad bit about 3d modelling. It can make things easier both from your programming POV, and for when later down the road you work with artists(assuming that happens). It can also help even with acquiring art because pre-made stuff doesn't always fit perfectly but could with a few slight changes. Even though I'm no artist...I've found it to be a more than worthy investment of my time to learn some basics and make a few things for myself.

 

Yeah, I would say that Daz Studio is worth it.

But whether you use Daz Studio, makehuman, or iclone etc. you will still need to learn some 3d modelling, as a back up, just in case you need to fix something on the model. Or you might need to make some clothes or accessories, for the 3d human model, that you can't find on the daz asset store, or iclone asset store.