"As well as the design angle of creating artwork for games, this book also tackles the business side of creating artwork for commercial purposes, making it a wonderful insight into the world of the professional games artist. After reading this you’ll have a far better understanding of what it takes to become successful in the games world, and it will give you the opportunity to begin building a stunning profolio." - Advanced Photoshop

"Discover how to design bullet holes, flames, windows and walls - all the effects that are an essential for today’s videogame - with easy-to-follow tutorials. There are a variety of different themes explored throughout this book, covering anything from urban street scenes to the fantasy genre." - Advanced Photoshop, April 2006

"This book can help anyone become a better texture professional...Ahearn’s book can and help you become a much better artist, even if you never did much texturing before...The details are simple, but they give anyone who has no Photoshop experience a better idea of what to do. A more experienced reader can gain an in-depth look at how to add improved texture to his projects. 3D Game Textures is a great book for beginners who would like to learn about textures for 3D art. No one should have a problem understanding and using this easy-to-comprehend information." - Apogee Photo Magazine, August 2006

Luke Ahearn has over fifteen years of professional game development experience and has served in lead positions such as designer, producer, and art director on seven published game titles including Dead Reckoning and Americas’ Army and worked as a background artist at EA. He has authored six books on game development and ran his own computer game company for ten years. Currently, he is the Art Director and partner of ICPU.

Game artists, architects, simulation developers, web designers and enthusiasts alike can learn to create everything from bricks to books in Photoshop with this step-by-step instructional guide. Because texture is 99% of what a gamer sees when playing, this topic deserves considerable coverage but has gotten little attention. Unlike anything on the market, this book is the first of its kind to provide an in-depth guide to game texturing with hundreds of high-quality examples. This guide teaches everything a game artist will need to know-from researching textures, basic artistic principles, tools and techniques, to specific step-by-step tutorials that explain how to create textures for a myriad of environments. The goal of this book is to give the reader a guide that will actually help them secure a job as a developer/artisteven providing them with images created using the tutorials that can be used in a portfolio.

* Learn everything you need to create stunning, professional textures from one easy to follow guide which features tutorials and over 500 high-quality images
* Follow the step-by-step tutorials to learn how to create suitable images which you can add to your portfolio and WOW prospective employers
* Companion CD includes sample textures and electronic versions of images you saw in the bookall the tools you need in one place!
* Hit the ground running or get a leg up on the competition with the tips, tricks, and real world examples featured in this comprehensive guide

Good book, Photoshop only

This is a pretty decent book if you are just becoming interested in texturing for 3D games. However, if you are one of the many people on a budget who don’t have Photoshop, and are planning to try to ’translate’ the techniques to another program like Gimp or PaintShop Pro - Save your money. There is little explanation for how to come up with the varying effects created in this book. Instead, there is often a list of steps to take in Photoshop with little explanation as to why those steps result in the desired output. Everything that’s generally applicable to texturing for games could probably be collected in a day or two of web surfing.

If, however, you are a proud Photoshop owner and can follow along with the given steps, and see how they change the results at each stage, you will likely learn a lot about how to create realistic textures.

good textures

the final textures are excellent. the only problem is sometimes the insructions are a little vague and the software in the book is outdated

For a beginner, I’m very impressed.

There’s a lot to like about a book like this for the beginning texture artist, such as myself. It gives you the fundamentals of how to recreate a texture from the ground up without actually having to paint hardly anything! Just use what Photoshop has to offer and you can follow this book all the way through.
That would be the downside though, must have Photoshop! If you don’t then I wouldn’t see you getting much out of this book except the techniques, which may or may not be done in another paint program.
This is just a beginner’s book because it doesn’t cover anything about skin or human painting and texturing, which is what I’m now looking for in another book. This just covers inanimate objects, but it just blows my mind how easy it now is using his techniques. I’m no longer intimidated by a blank white screen with no textures, and am now cranking stuff out a lot better looking (not professional yet, but getting there).
Deffinantly worth getting for beginners or people apprehensive towards texturing.

Recommended

The first half of the book contains all the information on the subject you could possibly ask for and is definitely a good read, especially for a beginner.

The second half of the book contains the projects which unfortunately you’ll have to model yourself as the book does not go into 3D modelling. These are still quite fun to do and there is still quite a bit of scope to do your own thing using the supplied techniques. The projects include tutorials to create the textures entirely from scratch in Photoshop as an alternative to using just photomanips. The projects cover quite a bit of ground so it’s likely you’ll find something relating to your project.

This book is an excellent starting point for anyone serious about texturing for games. Even for those with some experience at it, you may still learn something from this book and it’s often priced quite well so it’s worth picking up.

get it cheap if you want it

I already know texturing and wanted to take my texturing to the next level. I compared textures before and after, and I noticed a difference. Its easier to make hand painted textures for me now.
There are step by step examples of how to make bricks, windows, doors, etc.
It even discusses how to take pictures of textures yourself, and how to make your 3d scenes seem more real by placing objects, breaking up plain parts, etc.
The only thing missing is how to create history on textures and as far as I can tell, there are no books.
I recommend going to cgsociety and check out the forums. Stephen Morrell has a good pdf on texturing somewhere.

It’s alright.

This book is great for beginners, and is a pleasent read, however I found some of the tutorials to be missleading or unclear and often was left with a very different result to the author of the book.

Because of this, I personally found this book a waste of money because I already knew most of the information it contained and what I baught it for mostly where the tutorials to improve my Photoshop Skills.

Forget the Dark Side

Couldn’t begin to recommend this book enough, out of the several I’ve used to help me brush up on my skinning and 3D skills it’s by far the best. It sure puts "The Dark side of games texturs" to shame, that’s for sure. If you’re getting into 3D or skinning, check it out.

Taught me to create my own great textures with no prior experience

I have been interested in game development for a while now, mainly within the level design, creating new maps etc. I am learning and using the Unreal engine at present. I spent many months learning how to create levels and getting the hang of the level editor, UnrealEd. However, I wanted to start creating new content, never before seen, so somebody playing on the level will not recognise any already used assets such as models and textures. So I then started learning how to create models to include in my levels.

This being all very well, but I desperately needed new textures to use on my models and within the level its self. Im not very good artistically and thought I would never be able to create good textures even using Photoshop, which I used to open, try to use, fail and quit again!

I could do a bit of everything else, so thought I may as well get a book and see if that can help.....even if it helps me create the most basic looking textures!

This book had good reviews and looked like what I wanted to learn to be able to texture my levels my self.

So once this book came I worked through all the tutorials right to the end. They were easy to follow, informative and quite fun. I even then imported them into UnrealEd to use them in mess about levels and they worked a treat.

I found the start of the book a little dull as it went though all the things to look at when creating art such as things being 3D and not just 2D etc, though I understand it was the theory so to speak, I literally just wanted to get into Photoshop and start "doing".....it took a little longer then I wanted to get to the "creating your first texture" part! However, this was just me and im sure many may disagree as learning all the fundamentals about how art is and why it is etc is needed for a base line?

Once you do start creating textures its great fun, as I thought I would never be able to do it well. I was surprised just how easy it can be to get fantastic results. Also the more effort and tweaking you put into a texture the better it looks.

Needless to say after reading this book, I am now creating good quality textures and know how to navigate Photoshop. Though no expert, its certainly made a huge difference in my work and now everything looks even more unique and original which was the overall goal.

However, just a few notes, I was hoping the book would cover UV laying out, but it doesn’t, also best tools and methods used to import in and out of game engines and possible some examples of best methods? None of this is covered.

This book literally is just about creating textures in Photoshop and nothing more, though a fantastic book and I would not be were I am now without it, I think it could have done with just a little bit more info about other areas.....again just my opinion.

I would recommend this book for anyone starting of with texture creation. I would say maybe just a little bit of knowledge of Photoshop before hand may help as some parts in the earlier chapters presume you know what to do when asked.

I will certainly be keeping this book near by.

Useful introductory overview

This book is useful as a jumping-off point for using Photoshop to create textures, and covers most of the basic topics that someone new to both Photoshop and texturing would need to know. However, you’ll need to search for additional resources to complete the journey that this book starts you on, since it’s a pretty basic overview with a few confidence-building exercises that give you a taste of the possibilities.

Excellent. Really!

Unlike the rewiever who gave this book 1 star, I am giving 5. Because unlike him, I find this full-color book very well written and very useful. It goes beyond basic texture creation tutorials. The first half of the book explains theory behind good textures and texture creation as well as ways to take pictures for your own textures. It gives lot of examples to demonstrate various points. The second half of the book is the tutorial part. The tutorials are detailed and easy to follow. The only negative thing I find about this book is, that the tutorials give you exact values for everything without explaining why these values were actually chosen. However, it is up to the user to make his/her own tweeking and see, how changing these values effect the final result. Also, I would like to see how these textures are applied to a specific UV layout, which the book does not discuss. But then again, the book is about creating textures, not applying them to your model, so I do not hold it against it. After all, the textures that are created in the tutorials are nicely done and you certainly can find a good use for any of them. So, five stars it is.

Worthless

Utterly worthless book that provides horrid explanations. Really not worth the money, or even a look, it’s just a low quality excuse for a book with most of it’s "tutorials" being available free on the internet.

Outstanding

Very well written and beautifully illustrated. One of the best Photoshop books I’ve ever seen.

One of the best i have so far

After looking though the first set of tuts for making the textures. It pretty simply. There were not miss prints or typos, i never got lost while doin any of them and even more so i put in my own style while following these steps.

Good book for what it is

The cover is slightly misleading, in that it implies you can go from a sketch to finished art, which the book isn’t about. There is a disclaimer on page XIII about that. This book isn’t a complete how to create 3D art, many things lighting, render / game engine, post effects, control the final image and this book doesn’t cover any of those subjects.

On the other hand he does ’demystify’ the process of creating texures by showing how complex textures can be built up by combining photos, Epaint & procedurals. Even an advanced artist should be able to pick up some tips if they approch the book with an open mind

This is by far the best book out for both pro’s and beginners.

This book teaches you everything you need to know about texturing, pro’s can learn some techniques that they did not master yet and the beginners will be able to make decent textures for their models. Instead of buying textures of the internet, I recommend everyone to buy this book. It will save you more money and being able to say, I made this without lying feels good.

Realize excellent game texture

Excellent book, is a complete guide to texture game arts, Include tutorial to realize complex texture.

Fantastic Resource...

This is a quality book. Half of the book is dedicated to discussion on texture methods inside realtime engines, how different maps are used, and the different approaches required. There is a lot of emphasis of learning by eye, and the importance of visual awareness.

The second half is probably going to be the part that grabs you. Luke goes into the texture asset creation for three different staple scenarios (sci-fi, fantasy and urban, with clearly written details as to the workflow. My only quibble would be that during some of the tutorials sections, you are told what to do, but not why you are actually doing it, though when you read his creation method for the base metal texture, you can begin to appreciate how hard it would be to actually justify the steps with an explanation.

In all, this is an excellent resource for people who are a little daunted by the prospect of texturing, BUY IT! ;D

NOTE: There was a typo in the first edition that causes a texture to come up VERY different to Luke’s. If you have an earlier edition, and encounter problems, Luke himself posted this on Amazon.com:

First edited by: Luke Ahearn "Luke Ahearn" (CA) on Feb 11, 2006
Last edited by: Luke Ahearn "Luke Ahearn" (CA) on Nov 28, 2006

Here are corrections for this edition:

- In chapter 5 (page 152 ) Creating Base Metal step 5 should read 70 instead of -70.

- When applying the spotlight at the end of step nine of this exercise
the spotlight should be round and go just beyond the image edges. Do
this by dragging out the handles.

- Also, in an early example of tiling there is a source image on the DVD
and it is the wrong one. This is the one you need.[...]

Absolutely invaluable

I’m in the process of reviewing 2D texture creation books for 3D programs, specifically Second Life’s platform, and this book is by far the best I’ve found out there so far.

The tutorials concentrate on developing textures from scratch, along a detailed workflow like you would set up on a typical project, and the final quality of the textures created is top notch professional grade.

While other books seem to lack in quality, concentrate too much on one specific app for the final textures, or throw in way too much concept and not enough practicality, this book strikes a perfect balance between concept and execution. The book is intelligent without being overabsorbed, and is full of fantastic information. A great read and an invaluable reference book alike. Pick this one up!

From plain textures to eye candy in matter of a few days

Having gone to school for Computer Animation at Full Sail I was in the need of a top tier gaming texturing book. While reading Gamasutra I saw this book and had my company HNTB purchase this book for my real time 3D Group. Having gone through this book my photoshop skills have gone up 10x. The techiques that you learn in this book help make your 3D models really pop with life. Most of his tutorials are quick and very easy to follow along with, by the end of the book you are ready to tackle most any assignment a client is going to give you. I can’t wait for more great publishings and techniques that Luke would love to share with the rest of the industry. A true inspiration! Thanks Austin Reed

A masterpiece!

This book is THE game artist guide to 2D game art. This book covers texturing for everything from lush forest to decals, to muzzel flashes. This book has been, and will continue to be, and invaluable guide for my game design, and I consider it the best of its class.

5 stars!!! Luke Ahearn! This is a masterpiece!!! :)

Very Good

There is no coverage of texturing characters (disappointing but maybe I didn’t read the web page well enough) but lot’s of useful photoshop techniques.

Great book

This book is great for beginners to even advanced. The book delivers clear and concise examples an tutorials on making an eclectic array of textures.

The book will give you an overview on design aspects as well as a quick crash course on the layout of photoshop. In a bout 30 mins to an hour you can be creating great textures without any difficlty at all.

I highly recommend this book.

A Great Book!

This is indeed a great book for both beginning and experienced photoshop users. Although it helps to get the "Photoshop CS2 One-on-one" combined with it if you’re just starting out, but the author still gives a tutorial on the basics for those of you who are still a tad green.

The author offers tips and tricks that anyone can understand. The disc includes a small texture library and samples for you to use along with the book if you intend on using it as a class instead rather than a manual.

I wish it had more to it, however, and the DVD didn’t come with all that was promised (normal mapping plugin for photoshop, for example... it is free from NVidia’s site, however).

The writing style is easy to read and enjoyable. The entire book only takes about two hours to read, though... shame.

I would have to say that this book is invaluable to any texture artist. The advice he gives tells you exactly what game development companies are looking for, and some work-arounds for common problems.

Very good for beginners

Hay all

I purchased this book and I can safely say that it is a very helpful and sourceful book for beginners and intermediate texture artist. When I say intermediate, I don’t mean people with acceptable texturing skills but for people who passed the beginning stage and are now into texturing stage.

I would advice you to have a fairly okay unwrapping knowledge because this book does not cover how to unwrap.
Also, as the book title says, its a texturing book.

Another thing you should be aware of, is that half, if not 3/4 of the entire book is focussed on environment texturing, I don’t actually recall seeing any character texturing in the book. I personally am into environmental stuff.

So why did I give it 4 stars? That’s because if you textured before, or know your way around Photoshop, then you probably won’t gain any new skills from it. Another reason is that there’s little knowledge on shaders, such as Normal mapping, it won’t tell you how to set it up but more or less how it works.

Overall, it’s a good, handy book to have if you are willing to break in the Game industry.

Great book for beginners...

I’m in the game industry, and this book is right on in its techniques, and tutorials! This guy knows what he’s talking about, and his easy to follow tutorials are great. Beware, this book is more for begginers, showing you the basics. I do wish he had gotten a little more into advanced technique in photoshop.

A must have for game artists!

Luke Ahearn has done an impeccable job of compiling so much information into a concise, thorough and informative book.

Well written, with step-by-step explanantions and lessons, Luke takes the guesswork out of texture making, including beautiful artwork and example pictures of standalone and in-game textures.

This 300 some page book also comes with a demo version of Photoshop CS2, a huge collection of resource images, as well as all images found in the book.

His passion for games and game art are apparent in his writing, and his willingness to reveal techniques and secrets are priceless.

I look forward to his next book in the future. Get this book, now!

Learn to Create Digital Photorealistic Textures

Even if you aren’t a game artist, this book will help any digital artist learn to create photorealistic textures. One of the most important features of an image, and one that can make the difference between a good or a great image, is the textures you use. In this book the author, Luke Ahearn, teaches the basics for creating 3D game textures. The book is written for Adobe Photoshop version 7 or CS, but can apply to future versions of Photoshop or any image graphics software supporting layers.

The first chapters cover the basics of visual art such as shape/form, light/shadow, texture, color and perspective. Ahearn uses several game art sample images to support the discussion, which makes it easier to apply these concepts to 2D texturing. Next, he gives you an overview of computer graphics including file formats, grids, UV mapping and shaders and teaches the reasoning behind his approach to creating 2D textures for 3D game art. He then moves on to Photoshop and the many features this software has that can be used specifically for digital texturing. He gives some tips for naming and organizing the large number of image files that you will soon accumulate.

Ahearn covers four real-world projects. The first is a sci-fi setting which requires only the base materials. He gives step-by-step instructions for creating metals for floor and wall paneling, pipes, hoses and venting. Next is an urban setting which requires the base materials and also a few textures for detail objects in the scene. The third project, a fantasy setting, was my favorite. It required the most detailed artwork so far and Ahearn discusses using the Photoshop painting tools. The textures created for this project will eventually be used with a shader. Some of the base textures he creates are stone walls and floor, wood beams, stucco and metal. You will also learn how to make detailed textures for a table, chest, fur rug, candle stick, book and parchment. The fourth project is an outdoor setting. When creating photorealistic textures for the trees and other organic subjects, Ahearn uses Photoshop layers and source photo overlays.

For each project, Ahearn starts with a concept sketch and identifies the base materials that will be needed for flooring and walls. He then moves on to creating textures for the detail objects such as tables, windows, rugs and doors. At the end of each project, he gives at least one variation. Lastly, the book covers the three types of visual effects; static, animated and particle. The CD that accompanies the book contains many photo source images.

Luke Ahearn has worked in the game development field for many years as a background artist, designer, producer and art director. He has written six books on game development.

Hands Down-The Best Book I’ve Seen On Game Texturing

This is the best book I’ve seen on 3D Game Texturing. Although I’m a professional Photoshop user, this book showed me things I never knew about game texturing.

It covers every aspect of texturing environments, objects, etc., as well as covers the special needs of different kinds of games (such as fantasy, sci-fi, urban settings, etc.)

Luke Ahearn is an industry vet-and it shows. He not only shows you how to make game textures, he tells you how the industry works, gives you hints at getting your portfolio together so you have a better chance at getting a job in the industry and does it all with easy to understand instructions and screen captures.

I highly recommend this book.

Where was this when i was at University?

This book will proudly enter my collection of CG books. I have been using photoshop for years but this book made me realise how much i didnt know. Whether your into games or film CG graphics this book is invaluable for learning how to create your own textures rapidly rather then pouring over the internet for maps that will still need tampering with.

Great Book....

I loved this book. It was a god send... I was crap at texturing, mainly a i had no idea how to do it. This covers very well how to use photoshop, how to make your textures realistic... It was just a great book... I strongly advise this for anyone stuck or struggling with texturin

AWESOME!

I’ve been working Freelance on 3D Game projects for 4-5 years now and am always learning new stuff but this book is full of info and lot of stuff I wasn’t aware of ;)

its focussed on texturing and takes you through the principles of lighting, dirtying textures up, creating your own, uv mapping etc and then follows through various projects showing how to create each element!!

Anyway, tis a great book..get it!!