Beta 1 Released!

I'm happy to announce that beta 1 of Museum:Source has been released! Download it now from lanmaniax.com.

Remember this is a beta. Please provide feedback here in the comments.

Still plugging along

Hi all! Well, I see now why id software is famous for saying their projects will be released "when they're done." I'm sorry this project has taken so much longer than I originally planned. Then again, I'm not sorry for taking the time to do it right. I'm trying to do something special here. Still, I know you're anxious, so here's a little update.

Nearly all the modeling is done. Most of the texturing is done. The last "big" thing to finish is the exhibits. I'm talking with paleontologists and other natural history associates to make sure I get these right. I want this map to not just look like a museum but actually contain original and interesting exhibits.

This is the last step, but it's not really what's holding things up. Life--and work--have kept me away from mapping, but I'm back at work and I never really stopped completely. I'm not going to set a date, but I am hoping Museum:Source will be released to beta very soon.

Two New Models. On The Home Stretch...

This weekend I've put two new models into the museum. These were the last two complex models on my list. I have a bunch of exhibits and informational signs, etc. and more textures and "polish." I'm on track for a beta in a couple of weeks or so.

I've actually added two other models in the last few days. One is a new base for the columns you can see in one of the shots.

Man, this project is kicking my butt! But it's forced me to learn how to 3D model. I'm still not perfect but feel like I can model any object now given the time.

Here's the new screens--straight out of CS:

Climbable Long-Neck Dinosaur

I think I mentioned early on that both skeletons (T. rex and Brachiosaur) would be climbable, but just FYI, this is now active in the map. Also, the Brach. neck and one leg blows off during the bomb explosion. Pretty sweet stuff. The T. rex animation was done a long time ago. More soon!

New Screens

I made you all wait too for my last screenshots so here's a little update showing how far I've come through this weekend. Having fun with FOV.

Content Requests

I've already had a few requests for models and textures from the map. I'm sorry but I don't have time to reply to all requests so the answer has to be: wait until it's done. Once the map is released, you can feel free to extract and use models and textures. (NOTE: for non-commercial, Source game use only. Please credit me when you do use them.)

Slowly but Surely

I'm happy to report the Museum project is not dead. I had to take almost 3 months off to devote time to my business. But, I've been back at work on the museum now for several weeks and I'm definitely over the hump with this thing. Adding lots of textures now and taking the rough rooms to polished, realistic spaces. I need to add a bunch more smaller exhibits and lighting, but we're in the home stretch now! Here's a couple recent screens: