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Gmax
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Gmax
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Gmax is an application based on Autodesk's 3ds Max application used by professional computer graphics artists. 3ds Max is a comprehensive modeling, animation and rendering package with some secondary post-production and compositing features. Gmax is much more limited due to its singular intended use—game content creation. Infrequently used tools and features, or the ones completely unrelated to creating 3D game models, were removed (these include most, if not all of the more complex rendering, materials, shaders, physics simulation, some of the more advanced geometry tools, in addition to the rendering engine), leaving the core modeling, texturing, and basic animation rigging and keyframing capabilities. In 2005, the promotional freeware software was discontinued after version 1.2.

Features

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Gmax's utility can be expanded by "game packs" which feature customized tools that allow creation and exporting of customizable content to games and websites. As Gmax did not have its parent software's rendering engine, game packs were typically required to provide those features when needed(Auran was the first company to write and distribute a dedicated renderer for their Trainz Railroad Simulator series Gmax gamepacks in their initial pre-production Beta Release V0.9 (2000). Thereafter Gmax was bundled with subsequentTrainz until Trainz 2009. Maxis was the second company to write a dedicated renderer for their Gmax gamepack, BAT (Building Architect Tool) for SimCity 4 (ca. 2002). In both the game environments, a user can enter the virtual 3D world, interact with the environment, ride a car and sight see, or in the Trainz series of simulators - operate a carefully modeled realistic Train Locomotive, ride in an observation car, automobile, boat, airplane, or steamship.)

The introduction of Gmax and Autodesk's distribution of the core tools was thought to be aimed towards remedying the 'limited-options infringement' of 3D modeling packages that had been widespread among amateur 3D modeling and game mod communities to that point. Until the introduction of Gmax, and a similar 'game modeler' version of Maya soon after, amateur modelers had extremely limited access to the tools needed for 3D artwork. Gmax enabled modelers to have legitimate access to content creation tools similar to those used by professionals.

Redistribution

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Auran/N3V distributed Gmax from the outset as a licensed partner as an included part of the Trainz series of simulators, along with a document "Content Creators" manual, up through and including the release of Trainz 2004 Deluxe, after which they provided a download link in the many versions of TRS2006 before the technology became obsolescent.

Microsoft distributed Gmax with Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) beginning with the 2002 version. Most of the freeware and payware add-on aircraft and scenery is created with Gmax and it's considered[according to whom?] to be the standard modeller for MSFS, although it does have competition in the form of the more user-friendly Flight Simulator Design Studio. It can make use of special animations through XML coding written into parts.

Cancellation

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As of October 16, 2005 AutoDesk Media and Entertainment has discontinued and no longer supports Gmax. Instead, the company has decided to focus on 3ds Max. However, the last version of Gmax is available for free to download from the official support website.

  • Note: As of 2022, you can no longer download the software from Turbo Squid's page.

Software license agreement

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There has been some debate as to whether exporting Quake 3 models for use with a game other than Quake 3 is a violation of the Gmax software license agreement (or EULA). Product manager Paul Perreault has publicly stated that "Gmax is a tool to create 3d content—what you create with Gmax is your business, not ours." He continues, "Discreet is not opposed to exporting data from Gmax—provided Discreet is the decision maker about what formats are supported."[1] Export to the Quake 3 model format is officially supported by Discreet. Therefore, using Gmax to create and export models to the .md3 format does not appear to be a violation of the terms of the Gmax EULA.

References

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Gmax

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GMax is a discontinued application for and , developed by Discreet Logic (later acquired by ) as a streamlined version of its professional 3ds Max software, specifically tailored for gamers and modders to create custom in-game content such as models, textures, and animations. Released in the early , it provided accessible tools for non-professionals while limiting advanced features to focus on game asset development, achieving over 125,000 registered users by March 2002. The software's core functionality included polygon modeling, , basic material editing, and keyframing, all integrated within an interface derived from 3ds Max but simplified for ease of use in communities for games like those on the Source engine. It supported exporting formats suitable for various game engines, such as SMD files via community plugins, enabling users to contribute to titles from developers like and . Despite its popularity in hobbyist circles, GMax was officially discontinued around 2005, with version 1.2 being the final release; it remains available for download from archival sites like , though compatibility with may require workarounds. GMax played a significant role in democratizing 3D during the rise of PC gaming mods in the early , fostering communities around tools like the SDK and , but its legacy has largely been supplanted by free alternatives such as .

Development and Release

Origins and Purpose

Gmax was developed by Discreet, a division of , as a scaled-down, version of the professional and software 3ds Max, aimed at providing accessible tools for non-professional users. The software was introduced at the 2001 in March, with version 1.0 released on September 27, 2001, to coincide with growing interest in game modding and among consumers. The primary purpose of Gmax was to empower hobbyists, gamers, and amateur modelers to create custom game content—such as levels, characters, and objects—without requiring advanced expertise or investment in full professional tools, thereby serving as an entry point to Autodesk's ecosystem. By offering this free tool, Discreet sought to promote awareness and adoption of 3ds Max among potential professional users who might transition from hobbyist projects to commercial work. Paul Perreault, Gmax product manager at Discreet, emphasized its role in revolutionizing game creation by allowing users to personalize experiences using familiar 3ds Max technology in a simplified form. Built on the architecture of 3ds Max version 4, Gmax incorporated intentional limitations, such as restricted advanced rendering options and plugin support, to differentiate it from the paid professional edition while retaining core modeling and animation capabilities suitable for game content. This design choice ensured Gmax remained a promotional and educational tool rather than a direct competitor to 3ds Max.

Versions and Updates

Gmax was initially released as version 1.0 in late 2001. This version, derived from Discreet's 3ds Max, provided a streamlined toolset for game content creation without the full feature scope of its parent software. Version 1.1 arrived in February 2002, delivering minor improvements and bug fixes to enhance stability and . The subsequent version 1.2, launched on November 13, 2002, served as the final major update and introduced expanded export capabilities, including direct integration with Discreet's plasma software for rendering models into formats suitable for movies, Flash, and Director applications. Following the release of version 1.2, Discreet issued no additional official updates to the software. Autodesk maintained technical support for Gmax until October 2005, at which point the product was fully discontinued in favor of focusing resources on 3ds Max. Gmax was built to run on Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows XP, offering no native support for subsequent operating systems and necessitating community-developed workarounds for use on modern Windows versions.

Features

Core Capabilities

Gmax offers a suite of basic tools derived from 3ds Max, including polygon editing for manipulating vertices, edges, and faces; spline creation for generating curved paths and shapes; and primitive object generation such as boxes, spheres, and cylinders to serve as starting points for more intricate designs. These tools allow users to build polygonal meshes efficiently for game asset development. For surface detailing, Gmax includes texturing and capabilities that enable the application of materials to models, with tools for unwrapping to create seamless texture coordinates and minimize . This supports the creation of visually coherent assets by aligning textures precisely to 3D surfaces. Animation in Gmax is straightforward, relying on keyframe-based techniques to control object movement, , and scaling over time, without support for advanced or skeletal systems. Users can set keyframes in the timeline to interpolate transformations, facilitating simple procedural animations like object paths or basic deformations. Rendering capabilities are confined to basic viewport previews for real-time model inspection, eschewing advanced options such as ray tracing or found in professional suites. The interface closely resembles 3ds Max, incorporating a quad- layout for simultaneous multi-angle views and a modifier stack system that applies parametric edits non-destructively to objects. Compared to full 3ds Max, Gmax lacks importer/exporter plugins and higher-end features, focusing on core functionality for modders.

Game-Specific Expansions

Gmax's core modeling and animation capabilities were extended through free downloadable game packs, developed in collaboration with game publishers to enable direct export of user-created content to specific titles. These add-ons transformed Gmax into a tailored content creation tool for modders and hobbyists, allowing customization of in-game assets like characters, vehicles, environments, and props without needing full professional software like 3ds Max. By 2002, an ever-growing number of developers were preparing such packs, with Discreet providing the framework for seamless integration. Prominent examples included the Tempest game pack for , which supported export of 3D models to the .md3 format for player skins, weapons, and animations, complete with optimized and LOD (level of detail) tools suited to the engine. In the simulation genre, the Auran Trainz GMAX Gamepack enabled creation and export of .s files for locomotives, , and trackside scenery, with built-in validation tools to match 's physics and rendering requirements. Similarly, Maxis's Building Architect Tool (BAT) functioned as a dedicated game pack for , adding importers for props and buildings along with specialized shaders for urban lot integration. Microsoft Flight Simulator series benefited from multiple iterations of game packs, starting with FS2002, which included exporters for models, panel layouts, and scenery objects, tailored to the engine's aerodynamic simulations and rendering. Subsequent packs for FS2004 and FSX expanded this with advanced material s for weather effects and optimization utilities to reduce polygon counts for real-time performance. Each pack introduced functionality, such as game-specific exporters, shader libraries for engine-native effects, and automated optimization features like mesh simplification and texture baking, ensuring exported content adhered to the target game's technical constraints. Several official packs were released between 2001 and 2005, targeting popular PC titles across genres to foster community-driven .

Distribution and Licensing

Redistribution Methods

Gmax was initially made available as a free download directly from Discreet (later Autodesk) starting in 2001, accessible via the company's Sparks community portal at www.discreet.com/sparks, often requiring user registration to obtain the software and associated game packs. This promotional distribution method facilitated rapid adoption, with over 260,000 registered users by October 2002, enabling gamers and modders to access the tool without cost. Direct downloads continued until late 2005, after which official availability ceased, though archived versions persisted through third-party repositories. A primary redistribution channel involved bundling Gmax with commercial games to support creation. For instance, it was included in Microsoft's 2002 Professional Edition and subsequent releases, such as 2004 and X, as part of the standard (SDK) for and scenery modeling. Similarly, Auran's Railroad Simulator series shipped with Gmax from its early editions, including the 2002 Ultimate Collection (with version 1.1) and continuing through versions up to 2009, providing integrated game packs for exporting models directly into the simulator. Other titles, such as Microsoft's Dungeon Siege, Combat Flight Simulator, and Train Simulator, as well as Electronic Arts' : Renegade, incorporated Gmax game packs to empower players in creating custom assets like weapons, creatures, and terrain. Beyond direct and bundled distributions, Gmax was disseminated through partnerships with game developer communities and online platforms. Although not officially bundled with Valve's Source engine titles, it became a popular tool for games like Half-Life, with community resources promoting its use for model creation and export via plugins. Following the end of official support, free downloads of Gmax version 1.2 were hosted on sites like , a 3D asset marketplace, allowing continued access for modders and hobbyists. These redistribution methods significantly broadened Gmax's reach within modding communities, fostering widespread adoption for titles including The Sims 2, where it supported custom object and mesh creation, and Half-Life series mods involving character and environment modeling. By integrating seamlessly with game pipelines through dedicated packs, Gmax empowered non-professional users to contribute high-quality content, influencing the growth of user-generated ecosystems in early 2000s gaming.

Software License Agreement

The Gmax (EULA) provided the software free of charge, explicitly prohibiting the resale or commercial distribution of Gmax itself. Export permissions under the EULA allowed users to output models in specific formats via official game packs developed by Discreet. Perreault emphasized that exporting outside these approved packs violated the EULA and was strictly prohibited to ensure compliance with intended content creation workflows. The EULA included key restrictions, limiting access to advanced features available in the full 3ds Max software, to maintain Gmax's focus on basic modeling and animation for modders. Furthermore, any models created in Gmax were required to adhere to the end-user license agreements of the for distribution. Under the EULA's terms, users retained full rights to their original creations produced with Gmax, while Discreet (acquired by in ) owned the underlying software core and associated technologies. This structure encouraged community content development without granting rights to modify or redistribute the software beyond permitted bundles for .

Discontinuation

Announcement and Reasons

On October 6, 2005, Autodesk announced the discontinuation of Gmax, stating that it would no longer be offered as a stand-alone product and that no further updates or official support would be provided. The decision stemmed from diminished interest among game publishers and the software's outdated technology, which was based on an older version of 3ds Max and incompatible with emerging systems like Windows Vista, prompting Autodesk to redirect resources toward its professional 3ds Max lineup. In the announcement, encouraged users to transition to 3ds Max 8 or later versions, highlighting the availability of a free 30-day trial and additional resources for the more advanced tool. Immediately following the announcement, Gmax downloads remained accessible via until an initial deadline of November 1, 2005, after which development ceased entirely, though later extended availability in response to user feedback.

Legacy and Availability

Despite its discontinuation in 2005, Gmax remains a staple tool in legacy communities for older games, particularly where compatibility with established workflows is essential. For 2004 (FS2004), enthusiasts continue to use Gmax to create custom 3D models such as scenery objects, exporting them as .mdl files via the FS2004 Gamepack before compilation into .bgl format for in-game integration. Similarly, in , Gmax powers the Building Architect Tool (BAT) for designing and exporting buildings, with tutorials demonstrating techniques like nightlighting windows on models to enhance urban simulation visuals. For Railroad Simulator, Gmax facilitates asset creation, including modifications for locomotives and reskins, as detailed in guides that outline its role in assembling complex rail models. Community efforts have preserved Gmax through unofficial archives and adaptations for modern systems. Downloads are often sourced from old game SDKs, such as those bundled with FS2004 or FSX DVDs, or preserved on sites like the hosting the 1.2 version originally distributed via . To address compatibility challenges on and 11, users apply workarounds including compatibility modes set to 3 and administrator privileges, though issues like the Material Navigator failing to load may persist without further tweaks. These preservation initiatives, including registration bypasses shared in modding forums, ensure ongoing access for legacy projects. Gmax played a pivotal role in popularizing accessible 3D modding during the early 2000s by providing a free, game-focused subset of 3ds Max, enabling non-professionals to contribute custom content to titles like those from Valve and Microsoft. This democratization influenced the broader ecosystem, paving the way for free alternatives such as Blender, which gained traction among modders seeking updated tools with broader format support and rendering capabilities. However, as an unmaintained product since its 2005 discontinuation by Autodesk, Gmax receives no security patches, exposing users to potential vulnerabilities in its outdated codebase, particularly when handling external files or running on contemporary hardware. Compatibility with modern systems remains inconsistent, often requiring virtual machines or legacy OS installations to mitigate crashes and export limitations.

References

  1. https://archive.org/details/turbosquid-discreet-gmax-1.2
  2. https://investors.autodesk.com/news-releases/news-release-details/discreets-gmax-surpasses-125000-registered-users
  3. https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/GMax
  4. https://beyondunrealwiki.github.io/pages/gmax.html
  5. https://c20.reclaimers.net/general/art-tools/3dsmax/gmax
  6. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/discreet-introduces-gmax-at-gdc
  7. https://ppmforums.com/topic-1081/gmax-trouble/
  8. https://www.awn.com/news/microsoft-and-microids-license-discreets-gmax-game-customization-tools
  9. https://news.microsoft.com/source/2001/07/23/microsoft-and-discreet-sign-multi-title-agreement-to-build-gmax-game-packs-flight-simulator-2002-first-in-line/
  10. https://digitalproduction.com/2001/06/01/discreet-praesentiert-gmax/
  11. https://investors.autodesk.com/news-releases/news-release-details/discreet-releases-new-version-gmax-games-mod-software-new
  12. https://investors.autodesk.com/news-releases/news-release-details/discreets-gmax-software-changes-games-industry-rapid-worldwide
  13. https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-authorize-the-discontinued-Autodesk-GMax-program-to-open-legacy-files.html
  14. https://wiki.sc4devotion.com/index.php?title=GMax
  15. https://revolt.fandom.com/wiki/Gmax
  16. https://www.leadwerks.com/community/blogs/entry/2446-how-to-use-gmax/
  17. https://www.auran.com/trainz/contentcreation.htm
  18. https://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/34464-underground-rhw-gmax-model/
  19. https://www.fsdeveloper.com/wiki/index.php/Installing_FSX_GMax_gamepack
  20. https://investors.autodesk.com/node/9266/pdf
  21. https://www.elvastower.com/tuts/gmax01/installation/installation.html
  22. https://flyawaysimulation.com/downloads/files/2798/microsoft-flight-simulator-2004-sdk-pack-all-kits/
  23. https://www.trainzportal.com/blog/view/developer-diary/trainz-to-support-any-modelling-software
  24. https://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/Build_Numbers
  25. https://www.bfmods.com/viewtopic.php?t=474
  26. https://forum.halomaps.org/indexfa82.html
  27. https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/autodesk-will-no-longer-offer-gmax%C2%AE-software.1628/
  28. https://forums.renegadeprojects.com/showthread.php?tid=102
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