Learn how to create a procedural staircase asset for a Sci Fi game level  in Unity. Start by modeling the geometry using procedural techniques that will allow you to determine the length, width and height of the asset. Next, add a handrail then package up the node networks into a Houdini Digital Asset that can then be opened up in Unity using the Houdini Engine plug-in. Special attention will go into setting up UVs that work with a pre-built Trim Sheet. The final asset can then be deployed into a game level where it can be customized with geometry, collisions and textures all updating correctly.

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NOTE: These lessons use the SideFX Labs tools. Make sure they are installed when doing this lesson.



INTRODUCTION

Review the staircase generator asset in Unity to see what controls it has available to level designers. You will learn how the asset works as a tool then take a quick look at how it was setup in Houdini. This should give you a clear idea of what to expect in the three parts of this procedural staircase lesson.

Length: 7:37

PART 1 | MODEL THE STAIR

Use Houdini's procedural modeling tools to construct a procedural staircase. The key is that the stair will be driven by a single line and the treads, base and railings will be built up to match. You will also add the ability to bend the stair while keeping all of the parts of the network procedural throughout.

Length: 23:49

PART 2 | CREATE THE DIGITAL ASSET

Now that the staircase model is ready, learn how wrap up the network into a Houdini Digital Asset [HDA] then promote key parameters to the top level to build the UI for Unity. You will work to control all aspects of the asset that will help your level designers customize the stair for your game.

Length: 20:38

PART 3 | UNWRAP UVS FOR TRIM SHEET

To allow for the stair to change size and its overall look, you are going to set up the UVs of the model so they can be adjusted at the top level of the asset to work with different parts of the trim sheet. This makes it easy to scale up the staircase while preserving the UVs and letting your level designers create unique staircase designs using a single material in Unity.

Length: 42:17

CREATED BY

Simon_V
SIMON VERSTRAETE

Simon is a tech Artist that loves building procedural tools and assets. By adding more and more procedural approaches to his workflow, he is able to build 3D models with speed and flexibility. During his studies at Digital Arts and Entertainment, he taught himself how to work with Houdini. After his studies, he started working on Ary and the Secret of Seasons at eXiin. Currently he is a Houdini freelancer and focuses on creating procedural content.

More from Simon Verstraete

COMMENTS

  • ryoiwanaga 4 years, 2 months ago  | 

    Really helpful.
    Maybe 1->3->2 is right order.

  • gcj 3 years, 1 month ago  | 

    hi thank you for the great tourials ...when you are using extrude you set the inset without using parameter looks like you are using shortcut for inset what is it please

    • Simon_V 3 years, 1 month ago  | 

      Use mouse scroll in viewport to control inset

  • jkazulyblanco 2 years, 2 months ago  | 

    Hi Simon, thank you very much for this tutorial, is very helpful learn about procedural UVs and trim sheet

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