I want to create tools using Python for both Autodesk Maya and Unreal Engine to help make the overall workflow much easier, or at least less complicated.
Idea: Mesh Revision Tool
As a 3D Artist/Game developer, a big concern is working on a mesh in a Maya file and making a mistake that we are too far ahead in being able to fix or realize too late after making a ton of progress either on the same mesh or other models. Constantly clicking CTRL+Z or CMD+Z to undo results in tons of lost progress. The obvious solution is to duplicate the mesh before making changes, until the project gets cluttered with unorganized duplicate meshes that take up space and have to constantly move around to prevent getting mixed up.
Concept:
A tool that allows you to, at the click of a button, save the mesh and all its data and history you select/are currently working on, create a hidden duplicate in a group, and at the click of a button that says revert, delete the one you've been working on with the mistake and replaces it with the duplicate/previous saved version.
Results:
Allows artists to avoid constantly clicking undo, losing progress.
Keeps meshes organized and the Maya project clean of clutter.
Allows users to save the progress of specific meshes in a non-destructive way without losing any of the history.
Gives users the option to export a saved version of meshes.
Act's similar to Maya's asset library, but for current projects instead of finished ones.
Gives users the ability to quickly export mesh.
Idea: Asset Identifier
When working on a project in Unreal Engine, your own or another person's, it's important to try and keep track of the assets that are generally very high in detail, whether it's because they are important to the project or because, for optimization purposes, they could affect performance and should be kept track of.
Concept:
A tool that can select assets that are placed in a level based on poly count and texture quality. In the widget, the user can input a number in a number and after pressing a button, the tool will search and select assets in the scene that have a poly count equal to or greater than. They can also select between 1k, 2k, 4k, or 8k and press the search button to find and select assets that have materials with textures of the selected scale. The tool will also give users the option to place the assets in a folder within the inspector/hierarchy.
Results:
Users will be able to better organize the assets with the most detail
Keep track of and find the assets placed in the level.
Help users working on optimizing levels.
Put high-detail assets on a level in a folder.