Programming: Script Ideas

For class we we're learning MEL/Python and were asked to make a post about 10 scripts that we might possibly want to create in the future. Here are my 10:

1.    Freeze transforms, deletes history, centers pivot, moves to center of world and exports as FBX
2.    Assigns new lambert and applies a new checker texture to the selected mesh
3.    Selects objects in scene and assigns random wireframe colors to them
4.    Assigns new lambert to selected mesh with randomized color
5.    Creates a second UV set for a bulk of selected objects
6.    Initial setup Maya settings script for working in UDK based on course site:
          a.    Border Edges/ Width          b.    Undo Queue to Infinite
          c.    Z Axis up
          d.    Near Clip on all cameras to 1 Far Clip on all cameras to 100000
          e.    Changes grid size
                    i.    Length and Width = 512
                    ii.    Gridlines = 16
                    iii.    Subdivisions = 1
7.    Toggles the Polygon Display > Normals for all the objects in the scene
8.    Toggles between Textured and Silhouette Mode (Black Lambert)
9.    Assigns a mental ray material to selected objects with 90% matte blend (for paint overs)
10.  Renders the objects in view-port using custom settings for mental ray (for paint overs)
          a. HD 1080 aspect ratio
          b. Production quality preset
          c. Creates a physical sun and sky node

Research: Racing Game Trailer

For my game design class we were asked to look up a trailer for a racing game to use as reference for our own personal racing level trailer. The game I chose was Gran Turismo 6. Here is the trailer:

The second trailer is Need For Speed Hot Pursuit.

Racing Level HUD

For class we were asked to design and create a mock up of a HUD for our racing levels. We were tasked with researching various HUDs from racing games.

Here are few images of some other racing games that I took inspiration from:

Here are a few images of some speedometers/instrument panels that are related to the car I modeled for my 3D class: 

I wanted to create a HUD that would somewhat fit my space arena themed level. Since blue is the dominant color of my level I thought it would make sense to compliment it with a orange HUD.

As you can see I tried to keep the overall HUD as clean as possible. The elements include lap timers (top center and bottom left) a lap counter (bottom right in circle) and a boost meter (bottom right half circle). Keep in mind this is the first pass.

Heres a closer look at what I hope to achieve with the boost meter. 

Basically the meter on the right gradually builds up and once full starts to blink indicating that the boost for the vehicle is ready to be used. Once the boost is used the process repeats.