A systematic pipeline for game-ready 3D assets

The article explores the process of creating 3D models for game projects, with a focus on a systematic approach that ensures high-quality visual content and a stable production pipeline. The creation of 3D assets is a multi-stage process that requires precise coordination between tools and adherence to structural conventions. The article outlines each step in detail: modeling a low-poly mesh in Blender with a well-organized hierarchy and naming conventions, detailing a high-poly version in ZBrush using the GoZ plugin, manual and automatic UV unwrapping, exporting models in FBX format, and baking normal, ambient occlusion, and thickness maps in Substance Painter. Special attention is paid to baking settings that ensure accurate matching between objects and prevent the appearance of artifacts. The article also discusses common problems that arise from breaking the pipeline, such as incorrect hierarchy, mismatched names, overlapping geometry, and export errors. Emphasis is placed on the importance of consistent standards at every stage of production, which is especially critical for teamwork and project scalability. A key aspect of the process is the choice of visual style: the article compares stylized graphics and a realistic PBR-based approach. Stylized texturing involves hand-painting, expressive shapes, and simplified materials, whereas realism requires physically accurate parameters, complex masks, and procedural maps. The choice of approach depends on project goals and audience preferences. The proposed methodology can be adapted to various development scales and serves as a practical reference for students, indie teams, freelancers, and aspiring 3D artists aiming to establish an efficient and predictable graphics workflow within modern game development.