How Game Environment Modeling is Used for Games

Game Designer at RetroStyle Games | Feb 3, 2025

Environment modeling for games is an essential part of creating video games. It’s all about designing the world where the game takes place. Imagine you’re setting up a stage for a play, but instead of a theater, it’s in a video game — everything from mountains and buildings to small items like bushes and street signs. The details are what make the game world believable and fun to explore.

This process is significant because it helps players feel more immersed in the game. When the surroundings look real or fit the style of the game well, it makes the game more enjoyable. Good environment design can also tell the story of the game without words. So players can see what kind of world they’re in — a peaceful village or a post-apocalyptic city.

For more detailed insights into creation, check out discussions on game environment design. This is helpful for anyone interested in game-making or looking for those services.

What To Know About Modeling Game Environments?

Environment modeling for games creates everything, from the landscapes to the buildings. Designing environments for games is building the physical spaces in a video game. What kind of environment can you make? Forests, mountains, and man-made settings like cities or space stations. Your imagination is the only limit.

The environment in games is important because it sets the mood and tone of the game. It also helps tell the story and can make gameplay more interesting. For example, a dark, rainy city might set a mysterious or gloomy atmosphere. Key concepts:

1
Textures and colors
They make the environment look more realistic or fit a certain style. They add detail and depth to everything in the game world.
2
Lighting
Good lighting can make a game look beautiful and affect players' feelings while playing. It can highlight important areas or create an atmosphere.
3
Scale and perspective
This is about how big things are and how you can see them in the game. It’s important to make the game feel more real. Also, this is how players can interact with the environment.

Game Environment Types

Game environments are the spaces where video games take place. They can be as simple as a flat 2D backdrop or as complex as an interactive 3D world. Designers apply different types of environments to what best suits the game. We’ll run down the main types: 3D modeling environment, 2D modeling environment, low-poly game environment, and high-poly game environment.

3D Modeling Environment

A 3D environment model for games has three dimensions — depth, height, and width. Players can explore the game world more realistically, move around objects, and experience changes in perspective and angle.

Tools and Techniques

To create these detailed environments, designers use specific tools and techniques:

Programs like Blender, Autodesk Maya, and 3D Max. They are popular for building the physical structures in the game world. This includes things like buildings, vehicles, and natural elements.
Texturing tools add details to the 3D model environment. Texturing involves wrapping a 2D image around a 3D shape to give it color and texture. Software like Substance Painter and Adobe Photoshop are used for this.
Proper lighting is very important in 3D environments. It affects how the game feels and how easy it is to navigate the space. Lighting tools within the 3D modeling software help simulate realistic light effects.
Rendering is generating the final visual output from the modeled 3D objects. It often adds effects like shadows and reflections to enhance realism.

Exploring the services of a 3D environment design studio can be a great start.

Our 3D Environment software

2D Modeling Environment

A 2D environment modeling for games means creating flat game settings. They have only height and width. It’s a drawing or cartoon, this style doesn’t involve depth. 2D is simpler and often more stylized compared to 3D environments. It’s popular in many types of games including platformers and classic arcade games, mostly where the focus is on side-scrolling or fixed-screen gameplay.

Creating 2D environments involves a range of tools and techniques:

Programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are often used for 2D environment modeling. These allow artists to draw, color, and edit backgrounds and interactive elements.
In many 2D games, they build environments from tilesets. These are small square graphics pieced together to create a larger environmental scene. This technique helps in managing game resources.
Sprites are the moving elements in a game, like characters or objects. Creating effective sprites is significant for the game’s visual appeal and gameplay.
Designers often use layers to create a sense of depth, even in a 2D space. Game developers create backgrounds, mid-grounds, and foregrounds separately. They can move them at different speeds to give a parallax effect as the player moves through the game.

As a side note, we often use the terms “designer” and “artist” but are those even two different people? What is the difference between a 3D artist vs 3D designer?

If you want a short answer, a 3D artist focuses on creating visual content. They use 3D modeling software to craft detailed models, textures, and animations. Designers often specialize in areas like character design, environment art, or visual effects. Their work is creative and artistic.

A 3D designer often has a broader role. That includes creating 3D models and planning and designing the functionality and user experience, particularly in fields like architecture, product design, or interactive media. They mix technical skills with design principles. This will ensure that the 3D models aren’t only appealing but also functional and fit for purpose.

If you’re new to 2D environment design or seeking help, talking to 2D environment artists can be beneficial. Our studio specializes in creating appealing 2D game environments, offering professional expertise.

Low Poly Game Environment

Designers make low poly game environments using a minimalistic approach in 3D modeling. Here the number of polygons (the flat shapes that make up 3D models) is kept low. This creates a stylized, simplified aesthetic that is less realistic. However, it can be striking and very efficient when the model is performing.

Advantages:

Fewer polygons mean less processing power. So these games run smoother on devices with lower specs.
The simplistic look of low poly environments can stand out and give a game a unique visual identity.
Designing and rendering simpler models can speed up the development process. This will allow quicker iterations and updates.

Tools and techniques:

Designers use Blender or Autodesk Maya to create models with fewer polygons.
With fewer details in the model, applying smart texturing makes the environment engaging.
Techniques like tiling and mirroring can make the most out of each polygon in larger scenes.

Pirate Ship 3D Model by Our Team

Our team created a Pirate Ship Fluyt. This is a stylized low poly pirate ship model designed for a rogue-like game prototype. The ship features a wooden body, designed sails with subtle textures, and rigging. The model has detailed wooden textures and painted details on the sails. The color palette used is realistic, enhancing the old-world maritime atmosphere.

High Poly Game Environment

A high poly environment modeling for games uses a large number of polygons. This approach allows for detailed and realistic video game environment design.

Advantages:

More polygons mean more detail, which can result in highly realistic environments. This is great for creating lifelike scenes and characters. It can enhance the storytelling and gameplay experience.
High poly models interact better with light. It creates more realistic shadows and lighting effects. This can significantly boost the visual quality of the game.
These environments allow for close-up interactions without losing quality. Which makes them ideal for games that feature detailed character models.

Tools and Techniques:

Tools like Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, and ZBrush are used for crafting high poly models. These programs have features that help artists and designers sculpt, texture, and animate.
Designers smooth out meshes and increase polygon count. This will enhance the detail of a model without the manual placement of every polygon.
Usage of detailed texture maps, such as bump maps and normal maps. This can add surface details without the need for extra polygons. It’s striking a balance between performance and visual depth.
High poly models benefit from advanced shading and lighting techniques. This includes ray tracing, which simulates real-world lighting to produce lifelike effects.

High poly environments are particularly popular in blockbuster games and virtual reality.

Features of Game Environment Modelling for Different Platforms

Game environment modeling varies across different platforms. Each has its unique capabilities and limitations. PCs’ higher processing power and superior graphics, allow developers to create complex environments. Mobile devices need more optimization due to their limited processing power and battery life. As a result, mobile games often feature simpler lower-poly models. Consoles provide a balance between the two. This is hardware that supports detailed environments optimized for consistent performance. Developers must consider these factors to create games that maximize the potential of each platform.

	PC Game Environment Modeling	Mobile Game Environment Modeling	Console Game Environment Modeling
Description	You can get a highly detailed experience. Larger screens allow for more complex environments.	Experiences tailored to TV screens and compatible equipment; often includes exclusive games	Focus on accessibility and quick engagement; designed for small screens and on-the-go gaming
Graphical Detail	High poly counts and detailed textures are possible due to powerful GPUs; can achieve photorealism	Moderate poly counts with a balance between detail and performance; optimized for specific hardware capabilities of each console	Low poly counts and simplified textures; designed for efficiency on limited hardware and small screens
Input Methods	Multiple input methods: keyboard, mouse, game controllers, Steam Deck; must support a wide range of peripherals	Standardized input (game controllers); ensures a uniform experience across all users	Touchscreen interfaces; design must accommodate touch controls and short play sessions
Development Tools	Extensive tools available; engines like Unity and Unreal Engine offers robust support for high-end graphics and performance	Mobile development often uses engines like Unity and Unreal Engine. These engines are optimized for mobile platforms. They support resource management tools that are crucial for maintaining performance on less powerful devices.	Consoles use specialized development kits provided by the console manufacturers. For example, PlayStation's SDK or Xbox Development Kit. These tools maximize the hardware features of each console. This is how developers can optimize their game environments for specific systems.

How to Make Game Environment Models

Creating video game environment models is an exciting process. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you understand how to model a game environment:

1
Conceptualizing Your Environment
Start by imagining or sketching the basic idea of your environment. This is where you decide the setting, theme, and overall mood. Check out some environmental concept art to get inspired and learn how to convey the atmosphere through art.
2
Gathering References
Collect images, videos, and other materials that resemble the idea you have in mind. These references will guide you in making your environment more realistic and detailed.
3
Blocking Out the Scene
Begin modeling by creating simple shapes in 3D software to outline the major parts of your environment. This helps in establishing the scale and spatial relationships between different elements.
4
Adding Details
Start adding details to your basic shapes, refining them into more complex forms. This includes adding architectural elements, natural formations, and other details.
5
Applying Textures
Apply textures to your models to give them color, detail, and realism. Textures can simulate materials like wood, metal, or stone, making your environment more convincing.
6
Setting Up Lighting
Set up lighting to enhance the mood and visibility of your environment. Proper lighting can dramatically change the look of your scene and guide the player’s attention to important areas.
7
Optimizing for Performance
Make sure your environment layout is optimized for the game’s platform. Reducing polygon counts where necessary and ensuring that textures are efficiently used to maintain good performance.
8
Review and Testing
Review your environment and make any necessary tweaks to improve aesthetics or performance. Test the environment in the game engine to see how it behaves in real gameplay situations.
9
Integration into the Game Engine
Once you’re satisfied, export the models and integrate them into your game engine where they can be combined with gameplay elements.

If you want to release a game that will be on the list of video games with unique art styles, consider using professional services for 3D models for game environments to ensure your game looks its best.

Common Mistakes When Modeling the Game Environment

Even experienced designers can make some common mistakes. Understanding these pitfalls is significant for producing engaging and well-functioning game worlds. Here are a few typical errors and tips on how to steer clear of them:

1
Maintain Accurate Scaling
It's easy to get the scale wrong, which can make objects look too large or too small compared to the player character or other objects. Always double-check measurements and compare elements to a human-scale reference within the environment.
2
Optimize Models and Textures
High-detail models and textures might look amazing, but they can reduce game performance. Optimize assets by reducing polygon counts. Using smaller texture files where high detail isn't necessary.
3
Design Effective Lighting
Poor lighting can ruin the look of an environment and affect gameplay by making important paths or items hard to see. Use lighting that enhances visibility, mood, and depth without overpowering the scene.
4
Avoid Texture Repetition
Reusing the same texture too frequently can make the environment look repetitive and boring. Mix up textures and create variations to keep the scene interesting and dynamic.
5
Stick to a Consistent Style
An environment should have a consistent artistic style. Mixing different styles can confuse the player and break immersion. Decide on a style early in the video game environment design process and stick to it.
6
Blend 2D and 3D Seamlessly
Placing 2D characters in 3D environments can lead to visual inconsistency. This will make characters stand out awkwardly against the backdrop. If you’re incorporating 2D characters in a 3D environment, ensure that the game environment art styles blend seamlessly, using shading and lighting techniques that unify the character with the environment.

For projects, it's important to consider partnering with experts specializing in-game animation. Professional game animation services can help create fluid and realistic animations that enhance the experience of the game environment, ensuring that both static and dynamic elements of the game world are well-integrated and lifelike.

Where to Learn 3D Modeling for Environments?

Learning 3D modeling for game environments can be exciting and rewarding. There are resources available for different skill levels, from beginners to advanced users. Here’s a list of some top places where you can learn 3D game design environment modeling:

CG Spectrum

Offers a course titled “Get Started with 3D Modeling”, which covers all the basics of 3D modeling, digital sculpting, and texturing. Perfect for those starting from scratch.

CG Boost

Has a detailed course named “Master 3D Environments in Blender”. It includes over 170 lessons focusing on environment creation in Blender, a popular free 3D software.

Udemy

Features a variety of 3D art courses. One of the top courses teaches how to make stylized environments in Blender and Unreal Engine 5. It’s suitable for those interested in creating both realistic and stylized game worlds.

Learn Squared

Offers a course on stylized environments, specifically using Unreal Engine which is great for those looking to create dynamic and engaging 3D environments.

3D-Ace Studio

Provides an in-depth guide called “The Complete Guide to 3D Environment Design” which is highly rated and focuses on the core principles from basic geometry to advanced texturing techniques.

YouTube

Various channels on YouTube offer free tutorials and walkthroughs on 3D modeling. Channels like Blender Guru or FlippedNormals are fantastic starting points for beginners.

ArtStation

It isn’t just a platform to showcase portfolios but also learning resources and tutorials. It's a great place to see what other artists are creating and to find detailed 3D art classes and tutorials.

Polycount

An online forum where professional and amateur artists gather to share their work, get feedback, and discuss industry standards and techniques. It's a valuable community for real-world advice and tips.

For those who prefer reading, books like “Digital Modeling” by William Vaughan and “Blender 3D: Noob to Pro” are available online. They provide great insights into the fundamentals of 3D modeling.

Which software is better to use for game environment modeling?

Several software tools stand out due to their features, user base, and versatility. Here’s a list of popular tools:

1
Blender
A free and open-source 3D modeling software that's great for both beginners and professionals. It's well-suited for creating detailed game environments. It also supports animation, rendering, and even video editing.
2
Autodesk Maya
Widely used in the professional game development industry. Maya is known for its powerful modeling and animation capabilities. It's perfect for creating complex and highly detailed environments.
3
3ds Max
Another professional tool from Autodesk. 3ds Max has robust modeling tools and is particularly popular among architects and game developers.
4
Unreal Engine
While primarily a game engine, Unreal comes with strong 3D modeling tools. Also, it's excellent for creating and manipulating game environments.
5
Cinema 4D
Known for its ease of use, Cinema 4D is great for beginners and professionals looking to achieve high-quality results quickly. It's particularly good for artists who focus on motion graphics.
6
ZBrush
For game environments that need detailed sculpting, ZBrush offers advanced tools. These are perfect for creating high-poly models and intricate textures.

For adding spectacular visual effects to game environments, consider using tools like Houdini. Houdini is excellent for creating complex simulations like fire, smoke, and water which can enhance the atmospheric and environmental effects of games. For more insights on adding environmental visual effects to your game, check out this article on environment visual effects.

Environment Modeling for Different Game Types

Environment modeling in video games is a critical element that can define the player’s experience. And it varies significantly across video game genres. Each genre has its own requirements and aesthetic needs. It influences how environments are designed and built. We’ll take a look at Action/Adventure, Strategy, Role-Playing (RPGs), Simulation, Sports, and many more genres. We’ll look at how the game design environment modeling changes depending on the genre.

Game Genre	Environment Characteristics	Key Features	Common Tools and Techniques
Match-3	Simple, colorful, and engaging environments. Focus on clear and visually appealing tiles and backgrounds.	Grid-based layouts with static backgrounds. Includes meta layers for additional engagement, such as decorating elements or story progression	2D art tools like Photoshop and Illustrator. Unity for the game engine, focusing on sprite-based environments
City Builders	Detailed, isometric or 3D environments with dynamic elements like buildings and streets for town city game design	Emphasis on optimization to handle numerous objects and layers of detail. Includes various levels of building upgrades	3D modeling tools like Blender, Maya. Unity or Unreal Engine for implementing and managing complex simulations and interactions
RTS Strategy	Expansive maps with strategic points of interest. The mix of natural and man-made structures	Large, interactive terrains with a focus on resource management and base building. Real-time updates and player interactions are crucial	Advanced terrain generation tools, procedural generation techniques. Game Engines like Unity, Unreal Engine or Lumberyard
Survival	Engaging, often hostile environments that require detailed modeling of natural landscapes and resources	Emphasis on environmental storytelling and resource scarcity. Dynamic weather and day-night cycles are common	High-detail 3D modeling tools, environment art creation tools, and engines like Unreal or CryEngine for realistic rendering and physics
Platformers	Typically side-scrolling environments with a focus on visual clarity and interactive elements like platforms and obstacles	Uses layered backgrounds to create depth platformer-level design. Includes interactive elements like moving platforms, traps, and collectibles	2D and 3D art tools, level design tools within game engines like Unity or Cocos2d-x, often using tile-based systems
Tower Defense	Simplified, strategic environments that focus on clear paths and enemy routes. Emphasis on tactical placement of towers	Often uses a top-down or isometric view to give players a clear view of the enemy paths and tower placements	2D and 3D modeling tools, game engines like GameMaker Studio, focusing on grid-based or pathfinding systems
RPG	Rich, detailed environments that support deep storytelling and exploration. Combines natural and urban settings	Dynamic environments with interactive NPCs, quests, and hidden items. High emphasis on visual detail and world coherence	High-detail 3D modeling tools, advanced texturing, and lighting techniques. Engines like RPG Maker or Unreal for cool environments
Casual	Simple, appealing environments designed for quick engagement and accessibility	Bright colors, minimalistic design. Focuses on ease of use and visual appeal to a broad audience	Basic 2D and 3D art tools, simpler engines like Construct, GameSalad, or Unity for easy development and deployment

How to make a match 3 game levels, game art example

Detailed isometric view of a bustling city with skyscrapers, traditional architecture, amusement parks, and a busy airport

Isometric buildings, greenhouses, and character in farming simulator rts game

Ocean Keeper gameplay screen high quality

Layered 2D platformer game backgrounds, variety of environments from forests to volcanic landscapes, a set of backgrounds for 2D platformers

Game illustration of a medieval castle with mountains in the background, Tower Defense Games in Unity

Game scene from PC Game, snowy landscape and adventurer overlooking a mountainous region, RPG Game UI/UX Design

New Trends in Game Environment Modeling in 2024

In 2024, game environment modeling is seeing several exciting trends that are shaping the future of gaming. Here’s a look at some of the key game environment ideas:

Real-time rendering allows game environments to be rendered instantly. It will provide players with seamless and highly immersive experiences. Real-time rendering enhances visual effects and makes games feel more alive and responsive.
Games are using procedural generation more extensively to create vast, diverse environments automatically. This method uses algorithms to generate terrain and landscapes. This allows for endless unique settings without manual input from developers.
The rise of independent game developers continues to influence environment modeling. Indie developers often experiment with unique artistic styles and innovative approaches. It leads to fresh and creative game environments.
Blockchain technology is being integrated into games, influencing how environments function. Especially in terms of ownership and trade within games. P2E models promote environments that support economies. There players can earn and exchange digital assets.
With the growth of interactive and virtual reality fitness games environments are being designed to encourage physical activity. These settings are often vibrant and dynamic, motivating players to engage more physically.
As the concept of the Metaverse expands, game environments are becoming more interconnected. These spaces are designed to be more than just places to play games; they are becoming social and commercial hubs.
One of the most transformative trends is the use of AI in environment modeling. AI tools are speeding up the modeling process, assisting in the creation of more detailed and realistic environments. This not only speeds up development but also enhances the complexity and beauty of game worlds. For more on how AI is shaping game environment art, check out insights on AI environment art.

These trends are driving the evolution of game environment modeling. It leads to more immersive, expansive, and interactive gaming experiences. Each trend offers new opportunities for developers to create environments that engage players. If you still don’t know where to start, here are our 3D environment modeling working tips.

Wrapping Up

From 3D environment modeling software like Blender and Autodesk Maya to tools for VFX and AI-assisted design – the array of technologies available to developers continues to expand. This diversity allows creators to craft detailed environments suited to a variety of gaming platforms.

Each game genre — from action-adventure to simulation games — demands unique environmental considerations. Understanding these needs is important for developers to enhance gameplay.

The field is evolving with trends like real-time rendering, procedural generation, blockchain, and AI. These advancements are transforming how environments are created and interacted with.

With the rise of the Metaverse and continued growth in indie and fitness gaming, the demand for innovative and engaging game environments is set to increase. As technology advances, so too will the tools and methods used to create these spaces, promising a future rich with virtual landscapes that are more realistic, interactive, and captivating than ever before.

FAQ

Fake

What are the main elements of game environment modeling?

Game environment modeling involves creating the physical shapes and structures of the game world, applying visual textures to surfaces, managing how light interacts with the environment, and integrating atmospheric elements like fog, dust, and ambient sounds to enhance realism and immersion.

What tools does the 3D game environment artist use?

A 3D game environment artist typically works with Blender and Autodesk Maya for modeling, Substance Painter, and Adobe Photoshop for texturing, and uses game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine to put scenes together and add special effects.

How to make an environment model for a game?

To make an environment model for a game, start by sketching out your design or idea. Then use 3D modeling software to create the basic shapes. Next, refine these shapes by adding textures and details to enhance their look. After that, apply lighting and textures to make the environment visually attractive. Finally, optimize and integrate your model into the game to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently.

What To Know About Modeling Game Environments?

Textures and colors

Lighting

Scale and perspective

Game Environment Types

3D Modeling Environment

Tools and Techniques

Our 3D Environment software

2D Modeling Environment

Low Poly Game Environment

Advantages:

Tools and techniques:

Pirate Ship 3D Model by Our Team

High Poly Game Environment

Advantages:

Tools and Techniques:

Features of Game Environment Modelling for Different Platforms

How to Make Game Environment Models

Conceptualizing Your Environment

Gathering References

Blocking Out the Scene

Adding Details

Applying Textures

Setting Up Lighting

Optimizing for Performance

Review and Testing

Integration into the Game Engine

Common Mistakes When Modeling the Game Environment

Maintain Accurate Scaling

Optimize Models and Textures

Design Effective Lighting

Avoid Texture Repetition

Stick to a Consistent Style

Blend 2D and 3D Seamlessly

Where to Learn 3D Modeling for Environments?

CG Spectrum

CG Boost

Udemy

Learn Squared

3D-Ace Studio

YouTube

ArtStation

Polycount

Which software is better to use for game environment modeling?

Blender

Autodesk Maya

3ds Max

Unreal Engine

Cinema 4D

ZBrush

Environment Modeling for Different Game Types

New Trends in Game Environment Modeling in 2024

Wrapping Up

FAQ