Modelling for games

[Anonymous]

Okay guys, I'm not exactly new to modelling in Maya as in I can create 3d models and make renders that are pretty much an acurate representation of an object, but recently I want to get in modelling for games, specifically in low poly modelling, so my questions are these:

1.What's the polygon treshold for low poly objects?

Right now I'm working on an axe as a weapon, so how much would that need polygons, at the moment I've got 150 faces with 300 edges and it's pretty much finished, I could use some more polys so it would be more realistic but should I?

2.What's the difference in using parts as in two models and using a single model for the whole object?

As in what are the benefits of those two? I can make my axe in a single model and differentiate the two parts (the handle and the head) with textures, so why would I go to two models?

3.What's the point of smooth shading? Is it necessary????

Cheers!

[dave.rose]

There are pages to write here but the quick answers would be:

1. totally depends on your target hardware, how important the object is, will it ever get seen close up or is it hanging from an enemies belt and will never be the focus of attention. The polycounts would be very different for all of these options but in general you want to use the bare minimum you can in each case.
2. Everything has a performance cost and an axe made of single model with a single material is more efficient than a model made of multiple parts and transforms and multiple shaders.
3. Not sure what you mean by smooth shading in this example, want to add some more information?

hope that helps a little