North Hollywood Shootout

This project is a work in progress. The environment is a recreation of the North Hollywood Shootout.

North Hollywood Shootout environment render

Tools Used

References

North Hollywood Shootout

Technical Overview

For this project, I've developed several custom tools and pipelines to modernize the Source Engine with PBR materials, advanced skybox handling, and robust build processes.

Map Development Progress

  • Completed initial blockout of the North Hollywood environment
  • Implemented playable space and 3D skybox to real-world scale
  • Accurately mapped streets and buildings using satellite data

Custom Technical Art Tools

PBR Material Pipeline

Created a comprehensive GUI-based material processing system that:

  • Automates PBR material conversion for Source Engine
  • Handles MRAO map generation (Metallic, Roughness, Ambient Occlusion)
  • Processes material libraries and photogrammetry assets
  • Implements material validation and error checking
  • Uses class-based architecture with pbr_pipeline, material_Info, and validate_materials

Model Pipeline Tool

  • Converts FBX files to MDL format
  • Integrates with PBR material system
  • Automated texture processing and validation

Build System Improvements

  • Custom map builder replacing Hammer++ expert build
  • RethinkDB integration for build logging and error tracking
  • Configurable build profiles with USD-based config files
  • Automated validation and optimization steps

Sky and Lighting Pipeline

  • Equirectangular to cubemap conversion tool
  • HDR skybox generation with exposure controls
  • Automated light environment data extraction
  • Integration with PBR workflow

Gallery

North Hollywood Shootout environment render
North Hollywood Shootout environment render
North Hollywood Shootout environment render
North Hollywood Shootout environment render
North Hollywood Shootout environment render
North Hollywood Shootout environment render
North Hollywood Shootout environment render
North Hollywood Shootout environment render
North Hollywood Shootout environment render

Project Goals

This project serves as a technical demonstration of modern game development practices applied to Source Engine:

  • Implementation of physically-based rendering
  • Real-world environment recreation using photogrammetry
  • Advanced material authoring and processing
  • Modern build pipeline development

Note: This project is for educational and portfolio purposes only and is not intended for distribution.