Playmaker Load external files from StreamingAssets folder can't load file

I hit enough issues trying to load external files from the streaming assets folder I thought I would make a little tip about this.

Firstly, I discover that using the "Load From File" action pointing to the file path you are trying to use creates an interesting issue problem.
 

For example here is the path to a text file

"StreamingAssets/Folder1/Text.txt" 

IMPORTANT:

This path WORKS in the unity editor, but NOT in a standalone build. HERE IS THE KICKER though IT WILL work if you do a BUILD AND RUN. Which APPEARS to be your standalone build but it's NOT when it comes to that file path. This is highly confusing and took quite a bit to realize. 

Here is the solution:

Instead of creating your file path use the action in the eco system. "Get streaming assets data path" as of this writing you need to modify this action though. ( I might try to ping them and see if they will update it) It currently points to the persistent data path. You need to just tweak the one line in the action script to change it to get to the streaming assets folder instead.

Change this line 30

            streamingAssetsDataPath.Value = Application.persistentDataPath;

Change to:

            streamingAssetsDataPath.Value = Application.streamingAssetsPath;

Save and recompile, now do a build but NOT a build and run. Just Run your EXE to test. It should load the file now.

Now for the file to load when using the EDITOR you can use "Runtime Platform event" that will detect if it's a standalone or editorun and if it's the editor you need to just us a path prefix that is this. Then append your folder and file name to that.
 

Assets/StreamingAssets/

Now you should be able to load files from the streaming resources folder AND the streaming resources folder in the editor at the same time!

vray maya bake issues

Vray maya bake issues:

1. Sometimes if you are attempting to press bake in vray maya, it will do NOTHING, no messages in the script editor etc. zip nada. Closing your render window will fix this.

2. When creating the bake set for vray maya it may give a value is out of range when you select your bake options set. Closing the open hypershade fixed this.

3. When attempting to bake a large thin box in vray maya, it may bake black, this appears to be a bug. baking instead onto a plane should work. This is especially insidious because it may actually RENDER your bake from some angles, but appear black from others!

These issues have been observed in maya 2017 update 5 and vray next 4.3

Non-coders guide to making a VR game with Normcore, VRIF and Unity Part -1

So first off, if you are an amateur game designer you probably have no business trying to use normcore to make your game. However, if you are a glutton for punishment and you want the coolest possible tool for creating a game in unity with networking and multiplayer features it does some things VERY well.

The catch is it's designed as a coding framework for programmers to use so it's not SUPER easy to figure out if you don't have much programming knowledge. BUT noob game designers never let a stupid thing like coding stop them from trying to make games anyway so let's get started.

Things you will need

In order to actually make progress with little to no coding you are going to need to get a couple tools. They aren't too expensive particularly if you manage to grab them on a frequent sale. They are often half price.

UPDATE THESE ARE HALF OFF THIS WEEK FOR BLACK FRIDAY!

1. PlayerMaker ($60 for $30!)

2. VRIF (VR Interaction Framework) ($60 for $30!)

3. Normcore (free for development)

Getting started

Installing the items is pretty straight forward, it is WAY simpler than it was to set up VR related things in unity even a year ago.

Please comment if you are interested in this subject!

Part 2 we will discuss how to set up the XR Rig character from VRIF with normcore!

Changing Direction of Mayazest Blog

Hey everyone who might find yourself in this neck of the woods. This post is to just mention a bit of a change in direction for this blog. We will still be posting Maya tips most likely but  because the times they be a changing, there are going to start being a lot more Unity and even Blender info on this blog as well. I know BLENDER? Over the last 3 years blender has become ALOT more like Maya, so this isn't as absurd as it used to be.

So before you break out the tar and feathers let's talk for a moment about why! 

So for starters maya costs $200 a month to use now which didn't used to be the case before they switched to a subscription model. So we will also be posting tips about how to use Blender if you are from a maya users standpoint. We are also beginning to slant more into game development instead of Visual effects here at maya zest so that's another reason things will be changing a bit.

Hope you enjoy your day and keep on zesting!