The Human Pond is a recently started blog, we are three guys who write about games, movies, music, art and what ever we feel like writing about. This group is our link into the ModDB community.

RSS Tutorials
HD Video Tutorial - Smoothing Groups

HD Video Tutorial - Smoothing Groups

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 4 comments

Learn how to use smoothing groups to eliminate hard shading where you don't want it.

HD Video Tutorial - Importing Models

HD Video Tutorial - Importing Models

Overgrowth Props Modelling 14 comments

Learn how to export a model from Blender to Overgrowth.

HD Video Tutorial - Exporting Textures

HD Video Tutorial - Exporting Textures

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 15 comments

Learn how to export a texture to the Source engine, the basic way.

HD Video Tutorial - NPC Animations 2

HD Video Tutorial - NPC Animations 2

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 6 comments

Learn almost all there is to learn about the scripted_sequence entity.

HD Video Tutorial - Face Poser 3: Lip Sync

HD Video Tutorial - Face Poser 3: Lip Sync

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 5 comments

Learn how to make an NPC talk in the Source engine.

HD Video Tutorial - Face Poser 2: Setup

HD Video Tutorial - Face Poser 2: Setup

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 6 comments

Learn how to setup Face Poser on Windows XP, Vista and 7 so that automatic lip sync works.

HD Video Tutorial - Face Poser 1: Recording Sound

HD Video Tutorial - Face Poser 1: Recording Sound

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 4 comments

Learn how to record sound that can be used to lip sync in Face Poser.

HD Video Tutorial - Lighting 2: Lightmaps

HD Video Tutorial - Lighting 2: Lightmaps

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 12 comments

Learn how to make your map look better and/or compile faster by changing the lightmap scale.

HD Video Tutorial - Optimization 3: Areaportals

HD Video Tutorial - Optimization 3: Areaportals

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 10 comments

Learn how to optimize your levels using areaportals.

HD Video Tutorial - Decompiling Maps

HD Video Tutorial - Decompiling Maps

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 17 comments

Learn how to use GCFScape and VMEX to extract and decompile an official Valve map to bring it into Hammer.

HD Video Tutorial - Driving APC

HD Video Tutorial - Driving APC

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 5 comments

Learn how to create an APC that drives along a path in the Source engine.

HD Video Tutorial - Optimization 2: Hint & Skip

HD Video Tutorial - Optimization 2: Hint & Skip

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 10 comments

Learn how to optimize your maps using the 'hint' and 'skip' textures to alter the leafs.

HD Video Tutorial - Monitors & Cameras

HD Video Tutorial - Monitors & Cameras

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 32 comments

Learn how to create a monitor that can show what a camera sees.

HD Video Tutorial - Optimization 1: func_detail

HD Video Tutorial - Optimization 1: func_detail

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 7 comments

Learn the basics of optimization, learn about leafs and portals and how to keep their numbers down using func_detail to increase compilation speed.

HD Video Tutorial - Explosions

HD Video Tutorial - Explosions

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 16 comments

Learn how to destroy a breakable wall with the help of a triggered explosion.

HD Video Tutorial - Custom Animations

HD Video Tutorial - Custom Animations

Overgrowth Animation 24 comments

Learn how to quickly make and use your own animations in Overgrowth.

HD Video Tutorial - 3D Skybox

HD Video Tutorial - 3D Skybox

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 9 comments

Learn how to create a 3D skybox, you will also learn the basics of visGroups. A 3D skybox is used to create the illusion that the level is larger than...

HD Video Tutorial - Moving Brushes

HD Video Tutorial - Moving Brushes

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 19 comments

Learn how to make a moving brush using the func_tracktrain and path_track entities together. This can be used to create trains, elevators, advanced doors...

HD Video Tutorial - NPC Relationships

HD Video Tutorial - NPC Relationships

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 24 comments

Learn how to alter the minds of those puny NPCs to change what they think about other people or things.

HD Video Tutorial - NPC Navigation

HD Video Tutorial - NPC Navigation

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 14 comments

Learn how to use the info_node entity to enable NPCs on your maps to navigate properly.

HD Video Tutorial - NPC Animations 1

HD Video Tutorial - NPC Animations 1

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 38 comments

Learn how to use a scripted_sequence to make a combine kick in a door.

HD Video Tutorial - Displacement Basics

HD Video Tutorial - Displacement Basics

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 24 comments

Learn how to create displacements and use the displacement editing tools in Hammer.

Lighting 2: Basics

Lighting 2: Basics

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 13 comments

Learn how to use the light, light_spot, light_environment entities and the skybox texture to give your maps some light.

HD Video Tutorial - Real and Fake Doors

HD Video Tutorial - Real and Fake Doors

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 10 comments

Learn how to - in a reliable and fast way - make openable doors and doors that are just for show.

HD Video Tutorial - Rappelling Combine

HD Video Tutorial - Rappelling Combine

Mapping/Technical Tutorial 13 comments

This tutorial will teach you how to use the input/output system to make a combine break a ceiling window and rapell down for a flashy entrance.