When HL2 comes out, will I be able to use the current programs I model with 3dsMax, Milkshape, and a little maya usage? I have read something somewhere that the developers are using a new program so will I have to learn a new program or what?

Anderson

I heard that some copies will be shipping with i think is SoftImage XSI or something. I think thats what valve uses.

I think there will be soon plugins for such programs like MS3d or 3ds maxx. So that you can import / export the HL² model files.

So this wont be a problem

they never mentioned MS3D on their plugin list, and they said they don't plan more. so MS3D users will have to wait for some nice community guy.

It ships with a stripped copy of XSI

Polygons are polygons, and it doesn't really matter how you make them, all that matters is getting it into the proper format. So any program that can convert files to XSI would work.