The use of complex data maps (normal maps, ambient occlusion maps, etc.) has quickly become a powerful production technique for squeezing performance out of the current generation of games. This session will focus on "best practices" for the creation of complex data maps using the robust Autodesk 3ds Max 8 toolset. Presenters will demonstrate in-depth examples of reducing extremely high-poly geometry and textures to low poly models with clean and efficient normal maps. They will demonstrate the best way to generate usable ambient occlusion and other complex maps. Many real-world tips, techniques and shortcuts will be shown. Focus will be placed on important take-away messages that all attendees will be able to incorporate into their own pipeline immediately.