Writing a video game....

[Mavrick JR]

Ok, this isn't for me, it's for another member of the CF. She wants to make a video game that would help kids grow to know God and Jesus better, perhaps find Salvation, but she needs help finding a software that will do it easy engough. Anybody have any ideas?

JR

 

[Inspired]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...571690042/all/ref=dp_pb_a/103-2767985-3807825

Don't let the title fool ya, don't know why they named it that, lol

Anyway it's a great book, but it does assume some knowledge of c+.

I don't know of any that will program it for you, meaning that you don't have to know the programming language yourself, but hey new stuff comes out everyday, so you never know.

 

[Pete Harcoff]

Making a video game, even a relatively simple one, isn't usually easy. Most games are programmed in C++ for Windows. Java or even Visual Basic are other options. Flash is also good for making web-based games. Of course, to tackle such a thing, one needs to know something about computer programming.

An alternative is there are some premade game engines that allow you to make a video game based on the engine (usually side-scrollers, RPGs, etc). I'm not sure what is current in this area, because I haven't kept up on this sort of thing for some time. But, might be easier than trying to create a game from scratch (it will still probably involve a fair amount of effort, though).

 

[Deacon]

Exactly what Pete Harcoff said...you won't be just be able to build a game. You have to have programming knowledge, and also the ability to build 3D images.

 

[Pete Harcoff]

Exactly what Pete Harcoff said...you won't be just be able to build a game. You have to have programming knowledge, and also the ability to build 3D images.

3D isn't really required for making a video game. Heck, even graphics aren't required for video games (just look at the old text-based games of yore). But programming knowledge is definitely an asset, if not a requirement.

 

[Deacon]

Graphics and 3D Imaging is a must to be a big seller though Pete....I wouldn't buy a single game unless it had some sort of graphics.

 

[jono1]

well hmm text-based games are so old they are free downloads these days...

 

[Morrog]

In the world of game programming, easy only goes so far. There is software out there that can be used to make games with relative ease. These software packages, however, will not make a "big hit" game, nor get close. If you want a game quick, you're going to get a quick looking game.

Anyway, as for suggestions: DarkBasic maybe?

 

[Alenci]

well hmm text-based games are so old they are free downloads these days...

My friend has a gazillion on a CD. She was playing one while I was at her house. LOL. I couldn't figure out the appeal. Maybe it's just nostalgia. Heck, though, those are before even *our* time...

Anyway, I'm virtually positive you need some knowledge of programming, the more the better.

 

[Morrog]

I couldn't figure out the appeal

Well, also remember that a surprising number of people use consoles extensively. In Linux, there is a robust GUI system now-a-days, but you still have to use the console a lot. Some people just use the console all the time instead of any GUI.

Pending that, text games would be very appealing to those people.

Back on subject: Yes, programming is "kinda" required. DarkBasic as a very simple language, however, and you can crank out 3D real easy in it. That's why it is called "Basic".

 

[jones_of_pbf]

Torque is the game engine that runs Tribes, Half Life, and many other games.
It costs only $100, but is far less expensive than any other engine from what I hear.
I'm going to download the demo and check it out.
If you want to find it on the web just google Torque Game Engine SDK.
If you want to see some of the games using this engine, google Garage Games.

(Torque doesn't use C++, but it resembles that language.)

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

If you want to program a game, then yes, you need to have programming skills.

 

[Pete Harcoff]

Torque is the game engine that runs Tribes, Half Life, and many other games.

Er... Half-Life was based on the Quake/Quake 2 game engines.

It costs only $100, but is far less expensive than any other engine from what I hear.

Just to clarify, it's $100 per programmer for a non-commercial license. And a commercial license (i.e. if you plan to sell the game) costs $10000.

 

[jones_of_pbf]

Er... Half-Life was based on the Quake/Quake 2 game engines.
Just to clarify, it's $100 per programmer for a non-commercial license. And a commercial license (i.e. if you plan to sell the game) costs $10000.

Oops.
Sorry. I guess I paid too much attention to the advertising side.

And I missunderstood the HL part when I was told about it.

 

[Mavrick JR]

Wow.... guess that's what I get for not checking for replies!

Ok, I got most of that. So, what I need to find out for the other member is which program is the best, and eaisest to use for making a video game? Keep in mind this is gonna be a PC game, not something for PS2 or Cube. Any ideas? Oh, and the lower the price the better.

JR

 

[Pete Harcoff]

Wow.... guess that's what I get for not checking for replies!

Ok, I got most of that. So, what I need to find out for the other member is which program is the best, and eaisest to use for making a video game? Keep in mind this is gonna be a PC game, not something for PS2 or Cube. Any ideas? Oh, and the lower the price the better.

Before people can really answer, you should narrow your scope. What type of video game is this person thinking of making? Action? RPG? Strategy? 2D? 3D?

What is their relative skill level? Do they have programming experience? Graphics experience? Etc...

If you can define a little better what you are looking for, then you'll get better responses.

edited to add: Maybe you can help out by also stating what your expectation is. What do you define as "easy"? Are you looking for something you can drag 'n drop things into place, with no programming required?

 

[Mavrick JR]

I'll have to ask her aout it. Maybe I should have her come here. She could give all that information.


JR

 

[onajourney87]

There's really only 2 kinda easy ways to make a game. One was already mentioned, Darkbasic. The other is to use some kinda "picture stack" program, the same thing that was used to make Myst and Riven. Only problem is, picture stack programs are basically non-existent these days.

To create a good game, you are going to have to learn some programming skills. Or, get someone who has programming skills and you be the designer of the game and have them be the programmer. That would be easiest, assuming you can find a good programmer(and one who won't charge you much...).

osm

 

[mo.]

It's almost impossible to write a game today without lots of resources. Many of the modern games are developed by teams of professionals using latest graphics engines and with large finance backing.

 

[yakkmeister]

Well; I guess it can't hurt to throw my .00001 cents in here.

I am a professional programmer working with Delphi.
As most of you should know; Delphi is a sintactically simple language.

Take it from me:
Ditch the 'make games fast' approach and learn to actually program.
I have just begun DirectX programming under delphi (via delphiX) and it's serious work; even using delphi.

However; the more you put in, the more you will get out.

If you are serious (or your friend is) then there is no way around learning a programming language.

I serously suggest she(?) look at this site:
http://www.gamedev.net/
with this in particular
http://www.gamedev.net/reference/design/features/makegames/
I am currently on the path (havn't gotten to tetris yet ...)

C++ is *the* language to use; there are so many free compilers out there that you never have to pay a cent to deveop in it.

This is a free online book to learn C++.
I am using it; it's really great.
http://newdata.box.sk/bx/c/

Here is a free C++ compiler too:
http://www.cs.virginia.edu/~lcc-win32/

Once confortable with C++ goto:
http://nehe.gamedev.net/
For the best OpenGL tutorials.

A note: one does not have to use 3D graphics to make a 'bestseller', in fact the only thing that sells games is the mass marketing of powerful companies.

Games that are enjoyed and loved have 2 things in common:
They are bugfree (written well)
And balanced.

See gameDev.net for articles on level design.