What would you ask for?
by Edward F. Maurina III · 02/10/2009 (4:16 pm) · 30 comments
What would you ask for?
I've often considered posting variants of the (title) question here, but often times I've been too busy to act on whatever answers might come along. I also worried that having the feedback be so open would somehow invite unwanted competition.
Ha! You would think, after having been around here for so long, that I would have learned. Both of these concerns were really silly. If I don't ask, you can't answer me. If you do tell me and someone else takes note, great. Your odds of getting something you want have just increased (maybe not doubled, but increased.)
So, let me ask this burning question of mine today, "If you could ask me to work on anything, write about anything, or make anything for:
- TGB, TGE, or TGEA (NOW), or
- or T3D (When Released),
what would it be?"
Note: I'm currently focused on TGB/TGE/TGEA because these are the engines I have licenses for and am familiar with. However, I'm open to T3D suggestions because that is where the 3D engines are going. I'm looking forward to them, both as a user and as a writer/content producer, so please share your ideas for T3D too.
I'm really looking forward to your answers. I hope that what you ask aligns with those things I'm currently doing. If not...maybe a course change will be in order.
For those who get stuck on this question, let me seed your thought process:
* Write a TGB User's Guide.
* Write a TGB Quick Reference.
* Show me how to make a role-playing game using (your favorite engine here).
* Show me how to make a strategy game using (your favorite engine here).
* Show me how to make a shooter game using (your favorite engine here).
* Help me make changes to the engine and incorporate some of the cool resources I've seen here.
Current WIP Updates:
For those tracking these things, let me give you a quick update with regards to my current work-in-progress(WIP)
1. GPGT Disk TGE 1.5.2 Update - I'm currently on the hook (as previously promised) to get the GPGT disk up-to-date and working w/ TGE 1.5.2 on Windows and OS X. I'm not 100% finished, but I'm getting there. You can find a more complete blog on my progress here.
2. GPGT Disk TGEA 1.8.1 Update - Same deal, but not started yet. The earliest this one is due is on the 16th (next Monday). I still need to verify I can make this happen in a reasonable fashion, but I think the answer will be yes.
3. Roaming Gamer Site Opening - The site will open on the same day I release item #1 above.
4. Super Secret TGB Starter Kit - I forget sometimes what I've said about this, but this is actually my highest priority project (besides my day job). I'm really excited about this project because I think it will help a lot of folks get started on their own TGB games. I'm also excited because, I'm in the third major iteration of this project and I finally answered/solved all the nagging issues that stopped me from creating this kit the first two times.
Updated 12 FEB 2009 =>
I am treating this blog as a live document. As time progresses, I will summarize results in the body of the blog. (Read individuals' responses for more details.)
Cool Ideas So Far:
* AI Kit w/ RPG and FPS Examples as well as documentation
* RPG in Torque including C++ changes/Scripts and documentaion
* Mastering shaders in Torque 3D
* Torque Architecture / Torque Bible
* RPG in T3D
* DVD / Downloadable Video Tuts
* Implementing Shaders in TGEA / T3D
* Any Books on TGB
* Web Utility For Tracking (and optionally managing) Dedicated Servers
* GPGT-like Book for T3D
* Full Game Demo (better than Stronghold)
* A Torque Script Repository
* GPGT like book++ for TGEA (later for T3D)
* Books That Go Through The Process of Making Games
* Melee attack system HOWTO (Tutorial, Book, Help in addition to resource(s))
* Downloadable Books (for $), Covering lots of topics (Upgrades offered later for fee)
* A Book on TGB
* How To Make an RTS Book
Interestingly, there is already a theme developing. As you can see, some ideas repeat. This is good! It helps me (and anyone else reading) see what folks are really interested in. Just for kicks, I am tracking duplicate/similar idea counts below.
Duplicate/Similar Idea Counts
* HOW to make X game guide/tutorial - 5
* RPG Guide - 3
* Books and/or Tutorials for TGB - 3
* Shader Guide - 2
* GPGT Book for TGEA or T3D - 2
Thanks for reading! Now, keep those cool ideas coming!
I've often considered posting variants of the (title) question here, but often times I've been too busy to act on whatever answers might come along. I also worried that having the feedback be so open would somehow invite unwanted competition.Ha! You would think, after having been around here for so long, that I would have learned. Both of these concerns were really silly. If I don't ask, you can't answer me. If you do tell me and someone else takes note, great. Your odds of getting something you want have just increased (maybe not doubled, but increased.)
So, let me ask this burning question of mine today, "If you could ask me to work on anything, write about anything, or make anything for:
- TGB, TGE, or TGEA (NOW), or
- or T3D (When Released),
what would it be?"
Note: I'm currently focused on TGB/TGE/TGEA because these are the engines I have licenses for and am familiar with. However, I'm open to T3D suggestions because that is where the 3D engines are going. I'm looking forward to them, both as a user and as a writer/content producer, so please share your ideas for T3D too.
I'm really looking forward to your answers. I hope that what you ask aligns with those things I'm currently doing. If not...maybe a course change will be in order.
For those who get stuck on this question, let me seed your thought process:
* Write a TGB User's Guide.* Write a TGB Quick Reference.
* Show me how to make a role-playing game using (your favorite engine here).
* Show me how to make a strategy game using (your favorite engine here).
* Show me how to make a shooter game using (your favorite engine here).
* Help me make changes to the engine and incorporate some of the cool resources I've seen here.
Current WIP Updates:
For those tracking these things, let me give you a quick update with regards to my current work-in-progress(WIP)
1. GPGT Disk TGE 1.5.2 Update - I'm currently on the hook (as previously promised) to get the GPGT disk up-to-date and working w/ TGE 1.5.2 on Windows and OS X. I'm not 100% finished, but I'm getting there. You can find a more complete blog on my progress here.
2. GPGT Disk TGEA 1.8.1 Update - Same deal, but not started yet. The earliest this one is due is on the 16th (next Monday). I still need to verify I can make this happen in a reasonable fashion, but I think the answer will be yes.
3. Roaming Gamer Site Opening - The site will open on the same day I release item #1 above.
4. Super Secret TGB Starter Kit - I forget sometimes what I've said about this, but this is actually my highest priority project (besides my day job). I'm really excited about this project because I think it will help a lot of folks get started on their own TGB games. I'm also excited because, I'm in the third major iteration of this project and I finally answered/solved all the nagging issues that stopped me from creating this kit the first two times.
Updated 12 FEB 2009 =>
I am treating this blog as a live document. As time progresses, I will summarize results in the body of the blog. (Read individuals' responses for more details.)
Cool Ideas So Far:
* AI Kit w/ RPG and FPS Examples as well as documentation
* RPG in Torque including C++ changes/Scripts and documentaion
* Mastering shaders in Torque 3D
* Torque Architecture / Torque Bible
* RPG in T3D
* DVD / Downloadable Video Tuts
* Implementing Shaders in TGEA / T3D
* Any Books on TGB
* Web Utility For Tracking (and optionally managing) Dedicated Servers
* GPGT-like Book for T3D
* Full Game Demo (better than Stronghold)
* A Torque Script Repository
* GPGT like book++ for TGEA (later for T3D)
* Books That Go Through The Process of Making Games
* Melee attack system HOWTO (Tutorial, Book, Help in addition to resource(s))
* Downloadable Books (for $), Covering lots of topics (Upgrades offered later for fee)
* A Book on TGB
* How To Make an RTS Book
Interestingly, there is already a theme developing. As you can see, some ideas repeat. This is good! It helps me (and anyone else reading) see what folks are really interested in. Just for kicks, I am tracking duplicate/similar idea counts below.
Duplicate/Similar Idea Counts
* HOW to make X game guide/tutorial - 5
* RPG Guide - 3
* Books and/or Tutorials for TGB - 3
* Shader Guide - 2
* GPGT Book for TGEA or T3D - 2
Thanks for reading! Now, keep those cool ideas coming!
About the author
#2
But seriously, what I want to say is that with all the changes we're looking forward to, I'd find it really nice to have a TGPGT quality book with me on the road to fame and indie riches with Torque 3D. Except, more engine source and shaders 101. :)
I think planning for either Torque 2D or Torque 3D would be better as things are right now. But unless you write a romantic novel, it's going to end up on my shelf. :)
02/10/2009 (4:39 pm)
"Mastering shaders in Torque 3D" sounds like a great title to me! But seriously, what I want to say is that with all the changes we're looking forward to, I'd find it really nice to have a TGPGT quality book with me on the road to fame and indie riches with Torque 3D. Except, more engine source and shaders 101. :)
I think planning for either Torque 2D or Torque 3D would be better as things are right now. But unless you write a romantic novel, it's going to end up on my shelf. :)
#3
Complete TGE / TGEA Engine Architecture - The Freaking Whole Programmer's Bible Plus 2.0;
Tell me about all the subsystems, how they fit together, patterns they follow... bottom line: teach me how to design another Torque. This one would be a PDF available to TGE / TGEA licensees only. Intermediate C++ knowledge required.
Kind of a digress from your suggestions, isn't it? :D
02/10/2009 (4:47 pm)
Well, you asked... here I go:Complete TGE / TGEA Engine Architecture - The Freaking Whole Programmer's Bible Plus 2.0;
Tell me about all the subsystems, how they fit together, patterns they follow... bottom line: teach me how to design another Torque. This one would be a PDF available to TGE / TGEA licensees only. Intermediate C++ knowledge required.
Kind of a digress from your suggestions, isn't it? :D
#4
If he writes about animating a romantic novel using Torque (any of them) it's going to end up on my shelf.
02/10/2009 (4:50 pm)
@KonradIf he writes about animating a romantic novel using Torque (any of them) it's going to end up on my shelf.
#5
02/10/2009 (5:06 pm)
Making an RPG in Torque 3D - That would be my vote. 
#6
i don't have any particular asks,
but it does seem worthwhile to point out that GG seems to be positioning T3D as their forward-going 3D engine, so more material on TGE or TGEA seems like it might be out of date fairly soon. TGB on the other hand, AFAIK isn't due for a major architecture change until after T3D has been loosed, so there might be a bit more staying power in material about that guy than the two current 3D engines. (i'm not sure how T XNA fits into the family).
of course, coming out with some material about T3D coincident with T3D hitting the shelves would be pretty sweet.
02/10/2009 (5:27 pm)
hey Ed,i don't have any particular asks,
but it does seem worthwhile to point out that GG seems to be positioning T3D as their forward-going 3D engine, so more material on TGE or TGEA seems like it might be out of date fairly soon. TGB on the other hand, AFAIK isn't due for a major architecture change until after T3D has been loosed, so there might be a bit more staying power in material about that guy than the two current 3D engines. (i'm not sure how T XNA fits into the family).
of course, coming out with some material about T3D coincident with T3D hitting the shelves would be pretty sweet.
#7
Just a Idea I purchase your first book and I learned alot.
02/10/2009 (5:30 pm)
I love books but most of the time I don't have the free time to read them, Have you ever thought about making a DVD/video download with how to for lighting/weather, AI, shaders etc for TGEA or T3D that something that should sell if you sell if for around $25 for the DL and $50 DVD.Just a Idea I purchase your first book and I learned alot.
#8
02/10/2009 (5:59 pm)
How to implement custom shaders in TGEA. Create them in nVidia FX Composer them move them to work exactly the same in TGEA.
#9
02/10/2009 (6:15 pm)
Anything about TGB would be great considering there are no TGB books. Heck even Game Maker has its own book. Someone needs to write one for TGB.
#10
=0
02/10/2009 (6:32 pm)
A web interface that lists all stats in real time of a dedicated server. Clients connected, objects in world, etc...=0
#11
02/10/2009 (8:16 pm)
How about a game programers guide to TGEA or T3D? I'd buy it.
#12
All the commercial starter kits at a very high level of quality and documentaiton and ease of integration into TGEA or T3D (when applicable).
02/10/2009 (8:36 pm)
A much more impressive demo than Stronghold (visually, features, re-usability by developers).All the commercial starter kits at a very high level of quality and documentaiton and ease of integration into TGEA or T3D (when applicable).
#13
=) sorry for double posting
02/10/2009 (10:07 pm)
A script repository where members of the community can put their scripts up for others to share.=) sorry for double posting
#14
i don't like reading books but i would like to read a book on a engine i going to own which is tgea and then will go and buy t3d when i am ready for that as i going to studly on tgea for the time being till i am ready to get t3d which might be right on release if not then i want to finish study work on tgea first. if you don't have a book out by then its fine i still might buy it even if its for tgea.
02/11/2009 (1:30 am)
well i like t3d but i still would like to see at lest 1 book for tgea as t3d will be like tgea just more high tec so if you make a book for tgea some of the stuff can still go towards t3d. there's no book for tgea i have not gotten tge book and i have read allot on those books for tge but it don't look like it would be any use for tgea. i really would like to own a book at can help learn more weather its coding of the simple stuff like making a AI character that can move and fire something fairly simple would be fine then have another more complex stuff.i don't like reading books but i would like to read a book on a engine i going to own which is tgea and then will go and buy t3d when i am ready for that as i going to studly on tgea for the time being till i am ready to get t3d which might be right on release if not then i want to finish study work on tgea first. if you don't have a book out by then its fine i still might buy it even if its for tgea.
#15
Books that go through the process of making a game (but starting from FPS.starter of Racing.starter) rather than a new kit (like in GPGT) is always great, because you can then use bits from it to easily work into an existing game a person has made :)
Also, as I said, a book which goes from start to finsh of a game is great! like in 'Torque for Teens' (when i say to finish, i actually mean to a point that you could then mould into your own game)
-> I personaly would love a book about making an RPG. This is for 2 reasons:
1. There are already a thousand books on making fps's aswell as a starter kit for it
2. One thing I haven't seen done with Torque (TGE 1.5.2) is an RPG...except for the RPG Starter Kit (free resource, just search on GG.com)
With an RPG book, i would make it for TGE and TGEA, so like, 'for TGEA users add 'enter code here' at the end' because there are still a lot of users of TGE, but TGEA is also a big thing now!
As a suggestion, you could do chapters on the following:
- Melee attack system
- Inventory GUI (dialoge book that shows what you have collected)
- Other GUI stuff
- Equip armor mode/screen
- etc.
From Max
hope you like my ideas :)
02/11/2009 (2:43 am)
Hi Ed,Books that go through the process of making a game (but starting from FPS.starter of Racing.starter) rather than a new kit (like in GPGT) is always great, because you can then use bits from it to easily work into an existing game a person has made :)
Also, as I said, a book which goes from start to finsh of a game is great! like in 'Torque for Teens' (when i say to finish, i actually mean to a point that you could then mould into your own game)
-> I personaly would love a book about making an RPG. This is for 2 reasons:
1. There are already a thousand books on making fps's aswell as a starter kit for it
2. One thing I haven't seen done with Torque (TGE 1.5.2) is an RPG...except for the RPG Starter Kit (free resource, just search on GG.com)
With an RPG book, i would make it for TGE and TGEA, so like, 'for TGEA users add 'enter code here' at the end' because there are still a lot of users of TGE, but TGEA is also a big thing now!
As a suggestion, you could do chapters on the following:
- Melee attack system
- Inventory GUI (dialoge book that shows what you have collected)
- Other GUI stuff
- Equip armor mode/screen
- etc.
From Max
hope you like my ideas :)
#16
02/11/2009 (8:52 am)
Quote:- Melee attack systemyeah I gotta have that one for my game and I'm oh so dreading it!
#17
The main problem with the books that can be purchased is that they soon become outdated because of the strange fetish of the GG developers to change the names of various script functions; for example, recently, the sound profiles. This "fetish" has rendered the Torque based books obsolete for new users.
02/11/2009 (2:59 pm)
I think that you could create a downloadable book (not a free book). If you hit on a lot of subjects, but offered the ability to get updated content for a small subscription fee after the first year of registering the purchased content. Many have already provided some really good focal-points in the comments here of what could be included. The main problem with the books that can be purchased is that they soon become outdated because of the strange fetish of the GG developers to change the names of various script functions; for example, recently, the sound profiles. This "fetish" has rendered the Torque based books obsolete for new users.
#18
02/11/2009 (5:26 pm)
nd if there is a way to create lightning again -- I would like to impress my brother to join my team , and I believe eye-candy is key at this point. 
#20
You could go into detail about a proper GUI with buttons to get villagers to build houses an dtalk about scripting this sort of thing :)
From Max
Ps. please correct me if i am wrong about the RTS kit (coz i was thinking of buying it)
02/12/2009 (1:56 am)
I know I have also suggested an RPG book of some sorts (with a lengthy description) but another area would be an RTS, know I know you can purchase the RTS starter kit, but as far as i know, I think it only applies the God-view camera system and a mini map system.You could go into detail about a proper GUI with buttons to get villagers to build houses an dtalk about scripting this sort of thing :)
From Max
Ps. please correct me if i am wrong about the RTS kit (coz i was thinking of buying it)
Torque Owner Josh Caba
#1 - Build an AI kit that deals with all of the essentials I.E. pathfinding, decision making, etc.. Incorporate these things into a FPS and an RPG game and demonstrate the fundamental techniques used in each genre.
#2 Build a functional prototype RPG in Torque. Making sure to modify not only the engine, but also the script. When people create an actual game and give out all the code with some explanations, it really provides huge amounts of insight into techniques and how everything flows together.
These could be stupid ideas, but I'd definitely pick up a book that had either. You always do good work, so I'm sure I'll personally find something in of use in any book you write.