Christmas Promo, Current Work and What Lies Ahead
by Alan James · 12/14/2010 (5:51 am) · 40 comments
Hey Everyone!
Well, for me it's been a long time since I've posted. Actually about three months and a lot has gone on during that time. A few folks have expressed interest regarding updates that lie ahead for Torque based assets and such, and at this point, I'm still moving ahead. Since the conversion to T3D specific models really leaves me the opportunity to diversify in other directions anyway, it's really a no-brainer.
I've been focusing on primarily an extensive update of the Downtown District, Warehouse District and the Alley Ambiance Pack(that will eventually be the Game Basics Pack). I've pretty much decided to merge the three into a single pack, since that seems the best way to go at this point.
Here are a few new screenshots of work in progress involving the Downtown District Pack and assets from the Game Basics Pack. I'm moving towards most of the building models having interiors, also I intend at this point to included working doors. Breakable windows may or may not be in the mix.
Eventually the current "bundle" on www.monsterpacks.com, will reflecting the updated buildings, textures, smaller assets, etc. This update is primarily aimed at T3D (although all of the assets should also work fine in TGEA). Anyone who has previously picked up any of the three packs, i.e. the Downtown District, Warehouse District or Alley Ambiance will benefit from the update, since each one of those particular portions of the final bundle will be updated for free also. This all should come together in a comprehensive update for T3D just after the first of the year. Stay tuned.
Anyway, my best to all the folks formerly at TorquePowered/IA. I truly hope that something is resolved in the near future before you are all snatched up by other interests! Like most corporations fail to realize, the most important assets of IA/TorquePowered are not the products, but the people and community behind them.
Oh, almost forgot, through the end of December, 25% off all packs on www.monsterpacks.com. Use coupon code: Christmas2010 or December2010
Thanks again for checking this stuff out and Merry Christmas!
PS. Here is a small plan update. These are screens of some of the original models with the added interiors, updated exteriors, transparent windows, etc. in the editor:
Well, for me it's been a long time since I've posted. Actually about three months and a lot has gone on during that time. A few folks have expressed interest regarding updates that lie ahead for Torque based assets and such, and at this point, I'm still moving ahead. Since the conversion to T3D specific models really leaves me the opportunity to diversify in other directions anyway, it's really a no-brainer.
I've been focusing on primarily an extensive update of the Downtown District, Warehouse District and the Alley Ambiance Pack(that will eventually be the Game Basics Pack). I've pretty much decided to merge the three into a single pack, since that seems the best way to go at this point.
Here are a few new screenshots of work in progress involving the Downtown District Pack and assets from the Game Basics Pack. I'm moving towards most of the building models having interiors, also I intend at this point to included working doors. Breakable windows may or may not be in the mix.
Eventually the current "bundle" on www.monsterpacks.com, will reflecting the updated buildings, textures, smaller assets, etc. This update is primarily aimed at T3D (although all of the assets should also work fine in TGEA). Anyone who has previously picked up any of the three packs, i.e. the Downtown District, Warehouse District or Alley Ambiance will benefit from the update, since each one of those particular portions of the final bundle will be updated for free also. This all should come together in a comprehensive update for T3D just after the first of the year. Stay tuned.
Anyway, my best to all the folks formerly at TorquePowered/IA. I truly hope that something is resolved in the near future before you are all snatched up by other interests! Like most corporations fail to realize, the most important assets of IA/TorquePowered are not the products, but the people and community behind them.
Oh, almost forgot, through the end of December, 25% off all packs on www.monsterpacks.com. Use coupon code: Christmas2010 or December2010
Thanks again for checking this stuff out and Merry Christmas!
PS. Here is a small plan update. These are screens of some of the original models with the added interiors, updated exteriors, transparent windows, etc. in the editor:
About the author
#23
And since the pack was so good and i looking forward to the update.
I also bought another pack :) ... Great work Alan!!
and merry Christmas.
12/16/2010 (7:25 am)
I have realesed the mouse button now :)And since the pack was so good and i looking forward to the update.
I also bought another pack :) ... Great work Alan!!
and merry Christmas.
#24
12/16/2010 (1:41 pm)
Awesome work Alan, I would love to see a video. Can't wait for the update!
#25
What!?! I've definitely not been spamming the forums enough! =)
@John N.
As always, thanks so very much.
12/17/2010 (3:45 am)
@Devin P.What!?! I've definitely not been spamming the forums enough! =)
@John N.
As always, thanks so very much.
#26
Thanks a bunch! Let me know if you have any questions at all. BTW is that your actual last name? (and is it pronounced any way similar or is it just a brilliant play on letters for your GG name? If it is, that is wayyyy too cool.)
@Kory, Thank you.
I try to get a capture up. It's *crazy* busy around here with caroling, kids Christmas programs, candlelight services, regular work, updates, grandson's first birthday, etc., etc.the list goes on and on!
12/17/2010 (3:48 am)
@AlienforceThanks a bunch! Let me know if you have any questions at all. BTW is that your actual last name? (and is it pronounced any way similar or is it just a brilliant play on letters for your GG name? If it is, that is wayyyy too cool.)
@Kory, Thank you.
I try to get a capture up. It's *crazy* busy around here with caroling, kids Christmas programs, candlelight services, regular work, updates, grandson's first birthday, etc., etc.the list goes on and on!
#27
:) With american accent its how my lastname allways get pronounced.
It all started att LAX in LA when i was called to goto the information.
-"Mr.Alienforce please contact the information desk. " x 10 :)
12/17/2010 (8:29 am)
@Alan:) With american accent its how my lastname allways get pronounced.
It all started att LAX in LA when i was called to goto the information.
-"Mr.Alienforce please contact the information desk. " x 10 :)
#28
12/18/2010 (3:50 pm)
Alan, amazingly good work!
#29
Just extended the end date out on Plimus to January 14, 2011. Just let
me know if you have any issues, the 25%off codes should work until then. Had a few folks who missed it and asked if it could be extended, so in the spirit of the season, why not! =)
Thanks for everyone who has picked up various packs during this promo, I'll hopefully be posting some more info and updates over the next several weeks. Stay tuned!
Alan
01/02/2011 (8:35 pm)
*EXTENDED END DATE FOR COUPON CODE*Just extended the end date out on Plimus to January 14, 2011. Just let
me know if you have any issues, the 25%off codes should work until then. Had a few folks who missed it and asked if it could be extended, so in the spirit of the season, why not! =)
Thanks for everyone who has picked up various packs during this promo, I'll hopefully be posting some more info and updates over the next several weeks. Stay tuned!
Alan
#30
01/20/2011 (1:51 pm)
Awesome screenshots
#31
03/14/2011 (5:53 pm)
is there any new info on this yet? I'm really looking forward for the updates!
#32
04/14/2011 (2:18 am)
Any news on the update ?
#33
Really sorry for the long delay. I've been having some fairly debilitating headaches for the last several months and have really fallen behind on everything.
I've had them off and on for the last several years, but never as persistent as of late. I had a cat-scan last year when admitted to the hospital, but they've never determined what the problem is (except maybe the money in my wallet was exerting to much pressure on my brain and so they gladly removed some of it to try and help me out).
All of the basic structures are complete, it's just the complicated interiors that have been a major issue, and not being able to stare at the monitor screen for any length of time has really been a monkey wrench.
I've had a pretty good week (two days without a headache) and so if all things go well, and I don't spring a leak from all the aspirin I've been taking, I'll try and put together a pre-release release, with everything but the three story building interiors complete. That will include a half-dozen or so functioning doors but probably not the breakable windows versions of the models (final release). Expect some kind of announcement of this late monday evening.
Thanks again for all of your patience and support!
Alan
04/15/2011 (5:34 pm)
Hey guys. Really sorry for the long delay. I've been having some fairly debilitating headaches for the last several months and have really fallen behind on everything.
I've had them off and on for the last several years, but never as persistent as of late. I had a cat-scan last year when admitted to the hospital, but they've never determined what the problem is (except maybe the money in my wallet was exerting to much pressure on my brain and so they gladly removed some of it to try and help me out).
All of the basic structures are complete, it's just the complicated interiors that have been a major issue, and not being able to stare at the monitor screen for any length of time has really been a monkey wrench.
I've had a pretty good week (two days without a headache) and so if all things go well, and I don't spring a leak from all the aspirin I've been taking, I'll try and put together a pre-release release, with everything but the three story building interiors complete. That will include a half-dozen or so functioning doors but probably not the breakable windows versions of the models (final release). Expect some kind of announcement of this late monday evening.
Thanks again for all of your patience and support!
Alan
#34
When I was in college, I started having intermittent debilitating migraines. They also did a CAT scan and found nothing and everyone was puzzled. Later, I realized that it was happening because I was getting so much caffeine from the soda I was drinking that even a half day without caffeine was causing severe withdrawal symptoms including migraines (to the point of blackouts).
I have also seen people have similar effects when they don't stay hydrated enough over night in drier environments.
I doubt your problems are being caused by something so trivial but I thought I should mention it just in case it could help.
04/15/2011 (5:44 pm)
Probably not the case but I thought I'd mention it:When I was in college, I started having intermittent debilitating migraines. They also did a CAT scan and found nothing and everyone was puzzled. Later, I realized that it was happening because I was getting so much caffeine from the soda I was drinking that even a half day without caffeine was causing severe withdrawal symptoms including migraines (to the point of blackouts).
I have also seen people have similar effects when they don't stay hydrated enough over night in drier environments.
I doubt your problems are being caused by something so trivial but I thought I should mention it just in case it could help.
#35
04/20/2011 (12:24 pm)
Ive experienced the same, and originally it was linked by the docs to a condition I have called Neurofibromatosis, although there was never any indication of tumours whenever I had a scan... anyway turns out the whole thing was caused by "toothache", had one of my wisdoms taken out, full root canal and haven't had headaches like that since ...
#36
Actually there could be a bit to what you both indicated. I'm no stranger to caffeine, but the "dosage" hasn't really changed much, but definitely looking at weaning off "eventually."
And I believe I might have a molar that could have "issues." Have a family trip coming up, so can't follow up on that for a few weeks. And I guess waiting a bit longer won't be that significant since the last time I was at a dentist Reagan was president.
@Everyone,
In other news, not relating to my aching brain, I've finished all of the LOD's on the models, all exported out to .DTS, doors completed, scripts complete (some name correction needed, but that's not a significant amount of work), in the process of converting all of the textures to DDS then need to load and spot test transparencies, scale and such. Having a little trouble with the DDS transparencies, but should have all of this resolved tomorrow.
Thanks again for everyone's patience!
04/20/2011 (9:24 pm)
@Matt & Andy,Actually there could be a bit to what you both indicated. I'm no stranger to caffeine, but the "dosage" hasn't really changed much, but definitely looking at weaning off "eventually."
And I believe I might have a molar that could have "issues." Have a family trip coming up, so can't follow up on that for a few weeks. And I guess waiting a bit longer won't be that significant since the last time I was at a dentist Reagan was president.
@Everyone,
In other news, not relating to my aching brain, I've finished all of the LOD's on the models, all exported out to .DTS, doors completed, scripts complete (some name correction needed, but that's not a significant amount of work), in the process of converting all of the textures to DDS then need to load and spot test transparencies, scale and such. Having a little trouble with the DDS transparencies, but should have all of this resolved tomorrow.
Thanks again for everyone's patience!
#37
Sorry to hear about the health issues, I hope you are starting to feel a little better. Anyways I was wondering if you have any plan on releasing anytime soon? Again I hope things are starting to get better for you!
05/10/2011 (4:50 pm)
Hey Alan,Sorry to hear about the health issues, I hope you are starting to feel a little better. Anyways I was wondering if you have any plan on releasing anytime soon? Again I hope things are starting to get better for you!
#38
Thanks for your concern. Turns out my blood pressure had kind of "run out of control." I'd been clocking high for several years (kidney damage from strep as a child), but I hadn't cuffed myself as of late (should have been obvious, but thought I'd had it under control with exercise).
I was hitting 180-200/120-130 so, yeah, I was on the road to stroking out probably down the road. Got on beta blockers (had used diuretics previously) and it's come down a bit, even three days in a row without a headache! Now looking at 130-150/95-105, not great, but moving in the right direction.
Anyway, the update is pretty much done, there are a couple of the really big, complex buildings with interiors that have some seam issues, but I'll address those down the road. Tomorrow I'll drop the pack into 1.1 preview, see how it rolls, and if it's ok I'll upload it onto the accounts and let Derek know it's available so he can move it over here for those here at GG. Keep your fingers crossed! =P
05/10/2011 (9:45 pm)
Hey Kory,Thanks for your concern. Turns out my blood pressure had kind of "run out of control." I'd been clocking high for several years (kidney damage from strep as a child), but I hadn't cuffed myself as of late (should have been obvious, but thought I'd had it under control with exercise).
I was hitting 180-200/120-130 so, yeah, I was on the road to stroking out probably down the road. Got on beta blockers (had used diuretics previously) and it's come down a bit, even three days in a row without a headache! Now looking at 130-150/95-105, not great, but moving in the right direction.
Anyway, the update is pretty much done, there are a couple of the really big, complex buildings with interiors that have some seam issues, but I'll address those down the road. Tomorrow I'll drop the pack into 1.1 preview, see how it rolls, and if it's ok I'll upload it onto the accounts and let Derek know it's available so he can move it over here for those here at GG. Keep your fingers crossed! =P
#39
Sooo...I'm gonna have to open up all of those above pictured models with all the pretty stairs and bite the bullet, and create transparent collision objects for them. (I'd just use collision meshes, but then that would defeat the use of polysoup collision).
If I can use a couple sizes of some kind of generic, place-able mesh that can work on various models it should work out pretty quick, but there are some other things I'm not at first liking the looks of...hopefully just some tweaking...and hopefully tomorrow (off my regular job for a few days, so that should help sort all of this out!)
05/11/2011 (8:59 pm)
Ok, so some collision issues with 1.1 preview. Stairs that were comfortably climbable in 1.1 B1+, suddenly don't seem so friendly.Sooo...I'm gonna have to open up all of those above pictured models with all the pretty stairs and bite the bullet, and create transparent collision objects for them. (I'd just use collision meshes, but then that would defeat the use of polysoup collision).
If I can use a couple sizes of some kind of generic, place-able mesh that can work on various models it should work out pretty quick, but there are some other things I'm not at first liking the looks of...hopefully just some tweaking...and hopefully tomorrow (off my regular job for a few days, so that should help sort all of this out!)
#40
I hope that your health continues to improve.
Are any of these upgraded assets available in the GarageGames download section? I've purchased both the Sticks and Twigs pack and the RRGTS pack here a few years back, and I love your new work.
05/13/2011 (11:43 pm)
Hey Alan, first off, I'm glad to hear that your health is improving. Due in part to her time as a medic in Iraq, wife has degenerative disc disorder in her neck and often suffers completely debilitating headaches for days, so I know how crappy it is on at least the headache level.I hope that your health continues to improve.
Are any of these upgraded assets available in the GarageGames download section? I've purchased both the Sticks and Twigs pack and the RRGTS pack here a few years back, and I love your new work.
Torque 3D Owner Devin Passage