Round two.. I've got some questions!
by Kevin Bowey · 01/22/2007 (10:10 pm) · 6 comments
Hi!
It's been a while since I've last posted anything on GarageGames.com and well little has changed since I did that last time.. I still want to make my dream game concept come to life and still have'nt really done anything.. About a week ago I found the TGB folder hidden somewhere on my computer so I guess it's time for another shot at this game building thing.
My wish: Side Scroller Online
Like last March I still want to make this online game blending RPG elements with co-op platformer action. I have'nt dug into the torquescript like I was planning to all those months back. I did however further develop my skills as an artist and am currently doing lots of concept sketches and will soon start making the artwork needed for the protorype of SSO I'm planning to realise in the coming months.
I have put up a gamesite which I'll try to update frequently and can be found here.
a quick sketch to get the idea of floating islands over
Trouble on the road
Last time I tried to get busy developing games I only managed to learn the very very basics of torquescripct before giving up. This time around I want to make steady progress and I think have better chances at doing so because I've become more disciplined in the last couple of months. Also there's a new computer on the way which'll go to my own room instead of the living room which gives me more chance to work on the game in peace.
This time around I'm looking for a good starting point and am willing to invest, like they say 'well begun is have done' (or at least thats what they say in Holland).
I would really like to have a book on developing for the TGB engine but I'm afraid such a book does'nt exist.
There is however the game programmer's guide to torque.. My question is.. Is it of any use for me? I'm planning on only using the torque game builder software (yes I'm still a fond believer of 2D gaming :o ) for creating my game(s).
Can anyone tell me if it would be a good buy?
I could also go for Sickhead Games' TGB adventure pack.. Although I want to create a side scrolling game ofcourse using a different camera viewpoint.. However there's supposed to be a tutorial included with the pack. If that is really good and digs in deep enough (it IS a commercial realease right?) it might be a good starting point for learning the torquescript.. because well the tutorials that come with TGB dont really do the job for me (they always seem to have bugs and usually dont go that deep).
So is there anyone who can tell me how good the Adventure Pack tutorial is?
Perhaps someone has another good idea for how to learn torque (quick).
Thanks,
Kevin Bowey
PS I dont have a spelling check at the moment.. so sorry for that :P
It's been a while since I've last posted anything on GarageGames.com and well little has changed since I did that last time.. I still want to make my dream game concept come to life and still have'nt really done anything.. About a week ago I found the TGB folder hidden somewhere on my computer so I guess it's time for another shot at this game building thing.
My wish: Side Scroller Online
Like last March I still want to make this online game blending RPG elements with co-op platformer action. I have'nt dug into the torquescript like I was planning to all those months back. I did however further develop my skills as an artist and am currently doing lots of concept sketches and will soon start making the artwork needed for the protorype of SSO I'm planning to realise in the coming months.
I have put up a gamesite which I'll try to update frequently and can be found here.
a quick sketch to get the idea of floating islands overTrouble on the road
Last time I tried to get busy developing games I only managed to learn the very very basics of torquescripct before giving up. This time around I want to make steady progress and I think have better chances at doing so because I've become more disciplined in the last couple of months. Also there's a new computer on the way which'll go to my own room instead of the living room which gives me more chance to work on the game in peace.
This time around I'm looking for a good starting point and am willing to invest, like they say 'well begun is have done' (or at least thats what they say in Holland).
I would really like to have a book on developing for the TGB engine but I'm afraid such a book does'nt exist.
There is however the game programmer's guide to torque.. My question is.. Is it of any use for me? I'm planning on only using the torque game builder software (yes I'm still a fond believer of 2D gaming :o ) for creating my game(s).
Can anyone tell me if it would be a good buy?
I could also go for Sickhead Games' TGB adventure pack.. Although I want to create a side scrolling game ofcourse using a different camera viewpoint.. However there's supposed to be a tutorial included with the pack. If that is really good and digs in deep enough (it IS a commercial realease right?) it might be a good starting point for learning the torquescript.. because well the tutorials that come with TGB dont really do the job for me (they always seem to have bugs and usually dont go that deep).
So is there anyone who can tell me how good the Adventure Pack tutorial is?
Perhaps someone has another good idea for how to learn torque (quick).
Thanks,
Kevin Bowey
PS I dont have a spelling check at the moment.. so sorry for that :P
#2
Hope this helps.
01/23/2007 (6:51 am)
@Kevin - If your looking for an in depth TorqueScript tutorial you won't find that in the AdventureKit. The docs mostly cover the included art, how to build levels, a general overview of the script classes, etc. It can be used as an example of a working game using TorqueScript, but it would be up to you to go thru the code and learn from it.Hope this helps.
#3
Guess I'll have to find it out for myself then.. probably'll have a lot of questions soon (which ill post in the forum sections this time ;):P)
01/23/2007 (8:11 am)
Clint and Tom thanks for your replies! :)Guess I'll have to find it out for myself then.. probably'll have a lot of questions soon (which ill post in the forum sections this time ;):P)
#4
This is a common theme it seems in Indie development. Someone with a big dream comes in, realizes it's going to take some work and then slowly falls into the back recesses of accomplishments. What I would suggest to you and everyone out there that finds themselves letting the dream go to the back burner is this: put your GAME on the back burner, not your DREAM.
What does this mean exactly? It means do some work for someone else. Intern at an Indie company, join a group that shows it's actually moving somewhere (Fractured Universe is a good example) or build a content pack using the skills you already have which will be fine-tuned in the process.
What this will do is boost your confidence and excitement of Indie development, give yourself a sense of accomplishment, and allow you to network within the industry. You don't have to learn everything about game development to be an Indie game developer. If you are good with art and don't know anything about programming, then team up with a programmer or trade art for code.
It's better, IMHO, to be great at one or the other, than mediocre at both. The old phrase from when I was young and in sales that comes to mind is K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Stupid). Make goals you know you can reach and then reach them.
01/23/2007 (3:21 pm)
Quote:It's been a while since I've last posted anything on GarageGames.com and well little has changed since I did that last time.
This is a common theme it seems in Indie development. Someone with a big dream comes in, realizes it's going to take some work and then slowly falls into the back recesses of accomplishments. What I would suggest to you and everyone out there that finds themselves letting the dream go to the back burner is this: put your GAME on the back burner, not your DREAM.
What does this mean exactly? It means do some work for someone else. Intern at an Indie company, join a group that shows it's actually moving somewhere (Fractured Universe is a good example) or build a content pack using the skills you already have which will be fine-tuned in the process.
What this will do is boost your confidence and excitement of Indie development, give yourself a sense of accomplishment, and allow you to network within the industry. You don't have to learn everything about game development to be an Indie game developer. If you are good with art and don't know anything about programming, then team up with a programmer or trade art for code.
It's better, IMHO, to be great at one or the other, than mediocre at both. The old phrase from when I was young and in sales that comes to mind is K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Stupid). Make goals you know you can reach and then reach them.
#5
01/23/2007 (4:14 pm)
Good luck with your project. I totally love platformers so don't let it die. :)
#6
Yeah I know.. the thing is I don't see 'making games' as a career at least not the one for me.. (exept when this game gets really good :P) This project is something I can (and only WANT) to make in my spare time.. between attending school and playing my bass..
You are right though putting a lot of hours into a game or concept that turns out to be shite.. well.. blows.
Currently I'm only working on the artwork.. a lot of work even for a small tech demo :o I have to draw everything! (and probably re-draw have of it) but it's FUN.. thats whats most important to me..
After I've got enough stuff to put it in my game I'll try learning torquescript.. maybe they debugged the platformer tut :P Start small projects that in the end all add together to form my SSO game :)
If I could find someone willing to help me that'd be great but I doubt now is the time to look for help.. maybe if I get my tech demo out and the project is starting to take shape people will want to help.. that'd be great but untill then.. It's all me
01/23/2007 (5:35 pm)
@JonathonYeah I know.. the thing is I don't see 'making games' as a career at least not the one for me.. (exept when this game gets really good :P) This project is something I can (and only WANT) to make in my spare time.. between attending school and playing my bass..
You are right though putting a lot of hours into a game or concept that turns out to be shite.. well.. blows.
Currently I'm only working on the artwork.. a lot of work even for a small tech demo :o I have to draw everything! (and probably re-draw have of it) but it's FUN.. thats whats most important to me..
After I've got enough stuff to put it in my game I'll try learning torquescript.. maybe they debugged the platformer tut :P Start small projects that in the end all add together to form my SSO game :)
If I could find someone willing to help me that'd be great but I doubt now is the time to look for help.. maybe if I get my tech demo out and the project is starting to take shape people will want to help.. that'd be great but untill then.. It's all me
Torque Owner Clint Herron
First off -- the forums might be a better place to post a set of questions as specific as these.
But in this case, we'll forgive you because you included a nice pretty picture. Pictures like that always help blog posts. :)
Second off -- the idea of a coop rpg-ish platformer just sounds fantastic (hence the second reason why I'm willing to answer questions here rather than forcing you to post in the forums). Posting in the forums not only categorizes the questions better, but also gives people a more concise area to search when seeking similar answers.
GPGtT is a good book that I own, but you wouldn't find it that useful for creating your game. It's got a nice overview of TorqueScript, but not much else would apply to you (except perhaps the GUI documentation). Most of the other stuff is more 3d specific.
I don't own the adventure kit, but if you're looking for the fastest way to get up-and-running using Torque Game Builder (especially with making a platformer), I can't recommend anything higher than the TGB Mini Platformer Tutorial.
Cheers!
--clint