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
#22
@All - If you haven't been reading Brett's Blogs, I suggest you start here, and read them all. These are all very informative, well written, and exceptionally exciting. I am most definitely pumped about Torque 3D.
@All - Having ammended my blog, I do want to say something to those who might be waiting for Torque 3D, "Don't wait." One thing I've learned over the years is that, if you have an idea, it never pays to wait. If you have an idea (game or other) and you want to start working on it, start working on it. Wait and you might as not do it at all. "Yeah, but I might have to convert my game..." Yeah? I say, "So what?" Worst case, you do a total conversion. Regardless, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. You will learn about game dev. You will make assets you can re-use. You will flesh out ideas which you'll throw away and replace with better ideas. In the end you will make progress you would not have otherwise made. You will be ahead of those who waited.
@Eamon Glass - Regarding your idea for a full game demo (better than) stronghold. It sounds like Apparatus is working on something you might want to watch for.
Apparatus Says:
"I'm currently creating a brand new FPS Kit with levels based on the Sronghold theme as well as one of my own we're calling 'Burg.' The level based on Stronghold (working name 'Warrior Camp') is set after the Orcs have taken control over the area and established a camp."
02/12/2009 (1:15 pm)
@Orion - You are absolutely correct. I was wrong not to mention T3D. Brett Seyler has been doing a wonderful job of keeping the community involved and up-to-date, through his blogs. I have modified my blog entry slightly to account for this error.@All - If you haven't been reading Brett's Blogs, I suggest you start here, and read them all. These are all very informative, well written, and exceptionally exciting. I am most definitely pumped about Torque 3D.
@All - Having ammended my blog, I do want to say something to those who might be waiting for Torque 3D, "Don't wait." One thing I've learned over the years is that, if you have an idea, it never pays to wait. If you have an idea (game or other) and you want to start working on it, start working on it. Wait and you might as not do it at all. "Yeah, but I might have to convert my game..." Yeah? I say, "So what?" Worst case, you do a total conversion. Regardless, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. You will learn about game dev. You will make assets you can re-use. You will flesh out ideas which you'll throw away and replace with better ideas. In the end you will make progress you would not have otherwise made. You will be ahead of those who waited.
@Eamon Glass - Regarding your idea for a full game demo (better than) stronghold. It sounds like Apparatus is working on something you might want to watch for.
Apparatus Says:
"I'm currently creating a brand new FPS Kit with levels based on the Sronghold theme as well as one of my own we're calling 'Burg.' The level based on Stronghold (working name 'Warrior Camp') is set after the Orcs have taken control over the area and established a camp."
#23
02/12/2009 (7:44 pm)
Interesting blog. My vote would be a good book discribing tgea and shaders. I have learned a lot just playing with tgea, but have no clue how to make a shader or how it works. Your book on tge has been, and still is a great resource that I continue to use. Thankyou.
#24
from Max
02/13/2009 (2:27 am)
Another idea i must say would be great, is a T3D book like GPGT but for T3D when it comes out, because from what i see, it will be very different :)from Max
#25
Short term I would like to see you release a TGB book with some sample games from your super secret TBG starter kit. :)
Long term, I would love to see you do a rts/rpg game with T3D. I would echo to a guided tour of developing with T3D. Take me on a tour of all the parts of the engine, from scripting level to C++ parts of the codebase. Cover how it all works , including the common code, startup sequence at all levels, data structures of the engine and how they relate to each other. Show us the best places to make changes to the engine at all levels in order to create the big sample game you are building. Have your game require modifying the C++ code in addition to writing scripts. Maybe the book is sort of a fusion of your first two books, updated to the latest T3D codebase. Would be super to have that available at or near release of T3D. Of course maybe I can ask for gifts to rain down from heaven too, but hey you asked. :)
02/13/2009 (1:51 pm)
Ed thanks for your blog, I used your first book as a way to start with torque and it was a life saver. I still have a link to your quick reference guide right next to my torsion button. Short term I would like to see you release a TGB book with some sample games from your super secret TBG starter kit. :)
Long term, I would love to see you do a rts/rpg game with T3D. I would echo to a guided tour of developing with T3D. Take me on a tour of all the parts of the engine, from scripting level to C++ parts of the codebase. Cover how it all works , including the common code, startup sequence at all levels, data structures of the engine and how they relate to each other. Show us the best places to make changes to the engine at all levels in order to create the big sample game you are building. Have your game require modifying the C++ code in addition to writing scripts. Maybe the book is sort of a fusion of your first two books, updated to the latest T3D codebase. Would be super to have that available at or near release of T3D. Of course maybe I can ask for gifts to rain down from heaven too, but hey you asked. :)
#26
02/14/2009 (6:02 pm)
I think AI RPG tutorials would be very welcome in many cases. 
#27
1) Easy to use SOUND PLUGIN
2) Easy to use WEB PLUGIN to make it easy to port games to web browsers.
For all programs above TGB:
3) A built in compiler just like in TGB (if possible).
For the forums:
4) Allow the author to click/check some kind of button or box stating that the problem had reached a solution. And then put those resolved posts as the first that are listed in the searches.
This way it cuts down on a lot of the time spent wading through unfinished/unanswered posts that don't usually help in finding an answer.
02/14/2009 (8:08 pm)
In TGB:1) Easy to use SOUND PLUGIN
2) Easy to use WEB PLUGIN to make it easy to port games to web browsers.
For all programs above TGB:
3) A built in compiler just like in TGB (if possible).
For the forums:
4) Allow the author to click/check some kind of button or box stating that the problem had reached a solution. And then put those resolved posts as the first that are listed in the searches.
This way it cuts down on a lot of the time spent wading through unfinished/unanswered posts that don't usually help in finding an answer.
#28
The complete guide to Torque X is a good resource, but something that focused just on the nuances of 2D platformers would be very helpful, considering the success of Weapon of Choice(XBL Community Game) and Castle Crashers(XBL Arcade Game) on XBOX Live among other titles.
Particularly because the economy is slumping, highly-exposed, cheap, 2D games will benefit from greater demand and have a great opportunity to proliferate.
02/15/2009 (4:15 pm)
Due to Microsoft's recently launched Community Game venue picking up interest, especially from Gamasutra Post Mortems and IGN reviews, I'd like to see something narrowed towards 2D games on that platform.The complete guide to Torque X is a good resource, but something that focused just on the nuances of 2D platformers would be very helpful, considering the success of Weapon of Choice(XBL Community Game) and Castle Crashers(XBL Arcade Game) on XBOX Live among other titles.
Particularly because the economy is slumping, highly-exposed, cheap, 2D games will benefit from greater demand and have a great opportunity to proliferate.
#29
11/23/2010 (4:00 am)
I would love to have a book on T3D to have for reference. I've worked with other engines and I am new to Torque but I am hesitant to purchase your previous books because I hear that T3D is so different. If you are planning to do anything with T3D I would be very interested.
#30
At this point I am not planning on doing anything for T3D. I've been doing a lot of work lately with TGB and iTGB. This means my up-to-date level is well...low for T3D. I'm especially behind when it comes to shaders (clearly a major feature of T3D). So, again, I won't likely be doing any T3D writing. Sorry.
11/23/2010 (9:38 pm)
@David,At this point I am not planning on doing anything for T3D. I've been doing a lot of work lately with TGB and iTGB. This means my up-to-date level is well...low for T3D. I'm especially behind when it comes to shaders (clearly a major feature of T3D). So, again, I won't likely be doing any T3D writing. Sorry.
Associate Britt Scott