Plan for Adam deGrandis
by Adam deGrandis · 07/21/2005 (10:32 pm) · 10 comments
Hey kids! Its been quite a summer. Since I know you're a sure thing, Ill skip the sweet talk and cut right to the chase:
Torque Developer Network
Im the new TDN Wrangler.
If you're wondering what that is, it basically means that Im the manager, but with more snap.
So what have I been doing specifically? Creating a framework and skeleton and whatnot that all the content can go into. Its actually pretty cool. Im creating a series of templates that users will be able to drop into whatever article they're writing. If everyone plays by the rules, all articles have the potential to look just like the official ones. The end result of that standardized formatting is a shining example of what a wiki can be. I dont know about you, but Im PSYCHED about that prospect.
Really, I see this as two things. First, its about a community coming together to help each other out. But more than that (or actually, because of that), its a community coming together to make something greater than themselves. And that's *really* damn cool. :)
Besides the framework, Ive been rewriting the DTS exporter docs. Id like to think Im a modest guy, but even I can't help but be pumped by what Im doing. Im not going to promise anything. I will say that its looking like all of you who wanted a clear walkthrough of the dts art pipeline will be very happy people come the end of august. Here are some shots from you'll be making in the new DTS "Simple Shape" tutorial.
Yeah, thats right. Thats the replacement for the "make a box and export it" tutorial. Be excited for the future. :)
So... a call for action! The framework is still being developed, but it's stable. If you are an individual looking to break into the exciting world of contributing content to Torque wikis before they launch, drop me a line at adam AT gamesextract DOT com or simply make a comment in this plan. And please, only take me up on that if you are very serious about contributing. As you can imagine, Im SUPER busy these days; I can really only afford to coach people through TDN if they are going to follow submission policy and actually contribute. Thanks!
Wildlife Tycoon: Venture Africa!
As if things weren't awesome enough, what with TDN... Venture Africa is looking *AWESOME*. What can I say? It's look is so nice and bright and clean and it looks FUN. As usual, Ill let the big man himself, Andy Schatz, deliver the screenshots. There has been quite a lot going on developement-wise, so Im sure a plan from him is just around the corner. Patience!
Car Pack
The car pack has been making slow progress lately. I was feeling a little unsure about my progress, but that has since been erradicated thanks to the direction of one Mr. Joe Maruschak. Ill probably hit it hardcore in a couple of weeks after TDN and Venture Africa cool down a little (so basically the end of august).
So thats all from me for now. Thanks for reading!
Torque Developer Network
Im the new TDN Wrangler.
If you're wondering what that is, it basically means that Im the manager, but with more snap.
So what have I been doing specifically? Creating a framework and skeleton and whatnot that all the content can go into. Its actually pretty cool. Im creating a series of templates that users will be able to drop into whatever article they're writing. If everyone plays by the rules, all articles have the potential to look just like the official ones. The end result of that standardized formatting is a shining example of what a wiki can be. I dont know about you, but Im PSYCHED about that prospect.
Really, I see this as two things. First, its about a community coming together to help each other out. But more than that (or actually, because of that), its a community coming together to make something greater than themselves. And that's *really* damn cool. :)
Besides the framework, Ive been rewriting the DTS exporter docs. Id like to think Im a modest guy, but even I can't help but be pumped by what Im doing. Im not going to promise anything. I will say that its looking like all of you who wanted a clear walkthrough of the dts art pipeline will be very happy people come the end of august. Here are some shots from you'll be making in the new DTS "Simple Shape" tutorial.
Yeah, thats right. Thats the replacement for the "make a box and export it" tutorial. Be excited for the future. :)
So... a call for action! The framework is still being developed, but it's stable. If you are an individual looking to break into the exciting world of contributing content to Torque wikis before they launch, drop me a line at adam AT gamesextract DOT com or simply make a comment in this plan. And please, only take me up on that if you are very serious about contributing. As you can imagine, Im SUPER busy these days; I can really only afford to coach people through TDN if they are going to follow submission policy and actually contribute. Thanks!
Wildlife Tycoon: Venture Africa!
As if things weren't awesome enough, what with TDN... Venture Africa is looking *AWESOME*. What can I say? It's look is so nice and bright and clean and it looks FUN. As usual, Ill let the big man himself, Andy Schatz, deliver the screenshots. There has been quite a lot going on developement-wise, so Im sure a plan from him is just around the corner. Patience!
Car Pack
The car pack has been making slow progress lately. I was feeling a little unsure about my progress, but that has since been erradicated thanks to the direction of one Mr. Joe Maruschak. Ill probably hit it hardcore in a couple of weeks after TDN and Venture Africa cool down a little (so basically the end of august).
So thats all from me for now. Thanks for reading!
About the author
I'm an veteran game artist, teacher, and all around nice guy. Check out my portfolio at adamdegrandis.com.
#2
07/21/2005 (11:49 pm)
Yes, Venture Africa is going GREAT, much thanks to Adam for his beautiful environments. We are hitting alpha tonight. Assuming I can fix this bug. Fricking crash bug. Where's my coffee?
#3
Max and Maya are going to be the first that get "official" GarageGames time, followed by Blender and others. And you bet the car will be using transparent materials. :)
@ Andy
Yes yes! Hooray for us! Indies that are finishing stuff!
07/21/2005 (11:53 pm)
@ DavidMax and Maya are going to be the first that get "official" GarageGames time, followed by Blender and others. And you bet the car will be using transparent materials. :)
@ Andy
Yes yes! Hooray for us! Indies that are finishing stuff!
#4
07/22/2005 (12:21 am)
Crash bug fixed. Alpha imminent. 
#5
07/22/2005 (1:51 am)
Woohoo! for both TDN and Venture: Africa Alpha. Woohoo! 
#6
07/22/2005 (3:45 am)
Are you going to be covering modelling skills in the exporter tutorial? The good thing with the old exporter docs was that everyone can make a box. 
#7
As many have said before, TDN sounds like its going to be great for the community. I hope you manage to get enough early access contributors to get some good content on there for opening day :) Although knowing the community it won't take long for people to start pumping out tutorials and resources.
New exporter docs will be welcomed especially if they cover max/maya and later Blender as you suggest :)
07/22/2005 (3:46 am)
Congratulations on making to Alpha with Venture Africa.As many have said before, TDN sounds like its going to be great for the community. I hope you manage to get enough early access contributors to get some good content on there for opening day :) Although knowing the community it won't take long for people to start pumping out tutorials and resources.
New exporter docs will be welcomed especially if they cover max/maya and later Blender as you suggest :)
#8
There is A LOT going in there, and it really kicks butt. UDN Eat our dust. :)
But still, because I'm a huge jerk, and I like any opportunity to knock Zach Z or Adam D down a peg, I figured I'd post his BF2 stats publically.
Kills 43
Deaths 116
Suicides 9
Althought that was a huge improvment from 6/54. :)
Still awesome work Adam. Adam also has a content pack on the horizon, which he failed to talk about in his plan, keep an eye out for that package of awesomeness coming out soon. :)
07/22/2005 (8:46 am)
Adam barely scratched the surface of what he and Matt Mitman have been doing to the art side of the TDN and etc. There is A LOT going in there, and it really kicks butt. UDN Eat our dust. :)
But still, because I'm a huge jerk, and I like any opportunity to knock Zach Z or Adam D down a peg, I figured I'd post his BF2 stats publically.
Kills 43
Deaths 116
Suicides 9
Althought that was a huge improvment from 6/54. :)
Still awesome work Adam. Adam also has a content pack on the horizon, which he failed to talk about in his plan, keep an eye out for that package of awesomeness coming out soon. :)
#9
@Thomas
Yes, the tutorial will walk you through how to build the shape. Right now, actually, we're experiementing with video. Nothing too elaborate, but definitely enough to get across what what you should be doing.
07/22/2005 (9:16 am)
hahaha, tim. Thanks man. @Thomas
Yes, the tutorial will walk you through how to build the shape. Right now, actually, we're experiementing with video. Nothing too elaborate, but definitely enough to get across what what you should be doing.
#10
Keep the great work (btw you'll be worshipped for making a cool dts exporter doc :-) )
07/22/2005 (9:25 am)
Really nice Adam. I've always been a fan of what you do. Keep the great work (btw you'll be worshipped for making a cool dts exporter doc :-) )
Torque Owner David Stewart
You sure are busy. Lots of big projects on the go.
Glad to see the "make a box and export it" tutorial is getting the boot and and a more practical model is being used.
About the DTS Exporter Docs: What modelling packages will you be covering, or will you cover any at all?
Will you be doing Maya and Max only? They are the ones in the current TGE docs. (section V. Modeling Tools)
Great to see that Venture Africa is moving along.
The car pack is nice.
Will the cars be using the transparent material you talk about in your tutorial? (for headlights, windows)