How I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb.

I figured that it's time for me to de-lurk. I've been around a long time, but like many people I've only really fiddled around with Torque, trying new things, implementing resources, and generally putting the system through its paces. For the record, my titles will rarely, if ever, have anything to do with what I'm writing. Old habits and all. :-)

Game programming isn't new to me. I've been doing it on and off since I was a teen. However, I've been developing business software now for coming up on 16 years, and I'm looking to get back into the just-as-hard-but-possibly-more-fun world of video games.

About a year ago I started thinking about an idea for a game. I've read and reread the two Game Programming books related to Torque. I've licenced tons of third-party assets to help me out. I've come a long way; the storyline and gameplay design are more or less complete. Some character and landscape designs have been done, and a basic functional specification is complete. Now I just need to figure out if the game will be fun.

As others have reiterated: prototype, prototype, prototype. So I've started prototyping. However, I'm now at a point where I need more than poor Korg, Adam or the Bravetree girl can give me. My main character is different in skeleton, in gameplay, and generally in genre than any of them. The real problem now is that I'm a graphics moron. I'm good enough to do pretty basic things, but I've neither the tools nor the experience to really make the graphics I need -- I'm a programmer, an artist of a different sort.

So, consider this a call for help. I'm not naive enough to think that great artists work for free (or for the nebulous, never-to-be-seen commission on sales!), and I'm not willing to sacrifice on graphic design. However, I'm also an indie on a budget. So, if you're a really great 3d character artist with a distinct style and a great portfolio, and have the ability to work to a deadline, and are also priced in the indie market, please let me know. I'm actively willing to pay for quality work, and I figure I may as well start with the prototype art. This could be the start of a good working relationship.

For legal reasons, I'll request that no one under the age of eighteen apply. Nothing personal, but I can't pay you, so I can't have you on my team. No, this isn't an "adult game"! :-)

Things to note: this is not an em-em-oh-are-pee-gee. It's not multiplayer. It's not an eff-pee-ess. It's not a racing game. It's not are-tee-ess. [1]

Anyway, I hope to chronicle the interesting story of this endeavour. I'll avoid the too-common "my team sucks; the game will r0xz0rz; this is a free mmorpg that have never been conceived of" traps, and keep things fresh, funny, and generally realistic. :-)

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[1] In the interest of reducing the embarassment of failing miserably, for now I'll keep things a closely guarded secret. Once I feel more comfortable with things, I'll talk a little more about it. Keep your pants on at all times.