Is torque for me?
by Stephen Fritz · in General Discussion · 09/21/2004 (4:03 pm) · 6 replies
I've been wanting to get into game development for a while. Not for the big bucks or the droves of hot chicks who throw themselves at game programmers (they do that, right?), but just because I like games. But it's been intimidating - Object Oriented Programming! APIs! Quaternions! B-Splines!
Then I see this torque engine with it's torque-script, and (apparently) some demand for folks to do it. Now, I've done 'scripting', of a sort, with bourne-shell, perl, neverwinter nights...and I'm thinking "Hey - something I can do. And maybe, just maybe, I can hook up with some genuine programmers, and pick up a thing or two from them." I've always worked best with someone to learn from.
What do you, the Torque community, think? I figure the 'scripting' can't be much different from what I've done previously. Is Torque for me? Should I shell out my $100? Anybody looking for a "compleat n00b" scripter?
Then I see this torque engine with it's torque-script, and (apparently) some demand for folks to do it. Now, I've done 'scripting', of a sort, with bourne-shell, perl, neverwinter nights...and I'm thinking "Hey - something I can do. And maybe, just maybe, I can hook up with some genuine programmers, and pick up a thing or two from them." I've always worked best with someone to learn from.
What do you, the Torque community, think? I figure the 'scripting' can't be much different from what I've done previously. Is Torque for me? Should I shell out my $100? Anybody looking for a "compleat n00b" scripter?
#2
GL,
Joe
09/21/2004 (4:31 pm)
You can script for free. You don't need to pay the $100 unless you want the C++ code (and you actually intend to use it). I recommend you get Ken Finney's 3D Game Programming All-in-One and learn how to script from that and the public forums here on the site. When you become a master at scripting, you could start beefing up on your OOP/C++ and then, and only then, should you buy the engine.GL,
Joe
#3
If that all goes well and you want to jump into the source you can then purchase the $100 torque engine. (well worth it)
09/21/2004 (4:32 pm)
I would suggest downloading the demo and try the scripting (altering the .cs files) and see what you can do. You could also purchase 3D Game Programming All In One which is a great "get to know Torque" book.If that all goes well and you want to jump into the source you can then purchase the $100 torque engine. (well worth it)
#4
09/21/2004 (11:04 pm)
Definitely play with the demo first and see how you like the scripting.
#5
09/22/2004 (9:28 am)
The "3d Game..." book already recommended is definitely a fantastic square one. Also, a great way to get started in getting into "the industry" (be it independant or otherwise) is to get involved with an existing project (as opposed to starting your own, as so many do). It'll give you some experience, some "street creds," and there's a built-in support community within the project you're working on. "Realm Wars" is an example of one such project (www.garagegames.com/mg/projects/realmwars/). Also, heads up on the fact that w/o a $100 Torque license you won't have access to many forums, docs, and other resources.
#6
I definitely suggest buying the book, tho. I picked it up recently, and really wished it had been availible when I first started programming.
09/23/2004 (8:09 am)
Im no torque master, but I'll happily help with what I can... Im more versed in languages than torque-specific things, but as a whole, the community is fairly helpful.I definitely suggest buying the book, tho. I picked it up recently, and really wished it had been availible when I first started programming.
Torque Owner Aaron Berg