T2d Or Tge?
by Ian Patterson · in Torque Game Builder · 06/06/2005 (1:45 pm) · 9 replies
Hi everyone!
Totally new here. I've been introduced just recently to GarageGames, and I'm just surprised at how much of a community you guys have!
I'm hoping anyone or everyone can help me out with this sort of dilemma...
I'm currently a student learning 3D modeling and animation, and I want to take the step towards game-development. My teachers have recommended the Torque Game Engine (which is how I found GarageGames), but I have to admit I feel a bit overwhelmed by everything that can be done with the engine, as well as developing games as a whole. I mean, if it took Dynamix two years to make Tribes 2, how long would it take one person with basic knowledge of 3D and programming to make a game?
And then I recently found out about Torque 2D. I'm pretty big into 2D art (I've got about 8 years experience compared to my 2 in 3D), and am starting to lean towards it because it seems a lot easier to learn at a beginner's level. My biggest worry is that, looking at all the trends these days, 2D gaming might seem a bit "outdated" as compared to 3D gaming. Of course, it could just be a blind worry...
So, before I start rambling on some more, I could really use some advice as what you guys think about both engines, and what would be your best recommendations for a student? I know so little about game development, and I'm worried I might be biting off more than I can chew...
Totally new here. I've been introduced just recently to GarageGames, and I'm just surprised at how much of a community you guys have!
I'm hoping anyone or everyone can help me out with this sort of dilemma...
I'm currently a student learning 3D modeling and animation, and I want to take the step towards game-development. My teachers have recommended the Torque Game Engine (which is how I found GarageGames), but I have to admit I feel a bit overwhelmed by everything that can be done with the engine, as well as developing games as a whole. I mean, if it took Dynamix two years to make Tribes 2, how long would it take one person with basic knowledge of 3D and programming to make a game?
And then I recently found out about Torque 2D. I'm pretty big into 2D art (I've got about 8 years experience compared to my 2 in 3D), and am starting to lean towards it because it seems a lot easier to learn at a beginner's level. My biggest worry is that, looking at all the trends these days, 2D gaming might seem a bit "outdated" as compared to 3D gaming. Of course, it could just be a blind worry...
So, before I start rambling on some more, I could really use some advice as what you guys think about both engines, and what would be your best recommendations for a student? I know so little about game development, and I'm worried I might be biting off more than I can chew...
#2
Diablo I & II are primarily 2D games (though II does use some extra 3D techinques as well).
Torque 2D is a great place to start learning Torque, no doubt that if you work with T2D it will be easier to move into Torque 3D (TGE) later.
06/07/2005 (9:50 am)
This year at GDC 2005 during IGF (Independent Games Festival) Gish won Independent Game of the year, its a 2D game :)Diablo I & II are primarily 2D games (though II does use some extra 3D techinques as well).
Torque 2D is a great place to start learning Torque, no doubt that if you work with T2D it will be easier to move into Torque 3D (TGE) later.
#3
I'll keep the option of working as an artist for a company open, since that would be an easier burden. At the same time, though, I'd love to keep myself well-rounded and experienced in as many skills as possible. I don't really plan on making a profit or anything at the moment with Torque more than I'd like to just flesh out ideas and projects.
Still, all in all, I think I'll opt for Torque 2D, so thanks for your thoughts!
06/07/2005 (8:28 pm)
Thanks for the comments! Greatly appreciated. :)I'll keep the option of working as an artist for a company open, since that would be an easier burden. At the same time, though, I'd love to keep myself well-rounded and experienced in as many skills as possible. I don't really plan on making a profit or anything at the moment with Torque more than I'd like to just flesh out ideas and projects.
Still, all in all, I think I'll opt for Torque 2D, so thanks for your thoughts!
#4
06/07/2005 (9:44 pm)
Well, you can use your 3d modeling and animation skills in Torque2D. You'd have to pre-render all your sprite animations to an image file(PNG's with an alpha channel work best), but it IS much easier to grasp than jumping headfirst into TGE.
#5
06/08/2005 (10:24 pm)
Wow, seriously?? That's awesome! That just makes my decision all the more definite; thanks for telling me!
#6
In case you didn't know, you can get the demo of TGE and use it to get an idea of the system. You don't have access to the C++ source code of course but you will have an environment like Unreal Tournament/Quake/Halflife etc that will let you "mod" the starter kits.
You will be able to use the script language, TorqueScript, and have access to the built-in editors.
There are two demos of T2D, but I don't think you have as musch access to the scripting and editors as TGE.
07/07/2005 (7:49 pm)
Ian,In case you didn't know, you can get the demo of TGE and use it to get an idea of the system. You don't have access to the C++ source code of course but you will have an environment like Unreal Tournament/Quake/Halflife etc that will let you "mod" the starter kits.
You will be able to use the script language, TorqueScript, and have access to the built-in editors.
There are two demos of T2D, but I don't think you have as musch access to the scripting and editors as TGE.
#7
07/07/2005 (7:51 pm)
Sorry, for some reason I thought these posts were from July not June.
#8
I already tried out the demos, too. I love how TGE goes through and shows everything that can be done . I kind of wish the 2D demos were the same, albeit I'm already impressed with the games it can make (I look forward to using high-resolution graphics).
07/08/2005 (8:56 pm)
Heh, that's quite all right. I actually still haven't purchased either engine yet (although once I do get the funds, I'll definitely get T2D).I already tried out the demos, too. I love how TGE goes through and shows everything that can be done . I kind of wish the 2D demos were the same, albeit I'm already impressed with the games it can make (I look forward to using high-resolution graphics).
#9
www.garagegames.com/news/8206
it shows off a lot of T2D features- dynamic lighting, sound effects, particle effects, sprites. pretty fun
07/08/2005 (9:03 pm)
Check this one out!www.garagegames.com/news/8206
it shows off a lot of T2D features- dynamic lighting, sound effects, particle effects, sprites. pretty fun
Torque Owner Chris Childs
I would suggest instead of making your own game first, join a team that is in need of an artist and get your feet wet with them. You can learn while you go and help some people out at the same time.