Noob's guide to being an indie

#1 For tools. We have:
Subversion and tortoise for version control.
iTreamwork for project management.
TorqueDev for ease of scripting.
TBE a free compiler
Code::Blocks A free C++ IDE.
Team Speak - free voice/chat room system
Win Merge - For merging files and directories together.
Auto Update+ An online patching/update sytem that makes use of http and VB, somewhat low-end ($150 USD)
The Game Dev Kit A game developer's legal and company startup kit. ($295 USD)
Fraps - Great video/audio/screenshot capture tool. ($37)
Beyond Compare 2 - advanced file and folder comparison utility
Audacity - editing and recording sound
True Update - commercial grade online patching/update system
Setup Factory - commercial grade setup/installer builder
Robosoft - Demo submission software
Shareware Tracker - Demo submission software
The Gimp - Image editing software (like photoshop but free)


Modelling applications:
Wings 3D
Blender
Milkshape (It has a ton of importers and exporters)


Content:
Turbo Squid for ready to go art assets and sound.
Digital Boneyard Free TGE art and stuff.
True Bones - Motion capture compatible skeletons/models/animations for TrueSpace/GameSpace (10+ characters, 350 animations for $40, and that's just the beginning.)
3D Diggers - Torque content packs
Eyetronics - 3D scanning solutions, these guys scan objects, vehicles, people, etc. in 3d to your file format of choice.
John Seguin - Custom music tracks

#2 Tools:
Wings3D Modeler
Blender Modeler
Code::Blocks Visual Studio Alternative

Articles:
Indie Faq

Torque:
Enchanced Telnet Debugger Incredibly helpful with TorqueDev

#3 Sorry, I don't have anything to contribute, but is there a sticky function in these forums? If so, definitely sticky this. This sort of thing is very useful, and should be kept somewhere. I know it's very useful for me, I'm just getting started with development.

#4 Post everything you wish you knew or had when you started using Torque.

The GG employees might be able ot sticky it.

#5 How about tutorial sites? Isnt there a commnuity member or 3 that offer video tutorials ?

#6 Beyond Compare 2: the advanced file and folder comparison utility for Windows, helps you visualize changes in your code, keeps your directories in sync, and validates copies of your data.

#7 Design Doc Template

Description

This game is a fps with water guns.
Multi player
o Every man for himself
Single Player
o Mini games
o Against AI

Water guns are refilled at a hose

Focus

Arcade feel
o Anyone can just jump in and play
o Simple control interface
Fast pace

Art assets

Player models (I'll use turbo squid as much as possible)
Water guns

Development Stages

MILESTONE 1: Prototype finished (PROTOTYPE)

Set up basic super soaker
Set up a level
o School yard
Single player logic
o Get crappy AI working

MILESTONE 2: Multi player and single player games both working (ALPHA)

All features of both implemented
Game set up
o Set up 2 levels to deal with selection

MILESTONE 3: All levels set up and playable. All levels and guns in (BETA)

Chrome
o Get sound effects working properly
o Set up menus
 Select what level
 What guns are available
o Set up online high score recording and tournament areas

MILESTONE 4: Game finished (GOLD)

Cost Breakdown

Menus
Sound Effects
o Buy a pack and edit them with Audacity
Player models (Budget of 200USD from Turbo Squid)
Water Guns (Budget 350 USD form independent contractor)

Additional Tables and Lists

Weapons
o ...
o ...
o ...
Design Doc

#8 I added this to the NDA: you can adjust to include fees and deadlines.

3. I agree that all information, documents, computer files, computer programs, documentation, or other materials submitted, in whole or in part by the undersigned employee become the joint property of the employee and Spunky Games.

#9 Just because you are hosting off of your DSL at home doesn't mean you can't have a domain. :)

Dynamic DNS Service
Dynamic DNS Service
Dynamic DNS Service
Dynamic DNS Service

#10 @Chris: I don't think so, but getting a good C coder to help chop into the engine may really help some people.

Ari

#11 Several links for torque resources and the best torque beginner guide out there
They made the ultimate beginners guide to torque.

#12 This should be made into a resource.

#13 This would be an outstanding section of TDN when it is publically available, and I hope that it transfers across!

FYI there is no sticky function on the forums, but we will certainly be keeping track of this thread and monitoring to see if anyone transfers it to TDN.

#14 Stephen - I hope it does too. And.... it gives us all a place to refer noob's who ask redundent questions on the forums ;)

#15 A load of high-quality textures that are free even for commercial use.

#16 Samuel - I'm glad people are still adding to this :)

#17 Hey guys this is awsome! I book marked it in delicious so I could find it again. I agree with Stephen, this should be on TDN so it can live forever and grow organically.

-Jeff Tunnell GG

#18 Best
Thread
Ever

#19 This is probably the most useful thread in this whole community. Great idea/job Chris. Wow.
-Ajari-

#20 www.3dcafe.com buttload of free models of all kinds of things.