Hybrid Engine

#1 Yes, it is possible to add TGB functionality to TGE. It is more or less just drop TGB source into TGE, and re-compile.

There is at least one thread that I know of about just this:
www.garagegames.com/mg/forums/result.thread.php?qt=50451

But it's on the private forums. So once you have licenses, visit that thread!

#2 I think you should be able to do this all in TGE, as TGB is from TGE in the first place, sure you'll need a lot of work to be able to get it as nice as TGB, but depends on how complex your mini games.

I don't know about the top solution, but it sounds good :-).

#3 It's definitely possible to roll your own 2D engine into TGE. Depending on your skill level, budget, and timeline it might even be the better option for extremely simple mini-games. I wouldn't suggest it unless you're pretty familiar with TGE, though.

I don't know if this is helpful or not, but the basic idea is that the 2D scene is rendered to a texture that can then be applied to an object in the 3D scene. That's about all I know about it.

#4 The TGB in TGE option would be better all around and with fewer caveats. However, I should mention that one option is to add the GameSWF resource into your TGE code to allow for Flash content. The latest version of the resource also includes sound.

It doesn't support all of Flash features, so some SWFs may not work perfectly and others with advanced features might cause TGE to crash. But with some testing and tweaking, you can get some nice simple games into TGE without boltin TGB onto it. Plus if you already have Flash development skills/tools, this might be a better fit for you than TGB.

#5 The flash resource needs some major refactoring.

#6 The thought of Flash in TGE for the purposes of 2D gameplay makes me sad. That's like using an old black and white TV instead of a monitor. To each their own, I guess.

#7 Hi Thomas,

I agree, integrating TGB with TGE makes more sense than adding on an imperfect Flash implementation.

However, I use Flash in TGE for a couple of important reasons; 1) I already have licenses for two Flash development tools that I'm comfortable with and 2) I can't afford to get a commercial license for TGB Pro -- that's what I would need to get Torque 2D source code into my commercial TGE apps. At $1250, that's beyond my reach right now.

TGB looks amazing and I'm sure I'll license it one of these days, but until then, I'll have to make the most of Flash in TGE. :(

#8 Thanks to all for the great posts.

I do not have the personal skill and experience to combine the two engines myself. So to remain within the boudaries of the EULA, can I get this compiled combo directly from GarageGames or elsewhere for an added fee?

#9 @Steve
Another option would be to hire hire a contractor to the engines for you. He or she would need to be a commercial licensee of both engines (as per the EULA for contract Torque coding). You could use the jobs section of this website.