Thinking About Buying TGEA
by XD · in Torque Game Engine · 12/31/2008 (5:41 pm) · 8 replies
I already own a copy of TGE, but I also want to get TGEA because TGE is limiting some of the stuff I need to do. What is the difference between TGE and TGEA? Also, I hear that there is a new version of TGEA coming (1.8)? Will that be one of that versions you have to pay to upgrade to? So, should I wait? Or is the current version 1.8?
About the author
#2
12/31/2008 (6:03 pm)
Is 1.8 out, or will I have to pay for an upgrade? 
#3
@Tyler - That is not the ONLY BIG difference between TGE and TGEA. Here are some things TGEA currentlysupports over TGE, stock code:
- Multiple Terrain systems
- GLSL and HLSL support
- GFX abstracted video layer
- SFX abstracted audio layer
- Advanced lighting
- More documentation
- Potential for increased and more stable performance than TGE
TGEA is also the baseline for Torque3D, which will be flagship engine of GarageGames. There are more features, but you can sort through Matt Fairfax's numerous blogs about the engine.
12/31/2008 (6:18 pm)
XD - TGEA 1.8 is already out. Since you have TGE 1.5, you only have to pay the upgrade charge which is $145.@Tyler - That is not the ONLY BIG difference between TGE and TGEA. Here are some things TGEA currentlysupports over TGE, stock code:
- Multiple Terrain systems
- GLSL and HLSL support
- GFX abstracted video layer
- SFX abstracted audio layer
- Advanced lighting
- More documentation
- Potential for increased and more stable performance than TGE
TGEA is also the baseline for Torque3D, which will be flagship engine of GarageGames. There are more features, but you can sort through Matt Fairfax's numerous blogs about the engine.
#4
12/31/2008 (6:29 pm)
Ah, Okay, I think I'm going to go for it tonight. Or within the next few days. 
#5
There are alot of big differences, but the only HUGE difference is better graphics and stability.
The bolded ones are basically better graphics and better stability, the documentation isn't really an engine 'feature', but it is still better.
I thought I said the better terrain systems near the beginning of my first post, but I guess I forgot.
@XD
Basically, the only thing that was holding TGEA back was the lack of OpenGL support, but they include that now, but if you needed to change the engine code for TGE, then chances are you will need to make the changes for TGEA too.
12/31/2008 (6:47 pm)
@PerryThere are alot of big differences, but the only HUGE difference is better graphics and stability.
Quote:- Multiple Terrain systems
- GLSL and HLSL support
- GFX abstracted video layer
- SFX abstracted audio layer
- Advanced lighting
- More documentation
- Potential for increased and more stable performance than TGE
The bolded ones are basically better graphics and better stability, the documentation isn't really an engine 'feature', but it is still better.
I thought I said the better terrain systems near the beginning of my first post, but I guess I forgot.
@XD
Basically, the only thing that was holding TGEA back was the lack of OpenGL support, but they include that now, but if you needed to change the engine code for TGE, then chances are you will need to make the changes for TGEA too.
#6
If TGE is limiting what you what you want to do, then I think you have answered your own question. Would TGEA allow you to do those things?
Just an FYI. I own TGE and TGEA and have not used TGE since the first BETA of TGEA was rolled out. TGEA I feel was that much better then and has only gotten better.
As far as OpenGL support I would rather not have it at all, as every application I have that uses it locks up with graphic crashes. OpenGL is slow for incorporating upgrades/patches and is following the hardware now as far as the PC goes. For other platforms it may be viable - depends on what you want and what problems you are currently having.
12/31/2008 (7:12 pm)
@XDIf TGE is limiting what you what you want to do, then I think you have answered your own question. Would TGEA allow you to do those things?
Just an FYI. I own TGE and TGEA and have not used TGE since the first BETA of TGEA was rolled out. TGEA I feel was that much better then and has only gotten better.
As far as OpenGL support I would rather not have it at all, as every application I have that uses it locks up with graphic crashes. OpenGL is slow for incorporating upgrades/patches and is following the hardware now as far as the PC goes. For other platforms it may be viable - depends on what you want and what problems you are currently having.
#7
A: Yes.
Also, I'm going to have to wait a few days because GG don't accept discover cards. >>
Can't really use a bank card right now.
12/31/2008 (7:35 pm)
Q: Would TGEA allow you to do those things?A: Yes.
Also, I'm going to have to wait a few days because GG don't accept discover cards. >>
Can't really use a bank card right now.
#8
That said, I love TGEA and I think there was a good deal of work done on it... and I suppose I'll be upgrading to T3D as well, when it comes out. This is a fairly expensive hobby, though :-p
12/31/2008 (8:05 pm)
The only other thing you have to think about is that Torque 3D (the next version of TGEA) is going to be a pay-to-update thing... It's also suppose to be a fairly decent upgrade (obviously, or they wouldn't have anyone buy it!) ... so, the question is, are you going to want that as well? Are you prepared to pay to upgrade now and in 6 months pay again?That said, I love TGEA and I think there was a good deal of work done on it... and I suppose I'll be upgrading to T3D as well, when it comes out. This is a fairly expensive hobby, though :-p
Torque Owner Tyler Slabinski
TGEA will just make your game look and run better and faster.
Also, TGE may not get another update for a long time (or ever).