TGE or TGEA
by Paul Odle · in Torque Game Engine · 01/23/2009 (2:57 pm) · 3 replies
Opinions requested: should I get TGE or TGEA. TGE is less expensive...am I missing some critical pieces with TGE? Faster? Is there a natural upgrade path?
I am not a serious game developer, I am just interested in doing something as a hobby (other than my primary job doing support for 4GL programming tools...looking for a new challenge and the area looks interesting...I also enjoy games in general).
There is no hobby price and the indie price is certainly reasonable for a serious indie developer. A little steep for a hobbyist but I am looking for a BATTERIES INCLUDED environment.
All comments, suggestions appreciated.
Sincerely,
Paul Odle
I am not a serious game developer, I am just interested in doing something as a hobby (other than my primary job doing support for 4GL programming tools...looking for a new challenge and the area looks interesting...I also enjoy games in general).
There is no hobby price and the indie price is certainly reasonable for a serious indie developer. A little steep for a hobbyist but I am looking for a BATTERIES INCLUDED environment.
All comments, suggestions appreciated.
Sincerely,
Paul Odle
#2
TGE is mainly used for anytime you want to target old school computers that do not have high end graphics cards and such. TGE works with Windows, Mac, and Linux via OpenGL.
TGEA uses DirectX for its main graphics display (except on the Mac side where it uses OpenGL). There's no OpenGL on Windows at this time under TGEA. TGEA also has access to GPU Shaders where you can achieve alot of the neat effects found in todays latest and greatest games.
Beyound that both engines use the same basic toolset's and realtime editors. Both use the same networking tech.
Your best bet is to grab demos for the both of the engines and just run them and see what demo best fits your idea and vision and then run with that.
If you are looking to just learn and kinda future proof yourself then TGEA is the way to go because once T3D comes out later this year / next year the transition from TGEA to T3D will be alot easier then to go from TGE to T3D.
01/24/2009 (4:44 pm)
As Mike says its hard to say what would be best for you without knowing what you wish to try and accoumplish.TGE is mainly used for anytime you want to target old school computers that do not have high end graphics cards and such. TGE works with Windows, Mac, and Linux via OpenGL.
TGEA uses DirectX for its main graphics display (except on the Mac side where it uses OpenGL). There's no OpenGL on Windows at this time under TGEA. TGEA also has access to GPU Shaders where you can achieve alot of the neat effects found in todays latest and greatest games.
Beyound that both engines use the same basic toolset's and realtime editors. Both use the same networking tech.
Your best bet is to grab demos for the both of the engines and just run them and see what demo best fits your idea and vision and then run with that.
If you are looking to just learn and kinda future proof yourself then TGEA is the way to go because once T3D comes out later this year / next year the transition from TGEA to T3D will be alot easier then to go from TGE to T3D.
#3
Step 1. If you're completely new to game development then buy a copy of the book 3D Game Programming: All in One (second edition!!) - it comes with TGE 1.4 (binary only so you don't get source code) that isn't the latest version but it's a good place to learn. The book teaches you about torque, some modelling, texturing, etc and is a good intro to see if wets your appetite.
Step 2. When you've finished tinkering and learning then it's time to buy the product - I'd say Buy TGE 1.5.2 for $150 you can't go wrong, you get full C++ source code, forum access, resources galore and can start on your game... If you like it you'll want more.
Step 3. If you find you want the nice shiny shaders, faster cleaner rendering then upgrade from TGE to TGEA for $145 - It's the same amount to buy TGE ($150) and upgrade ($145) as it is buying TGEA on its own ($295) so personally I think that's a no-brainer.
01/25/2009 (2:56 am)
I've always recommended this approach:Step 1. If you're completely new to game development then buy a copy of the book 3D Game Programming: All in One (second edition!!) - it comes with TGE 1.4 (binary only so you don't get source code) that isn't the latest version but it's a good place to learn. The book teaches you about torque, some modelling, texturing, etc and is a good intro to see if wets your appetite.
Step 2. When you've finished tinkering and learning then it's time to buy the product - I'd say Buy TGE 1.5.2 for $150 you can't go wrong, you get full C++ source code, forum access, resources galore and can start on your game... If you like it you'll want more.
Step 3. If you find you want the nice shiny shaders, faster cleaner rendering then upgrade from TGE to TGEA for $145 - It's the same amount to buy TGE ($150) and upgrade ($145) as it is buying TGEA on its own ($295) so personally I think that's a no-brainer.
Torque Owner Mike Rowley
Mike Rowley
Do you need shaders?
Are you looking to make 3d demo games?
With both engines, you get the source code, so it really depends on your needs. I would suggest downloading both demos and give them a whirl. See which one you like best and go from there.