Binary Announcement and Release
by Brett Seyler · 12/01/2009 (2:18 pm) · 203 comments
Good afternoon Torque people! It's my pleasure to share some exciting news with all of you this Monday. As I alluded to in my previous blog, we've mulled over a lower-tier licensing option for Torque 3D long enough. It's time.
"Torque 3D" is now available for licensing. A full-featured, binary-only version of Torque 3D Professional, it can be licensed for just $250 / seat. With Torque 3D then, the following options are available:
Torque 3D Professional - $1000 / seat
Torque 3D - $250 / seat
Of course, we also have a full-featured, binary only demo which you can download and use for FREE as long as you want. But we have one more surprise for you...
For the month of December, you can license Torque 3D at a $150 discount. For the next 31 days, it's $100 / seat!
I hope you all feel like this is a good solution for an high-quality introduction to Torque for developers who aren't ready to pay for the full cost of a Professional license. We looked at a lot of options, and we feel like this is the most straightforward way for us to give developers what they are looking for. There are no strings, no royalties, no catches or gimmicks. If you have $100 (in December), you can start using Torque 3D to make games now. If you have another $750, you can upgrade to a Professional license and have full access to Torque 3D source code and first access to alpha and beta features. Again, the latter is just the beginning in the way of Pro perks, but source access to a the best terrain, networking and rendering technology this side of $1M is a pretty nice perk in and of itself.
Here's a quick peek at what people are doing right now (shameless eye candy plug):
Fantastic work in Torque 3D by Alan James
Pre-emptive Q&A
Q. Is there a feature delta between Torque 3D and Torque 3D Professional?A. With the exception of source code, not at all.
Q. Is the Torque 3D (binary) license for commercial use?
A. Absolutely. It's the same as the Professional license. Use it make as many games as you like. One simple fee. No royalties.
Q. What about upgrade paths?
A. Legacy Torque license holders (TGE / TGEA) cannot apply their investment to Torque 3D, but we will continue to allow that investment to applied to a Professional license. If an individual owns both a legacy license (e.g. "TGE" for $150), and they purchase Torque 3D, they may apply the greater of the two discounts to a Torque 3D Professional license.
Q. If I pay $100 for Torque 3D this month, do I get a $100 or a $250 discount on a Professional license?
A. $250.
I'm happy to answer any other questions in the comments and I'll update the Q&A with good ones as we go.
Torque 3D development blogs:
- Post #1 - Kickoff
- Post #2 - Apparatus and Warrior Camp
- Post #3 - Luma's racing kit
- Post #4 - Josh Engebretson and Web Publishing
- Post #5 - Pricing and Licensing
- Post #6 - Pricing and Licensing CONTINUED
- Post #7 - Wetness & Precipitation
- Post #8 - Screeen Space Ambient Occlusion (SSAO)
- Post #9 - Matt Langley and the Torque Launcher
- Post #10 - Chris Robertson and Collada
- Post #11 - Depth of Field
- Post #12 - Advanced Lighting
- Post #13 - Soft Particles
- Post #14 - World Editor
- Post #15 - Pricing and Licensing ANNOUNCED!
- Post #16 - GDC Live Edition
- Post #17 - River & Road Editors
- Post #18 - Beta is UP!
- Post #19 - Light Rays, Undercity, and the Material Editor
- Post #20 - Mass Market Hardware
- Post #21 - Beta: Part Deux
- Post #22 - Marching Towards Beta 3
- Post #23 - pureLIGHT
- Post #24 - Lighting, Terrain, and Cloth
- Post #25 - Beta 3!
- Post #26 - Documentation
- Post #27 - Beta 4!
- Post #28 - Shape Editor
- Post #29 - Beta 5!
- Post #30 - Collada Import GUI Dialog
- Post #31 - 1.0 Release!!!
- Post #32 - The only good bug...
- Post #33 - 1.1 Alpha!
- Post #34 - Binary Announcement and Release
- Post #35 - Coming Soon!
About the author
Since 2007, I've done my best to steer Torque's development and brand toward the best opportunities in games middleware.
#82
There is a mentality to it as well as financial best choices(I myself included). Current TGEA owners want to feel the "I made a deal" like everybody else, but they are on the sidelines while teams, new torque users, and I think TGE owners get a deal. The way things are setup TGEA owners should get 2 licenses if they upgrade later(T3D and T3D Pro) but since I am a one man show, I'd rather have a deal than two licenses :)
Edit: Figured give an example of my scenario. If I was to switch to T3D, I know I'd want the source, but I don't know if I can switch. For me I already have hundreds of people testing my game. I just don't know if their systems would handle it. But I can't push out T3D to them to test without a license. I'd rather not waste $100 to test if I would just go to source if all went well. But I don't want to buy the full source if I don't know if I can even use it.
For teams and new users this is an awesome deal.
Actually about teams, I don't think anybody has answered(or I missed it). Can a team of ten have one Pro license and nine T3D licenses and the Pro distribute sources changes to the rest?
12/02/2009 (5:10 pm)
@Michael,There is a mentality to it as well as financial best choices(I myself included). Current TGEA owners want to feel the "I made a deal" like everybody else, but they are on the sidelines while teams, new torque users, and I think TGE owners get a deal. The way things are setup TGEA owners should get 2 licenses if they upgrade later(T3D and T3D Pro) but since I am a one man show, I'd rather have a deal than two licenses :)
Edit: Figured give an example of my scenario. If I was to switch to T3D, I know I'd want the source, but I don't know if I can switch. For me I already have hundreds of people testing my game. I just don't know if their systems would handle it. But I can't push out T3D to them to test without a license. I'd rather not waste $100 to test if I would just go to source if all went well. But I don't want to buy the full source if I don't know if I can even use it.
For teams and new users this is an awesome deal.
Actually about teams, I don't think anybody has answered(or I missed it). Can a team of ten have one Pro license and nine T3D licenses and the Pro distribute sources changes to the rest?
#83
Example:
For Ken Beard
It depends on if you want to *own* the licenses or if you are *gifting* the licenses to your artist to use. If you want to own and be able to reassign the licenses you will need to have a Studio License in place in order to maintain ownership of the licenses.
If you are giving the licenses to your artists to use and are surrendering ownership of the software you *can* buy $100 binary licenses for them.
They will need to set up their own accounts, however, you can purchase coupon/ gift codes through licensing@torquepowered.com which will protect your credit card info and allow you to place one order for all of the licenses.
To purchase coupon codes or to set up a Studio License please contact me directly through licensing@torquepowered.com.
12/02/2009 (5:34 pm)
I would like to add to the conversation for businesses or groups that are making purchases for a team: the $100 Torque 3D binary and $1000 Torque 3D Indie Pro licenses are for user-owner use only. If your company is buying licenses, will own the licenses and will have a team of developers working on a title which is owned by the company, your company must purchase a Studio License. If you are doing work for hire using Torque 3D either you or your employer needs to own a Studio License. Studio Licenses permit business ownership of a license and should you change employees, Studio License seats *can* be re-assigned. Torque 3D binary and Torque 3D Indie Pro licenses *can not* be transferred to other users if your employees change.Example:
For Ken Beard
Quote:Am I allowed to buy the artist version, or even multiple copies for my artists @$100 a copy?
It depends on if you want to *own* the licenses or if you are *gifting* the licenses to your artist to use. If you want to own and be able to reassign the licenses you will need to have a Studio License in place in order to maintain ownership of the licenses.
If you are giving the licenses to your artists to use and are surrendering ownership of the software you *can* buy $100 binary licenses for them.
Quote:do they need to come on here and setup there own accounts? If that's the case can they use my credit card to check out?
They will need to set up their own accounts, however, you can purchase coupon/ gift codes through licensing@torquepowered.com which will protect your credit card info and allow you to place one order for all of the licenses.
To purchase coupon codes or to set up a Studio License please contact me directly through licensing@torquepowered.com.
#84
So, that doesn't affect Hobbyists/people who intend to maintain ownership of the license? I had to reread that a few times, but what I assume it means is if the license ever needs to change hands/ownership, a studio license is needed. Otherwise, individual licenses can be used by individuals who work together?
12/02/2009 (5:51 pm)
@DaveySo, that doesn't affect Hobbyists/people who intend to maintain ownership of the license? I had to reread that a few times, but what I assume it means is if the license ever needs to change hands/ownership, a studio license is needed. Otherwise, individual licenses can be used by individuals who work together?
#85
Yes, Scott and I as indie license owners can work on a game together. We own our licenses and if we part ways, then we take our licenses with us.
However, if I have a small budget and decide not to go for a studio license and end up gifting 10 non-Studio binary licenses to my artists...if the project goes south, they walk away with the licenses and I have to buy any new licenses for people I add to my project.
12/02/2009 (5:55 pm)
@DanielYes, Scott and I as indie license owners can work on a game together. We own our licenses and if we part ways, then we take our licenses with us.
However, if I have a small budget and decide not to go for a studio license and end up gifting 10 non-Studio binary licenses to my artists...if the project goes south, they walk away with the licenses and I have to buy any new licenses for people I add to my project.
#86
If you are a business that is buying software for your employees to use (but not own)==> Torque 3D Studio
If you are a contractor who is doing work for another business ===> Either you need to own your own Studio License OR You need to use one of your employer's Studio License seats.
If you are a school teaching with Torque in a classroom or lab ===> Torque 3D Educational License
If you are a Student who wants to use Torque on a personal machine for a class project ===> Torque 3D (Get it now for $100) then use the discount towards a Indie Pro license if you need source. (Also, note, some college bookstores have discount agreements with us for full source license) We do not currently offer student discounts for individual purchases of our full source version.
12/02/2009 (6:09 pm)
Correct, Daniel: If you are a group of individuals, who each own your own licenses and are working together on a project ==> Torque 3D binary, Torque 3D Indie Pro.If you are a business that is buying software for your employees to use (but not own)==> Torque 3D Studio
If you are a contractor who is doing work for another business ===> Either you need to own your own Studio License OR You need to use one of your employer's Studio License seats.
If you are a school teaching with Torque in a classroom or lab ===> Torque 3D Educational License
If you are a Student who wants to use Torque on a personal machine for a class project ===> Torque 3D (Get it now for $100) then use the discount towards a Indie Pro license if you need source. (Also, note, some college bookstores have discount agreements with us for full source license) We do not currently offer student discounts for individual purchases of our full source version.
#87
12/02/2009 (8:14 pm)
I know at least two people asked about this; and yes, you do get access to the private T3D forum.
#88
New comers get a nice discount but if you purchased TGEA your in a loose loose situation unless you upgrade to pro without buying the binary version.
It is a good deal, I just don't think its good for previous owners of TGEA.
12/02/2009 (8:18 pm)
So the discount is basically for new comers, not for the previous owners of the game engines TGE/TGEA.New comers get a nice discount but if you purchased TGEA your in a loose loose situation unless you upgrade to pro without buying the binary version.
It is a good deal, I just don't think its good for previous owners of TGEA.
#89
Question though, I get $250 off when upgrading to pro. Is that in addition to my TGEA discount?
12/02/2009 (8:28 pm)
Ok you've got me now. I've so far been really impressed with it, and right now I don't need the source. For $100, I can no longer say no.Question though, I get $250 off when upgrading to pro. Is that in addition to my TGEA discount?
#90
Your users with lower end cards should be OK with Basic Lighting. Hopefully there will be a kit for the binary license. I'd say go for it while it's 150 dollars cheaper, than regret not saving $150 if a binary kit comes out. 100 bucks is worth it for sure, 250 would be kind of a gamble for your situation.
12/02/2009 (8:30 pm)
@ LeathelYour users with lower end cards should be OK with Basic Lighting. Hopefully there will be a kit for the binary license. I'd say go for it while it's 150 dollars cheaper, than regret not saving $150 if a binary kit comes out. 100 bucks is worth it for sure, 250 would be kind of a gamble for your situation.
#91
Your question is answered in the Preemptive QA section of the original post. The answer is no, you only get the discount which is of the greatest value. TGEA is $295, so the Pro T3D will still be $705.
12/02/2009 (8:44 pm)
@TrentYour question is answered in the Preemptive QA section of the original post. The answer is no, you only get the discount which is of the greatest value. TGEA is $295, so the Pro T3D will still be $705.
#92
To me that reads that the more expensive of the two previous engines that I own TGE/TGEA will be used as the source of a legacy discount. I dont think the non-pro code version of T3D is called the legacy version abd that that my TGEA discount doesn't apply to the non-pro license, just the pro version, otherwise they'd be paying me $195 to have a non-pro license!
12/02/2009 (8:54 pm)
@DanielTo me that reads that the more expensive of the two previous engines that I own TGE/TGEA will be used as the source of a legacy discount. I dont think the non-pro code version of T3D is called the legacy version abd that that my TGEA discount doesn't apply to the non-pro license, just the pro version, otherwise they'd be paying me $195 to have a non-pro license!
#93
It appears you are correct after reading a post by Dave MB. It's not such a bargain now.
Thanks GG, but I'll wait until I need the source, otherwise it's gonna cost me more in the end.
12/02/2009 (9:05 pm)
@DanielIt appears you are correct after reading a post by Dave MB. It's not such a bargain now.
Thanks GG, but I'll wait until I need the source, otherwise it's gonna cost me more in the end.
#94
12/02/2009 (9:23 pm)
Now, after reading all the comments, as a TGEA owner, I second what Morrie says. It's a good deal, its just not for previous engine owners.
#95
I just can't see paying $805, so I figure I'll just wait till I get enough for the full engine.
I'm think GG Engines are just as good as others I see, but I don't wanna pay twice for the same thing, I think it should subtract $100 not ADD $100 for TGEA owners.
I figure I'll just tinker with the demo and use TGEA until I can afford the Pro version.
12/02/2009 (9:26 pm)
it seams like the people who have been with GG for years and have upgraded every time are less important than the new comers.I just can't see paying $805, so I figure I'll just wait till I get enough for the full engine.
I'm think GG Engines are just as good as others I see, but I don't wanna pay twice for the same thing, I think it should subtract $100 not ADD $100 for TGEA owners.
I figure I'll just tinker with the demo and use TGEA until I can afford the Pro version.
#96
12/02/2009 (9:33 pm)
Quote:it seams like the people who have been with GG for years and have upgraded every time are less important than the new comers.Ugh, so I guess you missed out the fact that a 500 odd dollar discount was made on Torque 3D when it was announced?
#97
I agree with you 100%. After playing with the demo I'm sure T3D is worth all of the $1k cost, but that's money I don't have right now. I don't have $705 either. I even had a second chance to get the engine at $505. But I didn't because I didn't have that much cash at the time, and not to mention TGEA/TGE really did require a heck of a lot of work to make something useful, amid all the bugs and crashes, you can see why I was not so eager to jump. I got TX3D instead just prior to all this discount business, and that is a long way behind T3D and TGEA in both features and support, further dampening my will to shell out.
There is a demo now, and I've used it, and I'm impressed, but I have to stick with what I have because I can't afford $805 to toy around. Besides, I have the source for what I have.
Oh lets not forget, that if I buy T3D basic next month at $250, then my TGEA discount of $295 drops to $45 just because I decided to work up to the full source version. Massive penatly for previous engine owners there.
12/02/2009 (9:38 pm)
@MorrieI agree with you 100%. After playing with the demo I'm sure T3D is worth all of the $1k cost, but that's money I don't have right now. I don't have $705 either. I even had a second chance to get the engine at $505. But I didn't because I didn't have that much cash at the time, and not to mention TGEA/TGE really did require a heck of a lot of work to make something useful, amid all the bugs and crashes, you can see why I was not so eager to jump. I got TX3D instead just prior to all this discount business, and that is a long way behind T3D and TGEA in both features and support, further dampening my will to shell out.
There is a demo now, and I've used it, and I'm impressed, but I have to stick with what I have because I can't afford $805 to toy around. Besides, I have the source for what I have.
Oh lets not forget, that if I buy T3D basic next month at $250, then my TGEA discount of $295 drops to $45 just because I decided to work up to the full source version. Massive penatly for previous engine owners there.
#98
And you blame us after TGEA/TGE? They were ok for what they were, but lack of docs and lots of bugs certainly didn't give anyone the confidence to know that T3D was going to change all that. Well, it certainly made inroads to changing it anyway.
12/02/2009 (9:44 pm)
Quote:Ugh, so I guess you missed out the fact that a 500 odd dollar discount was made on Torque 3D when it was announced?
And you blame us after TGEA/TGE? They were ok for what they were, but lack of docs and lots of bugs certainly didn't give anyone the confidence to know that T3D was going to change all that. Well, it certainly made inroads to changing it anyway.
#99
Would that not make sense?
12/02/2009 (9:53 pm)
If someone paid the $250 for the basic version of T3D and already held a license for TGEA, wouldn't that be a discount of $445? I guess I'm not seeing why they would lose their discount of $295 to begin with. Why not in this case give them T3D Basic for Free and then give them the upgrade to T3D Pro for $705.Would that not make sense?
#100
Not everyone had $505 at this time, the economy was bad work was scarce and people were getting laid off from left to right. while the economy is starting to pick you can read it every day that another company lays off more people.
Think about it: Midway sold out to Disney, can you imagine that (they're already coming out with Mortal Kombat toons) last I heard.
12/02/2009 (10:19 pm)
Quote:Quote:Ugh, so I guess you missed out the fact that a 500 odd dollar discount was made on Torque 3D when it was announced?
Not everyone had $505 at this time, the economy was bad work was scarce and people were getting laid off from left to right. while the economy is starting to pick you can read it every day that another company lays off more people.
Think about it: Midway sold out to Disney, can you imagine that (they're already coming out with Mortal Kombat toons) last I heard.
Torque Owner Richard Preziosi
WinterLeaf Entertainment
Yeah it'd make more sense to spend the least amount of money in the long run. But what the point of the pricing scheme and the binary version is, is to allow people who at the moment cannot afford professional, to have access to the engine at a cheaper price.