Before diving in to game development, I did some research on the available tools and decided on a course of action that would be a good fit for my lifestyle. Sometimes it’s easy to get swept away by passion and have grandiose plans that never come to fruition. I want to avoid that, so my goals are much simpler. This should give me room to adapt and change.
I decided to start with 2D game development using a scripted environment rather than C++. This should be an easy way to start learning and get some immediate results. A small project will also give me an opportunity to touch all areas of creation and decide what I enjoy most. Once I learn the basics and core concepts, then I’ll start working with C++.
The three packages I looked at were Game Maker, Torque Game Builder, and RPG Maker XP. Game Maker is cheap. It’s free to use and only $20 for the full version which unlocks some advanced effects. Game Maker can only compile for Windows though and the sys requirements for your compiled games are higher. It also feels like more of an entry-level/hobbyist environment. TGB seems a bit more robust. While it is also a scripted environment, you get access to the C++ source and can make changes to the engine itself around your game. It also costs more at $100. There seem to be compatibility issues though when creating games for portals. I decided to pass on RPG Maker. While I enjoy playing RPGs a lot, I don’t think it would be a good first project.
After reading many of the posts on the Indiegamer Developer Discussion forums, I decided Game Maker would be a good start and picked up The Game Maker’s Apprentice: Game Development for Beginners. Once I complete the book, I’ll decide whether to start a design document for an original small game, or start working with Torque Game Builder and/or learning C++.
I’ve made two games with RPG Maker (2003 though, not XP) and I think you’d be suprised at just how flexible the scripted environment can be. If you ever do decide to make an RPG, do check it out – not so much for the graphical quality, but to practice and expand upon the staples of a good RPG.
Comment by thephotoshopwhore — May 20, 2008 @ 1:16 am
@thephotoshopwhore:
Thank you for the suggestion. I’ll certainly consider using RPG Maker if I go down that path in the future. Do you have a link to your RPG Maker RPGs or maybe some info/pics? The only ones I’ve seen have been the Aveyond ones which are certainly quite impressive:
http://www.aveyond.com/
Comment by idolninja — May 20, 2008 @ 1:32 am
Have a look at Demoniak3D: http://www.ozone3d.net/demoniak3d/
It’s a rapid prototyper based on XML, LUA scripting and GLSL shaders.
Good luck with your experimentation on gamedev!
Comment by JeGX — May 20, 2008 @ 8:22 am
@JeGX:
My plan is to work with 2D while I learn, and then possibly moving to 3D after I’ve had more experience. I’ll keep the Demoniak3D IDE in mind though if I do got that route.
Comment by idolninja — May 21, 2008 @ 12:29 am
Sorry for such a late reply, but I’ve finally put one of my RPGMaker games up: http://files.filefront.com/Joseph+Tamagotchi+2/;11012387;/fileinfo.html
This is the second one that I never got around to finishing. It’s also missing a few things because the filesize would have reached 800MB + had I not cut them out. I had to remove the .avi cutscenes and a number of .wav background music tracks (since the engine doesn’t support compressed audio) to keep it at 130MB. Also the voice acting is unfinished.
It’s still very much playable though, just try to ignore the story as there will be gaps without the cutscenes. Let me know what ya think.
Comment by thephotoshopwhore — July 12, 2008 @ 6:42 am
@thephotoshopwhore:
Thanks for the link, and sorry for not checking out your game sooner. Unfortunately, I tried the link, and it no longer seems to be working. If you can reupload, or post a corrected link, I’d be glad to check it out. Thanks!
Comment by idolninja — September 12, 2008 @ 8:16 am
@idolninja
Wow – thanks for the post! It’s great to hear that someone else is also on the same path. I’m actually determined to develop a game from scratch, and I’m just starting a blog about it on wordpress.
Drop by when you have a moment to let me know how your project is going!
@JeGX and thephotoshopwhore
Thanks to both of you for the great reference links.
All the best,
Jason
Comment by progspot — September 29, 2008 @ 7:49 pm
Oops, sorry the link is www(dot)progspot(dot)com – if you have any pointers on how to get started please let me know!
Cheers
Comment by progspot — September 29, 2008 @ 7:51 pm
@progspot
Thanks for comments! My goal with this blog is to share the insight and information I’m finding out while trying to learn, so it really makes me glad that it’s coming in handy for others. I also just checked out your blog and left a comment as well. Good luck to you, and feel free to contact me!
Comment by IdolNinja — September 29, 2008 @ 11:20 pm
@idolninja:
Thanks for the great comment on my blog! Very concise overview of some of the key game development environments. I found it so useful that I decided to repost it in todays blog (courtesy of you of course) – I hope you don’t mind, I thought it would be useful for other people who’re also starting out. Thanks again for the pointers, and do keep me updated if you have any major breakthroughs! I’ll put you on my blog roll if you don’t mind.
All the best
Comment by progspot — September 30, 2008 @ 6:42 pm
I have Game Maker 7 Pro, and it’s pretty cool because you can create MMOs, or 3D FPS multiplayer games.
Comment by Para Pro — November 4, 2008 @ 6:42 pm