I'm interested in maybe making a video game. One that has good graphics....CS:S type graphics. But, one easy enough for an amateur

to use. I am familiar with VB language NOT C++. If it is written in C++ and can be changed to VB.. that would be OK. Any ideas of any engines that I might be able to use myself? I currently work with the Unreal Editor and Hammer/Worldcraft Map Editor. Just checking if anyone had any suggestions of what engines are good and user friendly vs. which ones aren't. I've been looking at the Torque engine, anyone familiar with that one and any graphics details it can handle?

 

~Worm~

maybe you should just use the Source engine?

Killer, how did you learn to program? I am interested in learning myself (i.e. did you learn from a book? program? classes?)

 

and yeah, the source engine is good. And if you are already familiar with hammer, then I would say go with that.

ok, do mean full blown game from scratch, or a mod

and there's a lot more to creating a game or modding than just C++ programming

use the quake II engine... graphics = awesome!!!!

Source Development Kit ftw

Blender, an open source 3D editing program, has game engine capabilities, so you could use that for the graphics end. For programming, the best thing to use is Visual Studio, but that's REALLY expensive, so you could try Crimson Editor, which is a free IDE, but you'd have to find a compiler to go along with it. For the audio... your on your own. I have no clue as to what you could use.

First off, I haven't created games myself, but I use Visual Studio every day.

 

You can buy one of the Visual Studio .NET products (Visual C#.NET 2003 or Visual Basic.NET 2003 for under $100). These are fully functional minus some server-side enhancements and enterprise development junk that you probably wouldn't miss for game development.

 

You could then (theoretically) program a game using the DirectX Software Development Kit (SDK).

 

In fact, for no money you can develop windows programs using SharpDevelop, although I'm not sure of the DirectX support (it's open source so it's probably been considered at least).

 

I would recommend you start by learning the syntax of C# then picking up a book on game programming like maybe this one - not a recommendation just the first one I've found. There are also some examples on the DirectX link I listed above.

 

Generally speaking, if you look to the open source community for examples and code, you can probably get away without using illegal software.

 

Most of the open source game programming stuff you will find will likely be in C++, but open source is growing rapidly in .NET so you can probably find enough information on that side for free as well.

 

Good luck!

Thanks for the replies guys, and all the great ideas! Arab, I learned how to program from a book, However I think that book is a little out if date now Soooo I just started using Hammer and have loved it ever since. Yes there is more to making a mod/game than C++ programing. Ohhh yeah, Arab, 've heard that there is a newer book out that tells you how to program games using the Torque engine. I'll probably have to check that one out myself. I have heard that it is good. 3D Game Programming all-in-one.

 

~Worm~

Yrs ago when Klink and I were "Duking it out", I tried map creator that come with Shadow Warrior. Found it easy beginner map maker trainer. Did some really cool things. Dunno about newer games.

No offense worm, but if you're asking these kinds of questions, you have a lot of reading to do.

That sharpdevelop thing reminds me of Visual Studio, at least the Visual Basic part, that I used in my Information tech class. Does it come with a compiler or do you have to find one yourself like most open source IDEs that I've found?

 

}EDIT{

Never mind, I just checked their website. it comes with a compiler. YAY. No more searching for a compiler!

Thanks for the replies guys' date=' and all the great ideas! Arab, I learned how to program from a book, However I think that book is a little out if date now Soooo I just started using Hammer and have loved it ever since. Yes there is more to making a mod/game than C++ programing. Ohhh yeah, Arab, I’ve heard that there is a newer book out that tells you how to program games using the Torque engine. I’ll probably have to check that one out myself. I have heard that it is good. [i']3D Game Programming all-in-one[/i].

 

~Worm~

sweet, thanks dude.

 

oh, and I have a friend who is making a source mod by himself

well... theres the open source 'cube engine'. if your planning on making a game with the source engine (not a mod), its gonna cost you for licencing :S.

 

frost is right though... your gonna have a lot of reading up to do... and your gonna need alot of help. one suggestion, when your coding, note what everthing does when your writing it. your going to have a pain in the ass if you dont later on.

Thanks kAd!

That is cool about your friend, Arab. Is he going to publish it or is he going to just make it for fun? And yes, I know I have some reading to do ='(.... Thanks again guys!

 

~Worm~