Tools for game/demo Creation..

[danahribo]

There are quite a few threads about "How do I make Games?" and the such, so i'm making a list to help get people started!

WYSIWYG Editors:
Want to quickly get your game/toy working? then a WYSIWYG Editor!

Construct (http://www.scirra.com/)
VERY easy to use and has physics built into it, check out the forum to see some awesome fluid sims. (Blobers engine)


Programming Languages:
Sometimes an editor is just not enough and you want to get in and do some programming! that's where these come in..

C++ - Difficulty: Varies
About C++:
C++ Is a very fast, low level language. It's rather easy to use but I wouldn't recommend it to beginners.

C# - Difficulty: Easy-Moderate.
About C#:
Want to Program but can't learn C++? Then C# is the language for you. It has lots of tutorials and lots of functions to help you. very good language for beginners


Java - Difficulty: Moderate.
About Java:
Java is a nifty little language, it's harder than C# but it's certainly easier than C++. It does have a few cons though, such as it's speed.

Physics Engines:
No Physics Game would be complete without this crucial part of the puzzle.

ODE
Languages:
C++
Java (?)
Link: http://ode.org

PhysX
PhysX is a popular physics engine, it has been used in many games such as Mirrors edge (Yeah. there's physics in there) and Unreal Tournament.
Languages:
C++
Link: www.ageia.com

I would appreciate it if the community helped to make this list big, by submitting engines/Languages

[Cyranix]

Let's sticky this as a guide. Perhaps edit and update the first post whenever someone adds a new tool?

Suggestions with respect to the format:
-- It would definitely help the neophytes if people would clearly distinguish between programs, libraries/engines, and programming languages. Great idea you had.
-- Perhaps pros and cons might be a good thing to include?
-- You might also want to add a bullet point for each entry called "What you need"; for instance, you'll need a compiler to create something usable in C++, and that's information that people looking for tips will want.
-- Where applicable, indicate associated costs.

I would love to see people offering their advice to up-and-coming designers and programmers! For what it's worth...

Java
Type: Programming Language
Pros: Great flexibility, object-oriented and modular, very similar to C# (used in XNA development), whatever you create should run on any system that can support the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), some compatibility with C++ if you use wrappers (I think).
Cons: Not as efficient as other languages, some odd default setups in terms of graphics.
What you need: Get a good Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Eclipse (http://www.eclipse.org/) seems to be a crowd favorite, and other solutions like DrJava (http://drjava.sourceforge.net/) are also out there. Also -- very important! -- get the Java Development Kit (http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp) (JDK) set up on your computer.

[juju02]

i dont know anything bout it, but you can use flash

[Jokker]

ODE

Type: Physics Engine
Languages: Mostly used in C++, has wrappers in various other languages, and a counterpart in Java ("ODE in Java")
Pros: Fast, lightweight, no real maths knowledge needed.
Cons: People who are using C++ to integrate ODE may have trouble doing so. I at least have. (Even currently). Also, lack of proper tutorials and examples. (You can't find one good 'test' program to see whether your compiler is set up right.)
Link: http://ode.org



Java

Type: Programming Language
Pros: Runs on all platforms that support the Java Runtime Environment (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc) with no extra builds required. Easy to understand if you have the basics of C/C++. Object-oriented. Good support and tutorials.
Cons: Needs more optimizing than other languages to run perfectly.
Note: Java is not slow. It is 80% (Java SE) to 95% (Java EE) of C++ speed, meaning pretty damn fast. If your program runs very slow, you haven't done enough optimizing (or at all). 80% of Java programming is optimizing, 15% is debugging, and 5% is coding.
Link: http://java.com - Java Runtime Environment (to be able to RUN Java programs)
http://java.sun.com - Java Development Kit (JDK) - to be able to make your own Java programs
http://eclipse.org - Popular Java IDE




I'll add more as they come to mind. Not a bad idea, this thread.

[Maltor124]

Good idea, I would also like to make a note for Java:

The reason Java generally runs slower than C++ (at least most of the time), is because Java consistently is detecting memory usage by the program itself. Unused memory is recognized and given back to the system automatically, which C++ does not do. Java is slower, but you will experience far less memory leak (The loss of memory to a program, causing the program to grow exponentially the longer you run it, until eventually it uses up so much memory it crashes itself or your computer.) than when using C++. In C++ you can stop all memory leak, but it must be done by manually closing memory addresses in the code. The computer must do less work to close the addresses, hence the speed increase. Java is easier, but C++ is more efficient if coded right.

[danahribo]

Sorry i disapeared, i had eye strain so i slept for most of Saturday, then went to see a flim.

[AquaGeneral]

Here is what I am currently using. You can add this to the first post if you want.

C4 Engine
Type: 3D Game Creation
Pros: Simple layout, free demo includes all of the features as the licesnsed version, programmers use Visual Basic C++, any external physics engine can be indegrated, great lighting and shadowing methods. Licensed version is very cheap for what it is.
Cons: Will not run on a PC that does not have a GFX card, world editor may sometimes become gridded different (making things snap onto eachother difficult).
What you need: Good understanding of C++. Understanding of wolrd enviroments (you must know what your are doing in the world editor before starting).

I think I forgotten to cover a few things, feel free to edit.

[Sporbie]

I'm interested in learning Java. I have basic knowledge of object oriented programming and c/c++, and Java is pretty damn similar to c/c++, so can anyone direct me to some tutorials with examples and stuff?

[sakiskid]

"BUMP ALERT! BUMP ALERT!" *people run around and the city is in such chaos that peoples pants fall down and start on fire and they go blind and they run around in circles screaming, "MY EYES! I'M BLIND!AND I THINK MY PANTS HAVE FELL DOWN!"*

*Swat come and take you to the interogation room* "Mr.sporbie, have you been drinking or taking drugs lately? Because why the *beep* would you bumb a thread? you: "But i don't remember doing that at all. I was watching Spongebob. Do you know that one where squidwor-" swat: "Will this help you?" *they pull down a screen for a overhead and bring up http://www.fun-motion.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=28011 * *you stare in disbelief at your post. The post sinks into your eyes and stays there forever while they take you to the execution room* you: "I didnt do anything!!!" swat: " I dont *beeping* care what you-" *the scarab from halo2 storms into the hallway sqaushing your foes. Covenent board the swat H.Q. while its under fire* "Come here." the covenent says. *you go into the scarab* "what the-" you say as your words were cut off just like your head with the energy sword.* * you wake up from your nightmare while spongebob is still on* woah, you think. then you look at your comp and stare in fear. The screen has your post that was in your nightmare.
TOO BE CONTINUED.



I would like to learn C++ too. I just think that scripting is too hard. big black screen with a bunch of white words.

PS: rate my story from 1-10 with 10 the best.

[Maltor124]

"BUMP ALERT! BUMP ALERT!" *people run around and the city is in such chaos that peoples pants fall down and start on fire and they go blind and they run around in circles screaming, "MY EYES! I'M BLIND!AND I THINK MY PANTS HAVE FELL DOWN!"*

*Swat come and take you to the interogation room* "Mr.sporbie, have you been drinking or taking drugs lately? Because why the *beep* would you bumb a thread? you: "But i don't remember doing that at all. I was watching Spongebob. Do you know that one where squidwor-" swat: "Will this help you?" *they pull down a screen for a overhead and bring up http://www.fun-motion.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=28011 * *you stare in disbelief at your post. The post sinks into your eyes and stays there forever while they take you to the execution room* you: "I didnt do anything!!!" swat: " I dont *beeping* care what you-" *the scarab from halo2 storms into the hallway sqaushing your foes. Covenent board the swat H.Q. while its under fire* "Come here." the covenent says. *you go into the scarab* "what the-" you say as your words were cut off just like your head with the energy sword.* * you wake up from your nightmare while spongebob is still on* woah, you think. then you look at your comp and stare in fear. The screen has your post that was in your nightmare.
TOO BE CONTINUED.



I would like to learn C++ too. I just think that scripting is too hard. big black screen with a bunch of white words.

PS: rate my story from 1-10 with 10 the best.


I give it an Err/10.

Also, bumps are okay if the thread is stickied.

And Sporbie, the Java website (http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/index.html) has tons of tutorials on learning Java.

[sakiskid]

Oh. Okay. Sorry. Didn't know thats bumps don't count if its stickied.

[C22H28N2O]

Is this thread open for discussions too?

If that is, my question is:

Can Python be used for some kind of simple physic games? With a library as pyGame for example?

That would've been awesome, because Pythons syntax owns.
Using Python for some time have made me kinda... feel sick moving back to PHP some times. :D

[Maltor124]

Is this thread open for discussions too?

If that is, my question is:

Can Python be used for some kind of simple physic games? With a library as pyGame for example?

That would've been awesome, because Pythons syntax owns.
Using Python for some time have made me kinda... feel sick moving back to PHP some times. :D

Maybe, but Python isn't very good at completing thousands of repeated calculations fast, is it? I thought it was more a web like language, so it can do repeated tasks, but not in a very real-time way.

I dunno, though, you'd have to looking around.

[C22H28N2O]

Maybe, but Python isn't very good at completing thousands of repeated calculations fast, is it? I thought it was more a web like language, so it can do repeated tasks, but not in a very real-time way.

I dunno, though, you'd have to looking around.

If you use a library written in C++ in Python, wouldn't that be fast enough?

I have no idea, Python isn't that good for doing more advanced games, but I love the syntax :o

[lafe]

game maker. you dont need code experience. its free, and you can script/ code with it, ps. i know SOME java too.

[Mushisbeast]

Construct (http://www.scirra.com/)
VERY easy to use and has physics built into it, check out the forum to see some awesome fluid sims. (Blobers engine)

[lafe]

Construct (http://www.scirra.com/)
VERY easy to use and has physics built into it, check out the forum to see some awesome fluid sims. (Blobers engine)
you were write man,
this thing is awsome

[danahribo]

Updated post slightly.

[Nate The Great]

I got into programming through this website.

http://www.blitzbasic.com/

They have products for beginners like blitz plus and blitz 3d that start you off simple with very readable code. Now they have Blitz Max which is Object Oriented and interfaces with c. This is how I got into programming and it is very helpful.

Products include:

Blitz Plus (For beginners)
Blitz 3D (For people who want to program in 3d without messing with D3d and OpenGL)
Blitz 3D SDK (Includes Blitz Max and Blitz 3D)
Blitz Max (for experienced programmers. OOP and very fast)

[PeterSvP]

Game Maker

Type: [Well, It is NOT programming language, but it is not truly WYSIWYG, too. It is a game creation program :)]
Pros: You can make small games without any coding and/or programming. It have built-in language (GML), where you can do anything. It can be used for free, but is limited. Full version can load DLL extensions, in this way, Game Maker is not functionally limited. It is an Interpreter (allows gamelogic changes at runtime if users know how to implement it) :)
Cons: Runs only on Windows (and partially in Wine). Doesn't have any physics functions natively. Doesn't have good 3D support (it's primarily 2D). Version 7's license is not so good (so I use 6.1)
It is an Interpreter (a bit slow...) :)
Note: Because Game Maker haven't any physics simulation functions by default, If you want to make physics game, like these in this forum, you must first install a physics plugin (and have the registered version, the freeware don't support DLLs). Well, this isn't a problem for me. (there are even 3D engines as plugins :))
Link:
Game Maker: http://www.yoyogames.com/
GMPhysics plug-in: http://gmc.yoyogames.com/index.php?showtopic=141853

Hope seen it under "Construct" in first post.

[wxcvbn123321]

Construct (http://www.scirra.com/)
VERY easy to use and has physics built into it, check out the forum to see some awesome fluid sims. (Blobers engine)

yhea it's very good i have that program for a long time, it's good for small projects but it's not easy to make a good game out of it because you doesn't have the scripting option, and some commands you need for your game aren't in there.

[Colescheffler]

Guys, if you want to learn C or even C++ programming, I recommend this site (http://www.cprogramming.com/tutorial.html), I've been using these tutorials for probably 3-4 days total, and I am just about to get out of the bounds of basic input and output in the command prompt in C++, oh, and also, you could put up Lua as a scripting language, and then Actionscript as a scripting language.

[Treacle109]

I'd recommend C++ For dummies, it doesnt really get into anything like Graphics Engines, but it goes really in depth while still keeping it as basic as possible (With a few, sometimes "Good" jokes thrown in)

[Luke Alexander]

I got into programming through this website.

http://www.blitzbasic.com/

They have products for beginners like blitz plus and blitz 3d that start you off simple with very readable code. Now they have Blitz Max which is Object Oriented and interfaces with c. This is how I got into programming and it is very helpful.

Products include:

Blitz Plus (For beginners)
Blitz 3D (For people who want to program in 3d without messing with D3d and OpenGL)
Blitz 3D SDK (Includes Blitz Max and Blitz 3D)
Blitz Max (for experienced programmers. OOP and very fast)

Thanks! Will try this one if it will work for me too :)

[Connor]

I'm gonna try out Blitz and see how it runs on my computer, but I wish I could use one of the programs that is more free....
....
Sometimes I want to get a windows computer just to use it only for games and things.

[timelimit123]

Flash
Type: WYSIWYG Editor?
Difficulty:Easy - Harder than easy
You draw your objects and turn them into "Symbols". then you can add ActionScript (the built-in programming language) to the frame and voila, you just made a game! also works great to make animations. CS4 version also features 3D rotating!
What you need: well, Flash. obviously. You can find some tutorials on youtube. that's probably all you're gonna need.
Links:
Adobe's site (http://www.adobe.com/) - Buy Flash here
YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/) - Find tutorials here
Um... I can't find a nice name for this link :o (http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Kirupas+tutorial+flash) - Googles a nice tutorial showing you how to make a platformer.

[Rekka]

Thanks you soo much, Iv'e been intrested in making games for a while now, but I couldn't just jump in and I had no idea where to start, if learning C# and Using a Physics engine are the main tools, then i'll be sure to use them. I hope to grow up to be a great programmer =D

Ill try and post my toys and games as I get more adept at designing ^^

[Ronemima73]

OK, Im still kinda new to the game, but Ive been over this idea with my clan and they think i might have something...what if we had some kind of date auction for all those who are single in the game or...and i dont know if this will work or not, but maybe make it a slave auction type of deal, if possible maybe the staff could program something in that says youve been bought by or u are owned by....I i dont know how to work it out really just thought i might bring it up and see what every one else thinks...

[flyboy95]

Interesting Spambot.