I'm narrowing it down...

[Druidblue]

Hi all!

I have a post below where I was asking about what a good -free- startup concept would be, language-wise, etc.

Well, after poking around recently (including watching some of a Microsoft meeting on developing a 3D game for basic-level people), that what I need more than anything is a *tool*. I don't mind scripting or coding within the tool but I am NOT a hardcore programmer in the end.

I don't know if anyone is familiar with multimedia or VR, but in the past I used to develop with Toolbook II Instructor and a bit of Authorware, and Superscape for VR. These programs were used to create the training program in the end. You have to learn how to use these programs/tools, but in the end you end up with an individual training application.

This is what I'm looking for- what *tools* exist, that take all (or most of) the math, and vertices, and rasterization coding away from you, and you just script/code inside of them to create your game? I've looked at the "Game Maker" software, and it seems really, really basic for what I'm aiming for. Should I just stick with Flash? Or are there really good professional tools out there to download?
Frankly, I'm only concerned at this point with making simple games for Windows, as the primary platform most people use.

Also, anyone have a good example of a Flash-made game that is in a 2.5d perspective? I'd love to see the viability of using Flash for a turn-based type game if it is.

Lastly, the new tool being released by Microsoft at the end of the month- is this along these lines, and if so is it ONLY for the 360? I heard it was for Windows, too.

Thanks in advance for constructive replies. :)

[Sybixsus]

Lastly, the new tool being released by Microsoft at the end of the month- is this along these lines, and if so is it ONLY for the 360? I heard it was for Windows, too.

No, it's kind of a new version of Visual Studio .Net for DirectX 10 ( XNA. ) It requires you to program in C#.

[electronicStar]

There are a couple of BASIC languages that might suit your needs.
Yous hould try BLITZ (basic or max) or PURE or DARK (basic).
You could also take a look at some high level languages like python or Java.

[Drake]

Also, anyone have a good example of a Flash-made game that is in a 2.5d perspective? I'd love to see the viability of using Flash for a turn-based type game if it is.
Check out Dofus (http://www.dofus.com/) and Tactics Core (http://www.digisonline.com/tacticsCore/TCDemo.html).

Also, if you know both Flash and Authorware, have you considered Director? The game in my sig is a Shockwave 3D game that may resemble the look you are going for. Director/Shockwave projects typically involve more scripting than Flash, but of course you can do a lot more with Director given the 3D features and various Xtras.

[Druidblue]

Check out Dofus (http://www.dofus.com/) and Tactics Core (http://www.digisonline.com/tacticsCore/TCDemo.html).

Also, if you know both Flash and Authorware, have you considered Director? The game in my sig is a Shockwave 3D game that may resemble the look you are going for. Director/Shockwave projects typically involve more scripting than Flash, but of course you can do a lot more with Director given the 3D features and various Xtras.

Excellent! This is exactly what I wanted to see. That really shows you can do some great things with Flash.

I used director back in college, but haven't touched it since... that's another thought to keep in mind, at least! Love the Anvil game, by the way. :)

Again, thanks for the advice- I think I may focus on Flash at the moment, and then later when I get some cash consider something like BlitzMax or some such.

[jankoM]

I think I may focus on Flash at the moment, and then later when I get some cash consider something like BlitzMax or some such.

isnt flash many times more expensive than blitz and such? Or is there any 'indie' licence? :)

[XIX]

you dont have to go near the flash (IDE?) to create swf files.

see http://www.osflash.org for various tools

Think of the flash app as a sort of super hodge podge resource editor for artists. The only thing it's really useful for is 2d vector animation.

[KNau]

Plus Flash is pretty easy to learn. Download the 30 day free trial and you could have at least the beginnings of a game (or if you're experienced, a whole game) completed by the time the demo runs out.

[LilGames]

The only thing it's really useful for is 2d vector animation.

I Disagree.

[Druidblue]

isnt flash many times more expensive than blitz and such? Or is there any 'indie' licence? :)


I already have Flash (and quite a few other development programs) from my prior career as a developer. Unfortunately, Flash was not one of the things I used often, I was a Toolbook expert eventually transferring over to Authorware when our company merged divisions. We used Flash animations as movies within the training apps. :) For my cost purposes, I just can't buy anything else at this point in time (including any books! :()

Speaking of- anyone have any realllllly good, very detailed beginning Flash tutorial sites? I spent last night wandering around some, and was annoyed with what I found to this point. I was on FlashKit for a bit, and they have tons of tutorials, but the website interface was terrible, and it was hard to locate a quality tutorial on my end.

[KNau]

I really wish this guy would have affiliate links given the number of people I've referred to him:

www.cartoonsmart.com

He has 2 free tutorials that will get you up to speed on the Flash interface in just a couple of hours. I was really amazed at how simple it was.

His paid tutorials are great as well, really simple to follow. I would skip the basic gaming tutorial (not so great) and pick up the basic and "not so basic" actionscript tutorials instead, then move on the the advanced gaming ones.

I knew nothing of Flash back in February of this year. In less than 4 weeks (and for under $100 investment) I got a job developing Flash games full-time. Totally worth the investment in my book! Plus, if you sign up for his newsletter you can catch new tutorials when they first come out for $5 bucks each.

I know people say "why pay for tutorials when you can find all the info for free", well I've been all over the net and you absolutely get what you pay for. 99.9% of free tutorials suck! Most are written by people barely above newbie status and are full of bad advice and practices.

Sorry for the obnoxious sales pitch. Like I said, I wish the guy had an affiliate program.

[Druidblue]

I really wish this guy would have affiliate links given the number of people I've referred to him:

www.cartoonsmart.com

He has 2 free tutorials that will get you up to speed on the Flash interface in just a couple of hours. I was really amazed at how simple it was.

His paid tutorials are great as well, really simple to follow. I would skip the basic gaming tutorial (not so great) and pick up the basic and "not so basic" actionscript tutorials instead, then move on the the advanced gaming ones.

I knew nothing of Flash back in February of this year. In less than 4 weeks (and for under $100 investment) I got a job developing Flash games full-time. Totally worth the investment in my book! Plus, if you sign up for his newsletter you can catch new tutorials when they first come out for $5 bucks each.

I know people say "why pay for tutorials when you can find all the info for free", well I've been all over the net and you absolutely get what you pay for. 99.9% of free tutorials suck! Most are written by people barely above newbie status and are full of bad advice and practices.

Sorry for the obnoxious sales pitch. Like I said, I wish the guy had an affiliate program.

No worries- thanks for the links, checking these out now- I like the site, it looks promising. :) I do have Flash experience, but frankly I just feel like starting from step one just to get back in the mindset... I've not been working for several years now while trying to figure out what to do for a new career!

As always, thanks for the insight/advice/links/tips! Everyone's very helpful.

[Druidblue]

I really wish this guy would have affiliate links given the number of people I've referred to him:

www.cartoonsmart.com


Just wanted to say good call- you're right, this guy's tutorials are the best I've seen yet. I enjoy his rambling/self comedy personally, but regardless of that he is very slow, thorough and a perfectionist. Definately worth learning from!

Man, it feels weird having the cobwebs dust off after a few years like this- "Oh, yeah... that's right. Oh, of course that's how you do that. Ah, yeah, I recall that." Hehe.