Which program is best for a new user
Post: #1
I was wondering if I could get some input from developers on which program I should use. I am new to everything but, have a decent understanding on how things work. I am currently starting to learn flash but looking to be able to help my friend with his video game he created, The Adventures of Elballo. He has given me his ideas but curious to see what other people have to say. I believe I want to learn more from programming but have some interest in 3d modeling. Anyways, any help and info I could get woud be great. Thank you.
Post: #3
Ditto Andrew's request for post.makeVague( LESS );
Ditto Andrew's suggestion for Xcode for coding, but with the qualifier that if you already know a little C or C++ coding, you might want to look into using the SDL API, or SDL with the OpenGL API.
You might also want to look into Processing if you're just coding 'toy' projects; it can compile to Java applets, but isn't scalable (which is why I recommend it only for such 'toy' projects.)
As for 3D modelling, why not take a look at Wings or Blender?
Ditto Andrew's suggestion for Xcode for coding, but with the qualifier that if you already know a little C or C++ coding, you might want to look into using the SDL API, or SDL with the OpenGL API.
You might also want to look into Processing if you're just coding 'toy' projects; it can compile to Java applets, but isn't scalable (which is why I recommend it only for such 'toy' projects.)
As for 3D modelling, why not take a look at Wings or Blender?
Mark Bishop
Post: #4
Before everyone piles on the advice.. perhaps some links from this forum that cover the same topic might save time?
Cheers,
Quote:I believe I want to learn more from programming but have some interest in 3d modeling.That sounds like a Dim3 user in the waiting to me. Or step up to Unity.
Cheers,
Carlos A. Camacho,
Founder
iDevGames
Post: #5
Ok. So to put it simply i have never done any programming before. Though I kind of understand some of the fundamentals involved from talking with my friend. Basically, I need a program to learn from scratch on programming. I am also interested in learning 3d modeling as well.
Post: #6
I managed to find these four in about two minutes browsing through the programming forum. Hope something in here gets you started! 
http://www.idevgames.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9890
http://www.idevgames.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9607
http://www.idevgames.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9393
http://www.idevgames.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9178
Basically what you need to do is consider what program you want to make. Not all the specifics but a general idea. Is it a simple 2D puzzle game or a 3D first person shooter? Once you know that you can look into APIs and languages. As far as literal applications that you'll use, for coding you can do everything in Xcode (free from Apple) or a number of other programs. Technically you could just use TextEdit and the Terminal to do everything but that's a bit advanced if you don't know what you're doing.
As far as languages and APIs (All in my opinion of course. Other people may have differing views):
If you were making a 2D puzzle game, I would strongly suggest using something like the Cocoa API with the Objective-C programming language. For more advanced programs (such as the example of 3D first person shooter), you would consider your need for cross-platform ease (how easy it would be to take your game and put it on a computer not running Mac OS X). If that need is high, your best bet would be going with the SDL API along with the OpenGL API with the C/C++ programming language.
Each language and API is designed for different things. Cocoa allows easy integration with Interface Builder for quick creation of your window and the things you want in it. SDL makes cross-platform programming easier. OpenGL is a great API for graphics (especially 3D) that is also cross-platform. I believe OpenGL is also the only (and if not, it's definitely the most used) 3D graphics API for Mac OS X.
Everyone has their own advice and two-cents. Now you have mine along with some links that can get you started. Good luck!
http://www.idevgames.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9890
http://www.idevgames.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9607
http://www.idevgames.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9393
http://www.idevgames.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9178
Basically what you need to do is consider what program you want to make. Not all the specifics but a general idea. Is it a simple 2D puzzle game or a 3D first person shooter? Once you know that you can look into APIs and languages. As far as literal applications that you'll use, for coding you can do everything in Xcode (free from Apple) or a number of other programs. Technically you could just use TextEdit and the Terminal to do everything but that's a bit advanced if you don't know what you're doing.
As far as languages and APIs (All in my opinion of course. Other people may have differing views):
If you were making a 2D puzzle game, I would strongly suggest using something like the Cocoa API with the Objective-C programming language. For more advanced programs (such as the example of 3D first person shooter), you would consider your need for cross-platform ease (how easy it would be to take your game and put it on a computer not running Mac OS X). If that need is high, your best bet would be going with the SDL API along with the OpenGL API with the C/C++ programming language.
Each language and API is designed for different things. Cocoa allows easy integration with Interface Builder for quick creation of your window and the things you want in it. SDL makes cross-platform programming easier. OpenGL is a great API for graphics (especially 3D) that is also cross-platform. I believe OpenGL is also the only (and if not, it's definitely the most used) 3D graphics API for Mac OS X.
Everyone has their own advice and two-cents. Now you have mine along with some links that can get you started. Good luck!
Post: #7
So i've read some of the other threads you linked and I think that maybe programming isn't for me. Everything seems a bit overwelming I worry that I am being a bit to ambitous(?). I haven't done alot with computers in a couple of years and feel a bit out of the loop. I know though that I really want to involve myself in game development. From what I understand coding is probably the hardest part in game developing. Or am I wrong? Anyways, would I make a better decision be doing something else or what. What program is out there for someone to learn that has a good tutorial with it?
Post: #8
If you're looking for the creamy golden nougat of game developing, invest in Unity. http://www.otee.dk/unity/
There you can put to use that 3D modeling you want to do and get into some programming without getting overwhelmed by it. They take care of the painful parts for you and you don't touch them.
-Jon
There you can put to use that 3D modeling you want to do and get into some programming without getting overwhelmed by it. They take care of the painful parts for you and you don't touch them.
-Jon
Post: #9
As far as languages/APIs? There are tons of tutorials. I can only spend so much time helping you out. Try Google and doing searches for things. Try searches like "sdl tutorial mac" or something like that. I'm not sure what that search will get. Google's your best bet.
No one can tell you whether or not programming is best for you. For you to really enjoy it, you have to love solving problems and creating things abstractly. Most people believe the artists create everything but I think there's nothing more rewarding than sitting at my computer with Xcode open for five hours and finally getting to see my terrain engine working.
It's a slow process. Start by learning the basics of C. Then move to C++ or Objective-C (some may argue this but that's how I learned and I think it was a fine way to go). You can't just dive into making 3D graphics though. Build up. I've been working at programming for over a year now (probably almost up to a year on this forum) and there are still tons of things I can't do and am learning to do. Be patient.
To answer your question as far as modeling goes, that depends on what you want to spend to get the app. Cheetah 3d is a great modeler for the cost (only $60, right?). There's Blender and Wings3D (both free). If you work for the big boys of the industry, you'd get to know 3DS Max and/or Maya, but both of those are multi-thousand dollar programs that you probably wouldn't want to get if you don't even know if you'll like it.
No one can tell you whether or not programming is best for you. For you to really enjoy it, you have to love solving problems and creating things abstractly. Most people believe the artists create everything but I think there's nothing more rewarding than sitting at my computer with Xcode open for five hours and finally getting to see my terrain engine working.
It's a slow process. Start by learning the basics of C. Then move to C++ or Objective-C (some may argue this but that's how I learned and I think it was a fine way to go). You can't just dive into making 3D graphics though. Build up. I've been working at programming for over a year now (probably almost up to a year on this forum
) and there are still tons of things I can't do and am learning to do. Be patient.To answer your question as far as modeling goes, that depends on what you want to spend to get the app. Cheetah 3d is a great modeler for the cost (only $60, right?). There's Blender and Wings3D (both free). If you work for the big boys of the industry, you'd get to know 3DS Max and/or Maya, but both of those are multi-thousand dollar programs that you probably wouldn't want to get if you don't even know if you'll like it.
Post: #11hudsey Wrote:From what I understand coding is probably the hardest part in game developing. Or am I wrong?Well, both sides of development (coding and visual arts) have their own forms of difficulties and obstacles. There are always unique problems to solve which require us all to scratch our heads once and a while. I'm not sure if the difficulty of either discipline should be a defining factor of where you want to spend your learning time. I'd say to take the path that you seem to enjoy more than the other. Therefore, it may be good to spend some time with each discipline and see what you find more rewarding and joyful.
Post: #13hudsey Wrote:I was wondering if I could get some input from developers on which program I should use. I am new to everything but, have a decent understanding on how things work. I am currently starting to learn flash but looking to be able to help my friend with his video game he created, The Adventures of Elballo. He has given me his ideas but curious to see what other people have to say. I believe I want to learn more from programming but have some interest in 3d modeling. Anyways, any help and info I could get woud be great. Thank you.
As mentioned before, try out dim3. Stop by our forum:
http://www.idevgames.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=49
Stop by the website:
http://www.klinksoftware.com
And check out dim3. It's free, it's open source, and it hides all the hard parts of programming from you. Also, we have a pretty active user community, and we are all pretty helpful in the forum.
That said, being free it's not something that will cost you to try out, and it comes with a really nice demo of a number of different things. It's about as advanced as anything else out there, and it's development is very user driven.
A little about programming; it's not that hard; it seems overwhelming at first, but it's a large subject with many variations. You just need to have the will to make it over the first couple humps. A number of people using dim3 were in the exact same boat as you, and they overcame it. Using the demos, you can "ease" into the scripting part (which uses JavaScript, same as web pages with a different object model) by making slight changes to tweak the demos to your ideas; then it's a smaller jump to understanding the logic of scripting (programming.)
[>] Brian
Post: #14
If you are already learning flash, stick with it until you either master it, or hate it and throw it out. It will help you get a job and it covers both the art and programming side of things.
Unless you have years of programming experience, or magically develop an in depth understanding of Xcode and programming, with some killer apps to show your skills, Xcode is the very slow road to a very small market. Flash will be on cell phones very soon, making it a three platform option challenging Java and other such things.
Flash work also pretty much has the same "look and feel" as El Ballo...from an art perspective, mostly.
If you have an "interest" in 3D then you best get to trying some 3D software, there is a bunch of threads around here about what everyone is using from free to expensive.
Adobe now owns Macromedia, and thus Flash, and has been working with Intel and other companies for the past few years on a universal 3D format for all types of media...take one plus one plus Apple switching to Intel plus Apple hiring people with real time 3D experience and figure out the future for yourself on that!
Why does El Ballo need help, I thought that was released like a year ago?
Unless you have years of programming experience, or magically develop an in depth understanding of Xcode and programming, with some killer apps to show your skills, Xcode is the very slow road to a very small market. Flash will be on cell phones very soon, making it a three platform option challenging Java and other such things.
Flash work also pretty much has the same "look and feel" as El Ballo...from an art perspective, mostly.
If you have an "interest" in 3D then you best get to trying some 3D software, there is a bunch of threads around here about what everyone is using from free to expensive.
Adobe now owns Macromedia, and thus Flash, and has been working with Intel and other companies for the past few years on a universal 3D format for all types of media...take one plus one plus Apple switching to Intel plus Apple hiring people with real time 3D experience and figure out the future for yourself on that!
Why does El Ballo need help, I thought that was released like a year ago?
Post: #15
As far as elballo is concerned it's more if and when he make's another game. Also, the mac i have is older it has a powerpc 750 cpu and the video card is ATYRage128pro2 w/ 16 mb vram. Though it does have a 500mhz processor and 768 megs of ram. Is that going to be good enough to use dim 3?
