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Falafel
18-07-2007, 10:45 PM
I'm looking to develop some games but currently only use GameMaker. Any other programs I can use to create games relatively easily?

Nandrew
18-07-2007, 11:23 PM
Heads up! You'd have better luck on the old forums (http://forums.tidemedia.co.za/viewforum.php?f=15&sid=cd4f4d9734f71e09646a403841478529), the Game.Dev crew aren't really going to be here until dis moves the old material over, and there's a lotta threads over there that should help answer your question.

Zen
19-07-2007, 09:30 PM
Um well GameMaker is perhaps your best bet really, though I must say if you are keen you could try Java.

dislekcia
20-07-2007, 03:18 PM
It really depends on what you want to do... There are a lot of tools out there that are specialised for particular types of game:

Adventure Game Studio,
RPG Maker,
Multimedia Fusion (A lot of indie devs use this, GM equivalent or so I've heard),
DarkBasic...

And those are just off the top of my head. There are probably tons more. Like I said, it depends on what type of game you want to make.

-D

d-_-b
26-07-2007, 02:04 PM
Heads up! You'd have better luck on the old forums (http://forums.tidemedia.co.za/viewforum.php?f=15&sid=cd4f4d9734f71e09646a403841478529), the Game.Dev crew aren't really going to be here until dis moves the old material over, and there's a lotta threads over there that should help answer your question.

*cough*
old forums (http://forums.tidemedia.co.za/oldforums/viewforum.php?f=15&sid=c7f5f559f4b2f932680a16a80d3a23fa) :)

Regards,

dislekcia
26-07-2007, 08:39 PM
*cough*
old forums (http://forums.tidemedia.co.za/oldforums/viewforum.php?f=15&sid=c7f5f559f4b2f932680a16a80d3a23fa) :)

Regards,

We'll be moving over as soon as Comp 15 ends ;)

-D

CiNiMoDZA
03-08-2007, 05:28 PM
Game Maker!!! It really really is the best program to use!!! Also check out the other Game Maker forums, they really cool! They have really cool tutorials and stuff!

cov1e_stalker
16-08-2007, 12:51 AM
I just want 2 know if C++ a good programming language to learn for a beginner ???

edg3
16-08-2007, 06:29 AM
c++ is fairly complex, and you can learn it if you really want but it would be easier to start with a slightly simpler one.
If you need to look at how c++ works try here: http://www.cprogramming.com
and for pascal/delphi: http://www.pascalgamedevelopment.com/
But I would suggest you work in Game Maker for now, as using its scripting, you can learn all the basics of coding, and forms a decent learning base.

EDIT: typo fix...

Flint
16-08-2007, 05:41 PM
If your motivation for learning a programming language is to create games, I would suggest you try C# before heading into C++. C++ is (as edg3 mentioned) fairly complex, and with XNA maturing nicely, the combination of C# and XNA is a nice one-stop-shop.
All the tools you need to do XNA development are freely available, as are many samples and tutorials, just visit www.microsoft.com/xna.

cov1e_stalker
16-08-2007, 05:50 PM
THX !!!! all i need 2 do now is read 400 pages lol !!!!

Flint
16-08-2007, 06:52 PM
Yup, welcome to the wonderful world of self-taught programming.

edg3
16-08-2007, 07:05 PM
Ive been programming since I was 13 (3 years ago) and what I remember best is what I taught myself through tutorials on the net and in books. Its tedious and time consuming, but generally helpful, as you can adapt after one language easily to another.

Tr00jg
16-08-2007, 07:07 PM
Yep, once you have 1 under your belt, going to another is quite easy!

Flint
16-08-2007, 07:18 PM
Especially two languages from the same paradigm. The additional complexities in C++ will also be much easier to grasp if you're not trying to get to grips with the basics of programming at the same time, so save that for when you're comfortable in Java or C#.

ShadowMaster
16-08-2007, 09:11 PM
THX !!!! all i need 2 do now is read 400 pages lol !!!!

Rather 400 pages that explains the topics nicely, than a crappy 100 page school text book that skims over everything and is not even good for a reference. Thank goodness, I leant programming when I was 12/13.

Also I would suggest you stay with Game Maker, until you get a hang of programming, and avoid langauges like C++(especially C++), Java and C#.

There after you can learn langauges like C++(Which has a LOT of libraries you can use for game dev), Java(I would suggest avoiding this one, since I only know of one game library GTGE) or C#(I don't know much about this langauge but rather learn this than java, because I think XNA is worth it).

UntouchableOne
16-08-2007, 09:37 PM
You guys are lucky that you started programming at a young age. I only started when i was 15 and that was in school although i finished everything including the matric work by the age of 16. I still wish i started earlier. The other languages i know had to be learnt on my own and you guys are absolutely correct when saying that if you have 1 under your belt, others will be easy to learn. I desperately want to start learning C++ but my stupid exams are in the way. I think i would be more effective in making games with C++.

edg3
17-08-2007, 07:13 AM
My dad has text book and references for all the things for his work, so Ive been surrounded by programming for years now.

If you are interested in simpler languages to learn to start (in an effort to avoid C++, Java, and C#) you can try python and Delphi.

They are powerful, but I find them much less complicated, and although its against my preference, I use them often to try things out before I write something in C++ or C#. Its nice when you have a few options you can turn to to try your latest engine concepts in, and make a reality.

/2yuuzaki
17-08-2007, 07:55 AM
The fist languages I started to program was Basic and after that Pascal/Delphi. Now lately I've been doing Java all the time, but I've been thinking that the Delphi/Pascal could be really nice to develop games in. So do any of you guys know of cool Delphi components/tools/libraries/engines in which you can start to develop games in Delphi without having to loose you're soul to learn it? What would be really cool if someone who has developed games in Delphi before could give a A-Z list of things/programs a noob (like me) needs to start to develop games in Delphi.

cairnswm
17-08-2007, 08:59 AM
I've always used Delphi to make my games.

The library most people use to start is DelphiX. After a while I didn't like DelphiX and then tried others. In the end I wrote my own set of libraries called S2DL (Simple 2D Libraries).

Visit www.pascalgamedevelopment.com for more info on Delphi Game Development.

There is an article in the new DelphiGamer (www.DelphiGamer.com) on getting started with S2DL.

/2yuuzaki
17-08-2007, 05:31 PM
Thanks I'll check it out. I've visited www.pascalgamedevelopment.com previously, but I'll have a look at it again. At the moment I'm also looking at Game Maker to develop games in. In the beginning GM looked a bit lame, but after I fiddled around a bit, I decided that I would definitely check it out and would like to learn more. Thanks for the links - I'll definitely have a look!

ShadowMaster
19-08-2007, 09:30 PM
You guys are lucky that you started programming at a young age. I only started when i was 15 and that was in school although i finished everything including the matric work by the age of 16. I still wish i started earlier. The other languages i know had to be learnt on my own and you guys are absolutely correct when saying that if you have 1 under your belt, others will be easy to learn. I desperately want to start learning C++ but my stupid exams are in the way. I think i would be more effective in making games with C++.

Wow, I actually learnt C++ in my grade 8 2nd quarter exams. I find that I have a lot more free time during exams. I do however think that will change in univarsity. :(

Also, after a bit of thought, Java does have one use. You can make cell phone games with it, thus invalidating it as my first choice for programming langauge, because you can't test your games as easily.

At anyone trying to learn a new programming langauge that doesn't want to spend money on game maker. I suggest python, it's easy and has lots of free tutorials(and eBooks).

Tr00jg
19-08-2007, 09:33 PM
Yep, I have lots more free time during exams! Game development is the perfect break from Hamlet.

But this year (considering its my final exams), Ill have to see how it goes...

"To code or not to code, that is the question!"

ShadowMaster
19-08-2007, 09:35 PM
"To code or not to code, that is the question!"

Procastionation the spice of life...

Small little joke:
"Procastonators' club meeting delayed"

edg3
20-08-2007, 07:08 AM
At anyone trying to learn a new programming langauge that doesn't want to spend money on game maker. I suggest python, it's easy and has lots of free tutorials(and eBooks).
Also you can download pyGame, a python game development library for it. My friend has been looking at it for a short while now, and he said he's very impressed with it.

kurtkz
20-08-2007, 09:48 AM
Speaking of python as a gaming language...if you're familiar with python you might want to give http://panda3d.etc.cmu.edu/ a spin. It's an opensource 2D/3D game engine that uses Python as a scripting/development language (the engine itself is in C++).

UntouchableOne
20-08-2007, 01:22 PM
Python is nice. I know the language but I havnt tried game dev with it...looks effective though. Checked out the pygame website some time ago. I havnt met any people on this forum that use python 4 game dev yet...

/2yuuzaki
20-08-2007, 04:38 PM
Python is simple and programming and design can be done fast. I really like how objects are structured and the simple way in which you can program - it's really nice if you want to start to learn how to program and is a simple way to get to know the basics of programming. I also haven't checked out gamedev in Python, but pyGame looks as though it could be worth checking out...

01DT!m3r
14-11-2007, 04:19 PM
I am very interested wit XNA and would like to learn it .But unfortunately my internet connection at home is really bad:( . Is there anyway NAG could put it on one of Thier dvds

edg3
14-11-2007, 04:25 PM
Didnt we get nifty cd's that people got copies of at rAge?
I might have one lying around here somewhere...

Karuji
14-11-2007, 05:55 PM
It really depends on what you want to do... There are a lot of tools out there that are specialised for particular types of game:

Adventure Game Studio,
RPG Maker,
Multimedia Fusion (A lot of indie devs use this, GM equivalent or so I've heard),
DarkBasic...

And those are just off the top of my head. There are probably tons more. Like I said, it depends on what type of game you want to make.

-D

dis can i have an elaboration on rpg maker by any chance?

Coolhand
14-11-2007, 06:32 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RPG_Maker

http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/tkool/RPG_XP/eng/

edg3
14-11-2007, 06:33 PM
RPG maker is a RAD for making RPGs.
Its makes everything fairly simple when it comes to RPGs as all your main work (inventory, skills, monsters, battle, maps, etc) are all packaged with it.

To make a RPG with it there are just a few things you need to do:
- create maps
- create a storyline (along with customising your heroes)
- create triggers or events (eg. chests, portals)
and you're good to go.

Your best bet would be to look for RPG maker XP, but I preferred RPG maker 2000, and cant find it anywhere anymore.

Im not sure if the links below work, but here:
http://www.angelfire.com/realm/hawk/RPG2000.html - RPGM2k + resources
http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/tkool/RPG_XP/eng/RPGM XP site
http://charas-project.net/index.php/index.php?lang=en&news_cont=35 - Resources

Ive also heard the RPG maker will soon have a 3D port, or maybe already does, wouldnt know.

01DT!m3r
14-11-2007, 07:58 PM
sorry edge but I didnt get a cd probably cause i went on the friday in the morning and didnt stay long :(

edg3
15-11-2007, 02:00 PM
I'll try find it and make you a copy. When I find it I'll pm you so I can get an address to post it to or dop it off at. :)

Karuji
15-11-2007, 06:17 PM
ok looked at rpg maker and after a long discussion with edg3 concluded that im sticking with gm woot ^.^

J_MaN92
21-11-2007, 10:46 PM
hello all
I really want to get into GM
but I'm obliviously a real noob at it
I'm starting IT next year (Gr10) so thats should help with the coding etc..
but can anyone tell me where I can get the program? :D

dislekcia
22-11-2007, 12:55 AM
hello all
I really want to get into GM
but I'm obliviously a real noob at it
I'm starting IT next year (Gr10) so thats should help with the coding etc..
but can anyone tell me where I can get the program? :D

http://www.yoyogames.com/gamemaker

-D

ShadowMaster
22-11-2007, 09:58 PM
hello all
I really want to get into GM
but I'm obliviously a real noob at it
I'm starting IT next year (Gr10) so thats should help with the coding etc..
but can anyone tell me where I can get the program? :D

Here are a few pieces of advice:
-Get as many guides as you can and find the one that suits you the best. You are after all learning a new way of thinking.

-Stick with conventions, don't deviate just to be unique, you are just making your code harder to read and thus making it harder for people to help you.

-If you ever need any help, just ask. :) Be it basic programming problems, algorithm problems or even that your code is running too slow. We will gladly help you, which is what we are hear for. :)