3 replies to this topic

[ChrisMott]

Background info (Feel free to skip but bear in mind before reply) [Skip to very bottom for question]
Hey, first I'd like to introduce myself as a 15 year old boy who has been fascinated by design and design of games for a good 4 years or so, and yes I know it is risky putting my age here as a lot of people will probably answer this insufficiently because of this reason, but nevertheless I want people to know I'm not just some unlearned male adult "nerd".

I have tried making games in the past using Unity but found that firstly importing good quality textures were horrendous which vastly took away the vision I had, but secondly the first few times I tried on my own, but then figured I need someone to motivate me along, to help, confirm my ideas are not just ridiculous renderings in the mind.

I tried doing it with a person of my age at first about a year ago, and unlike my previous attempts we made mind maps or ideas, made sure they were reasonably realistic. Over time my friend began to do less, he insisted I pay him despite we had nothing to sell and that he agreed to help me. Eventually he faded away and the project was abandon but less than a month of starting.
My second attempt was with a boy 2 years younger than me that seemed a lot more enthusiastic about the subject, and surprisingly was more willing to learn and had a more knowledge than the previous individual. I knew that it was a lot to ask of someone to such an age but he succeeded in more than the previous, until it began to use up too much time. I have now decided to try and succeed on my own before attempted to coordinate with people first.

Okay so the bottom line...
Okay so I have tried many things before, my goal is now to create an adventure type game based around unusual quests and missions, essentially like Skyrim (I know I shouldn't base my first game on a previous), except with less typical ideas, less being told to go from one place to another, less blocks of talking that we all like to skip through from time to time.
However I also want a intricate story line like Portal, my primary idea is a series of small places (like Portal rooms...but not) with twists in each, now comes the best part (personally), time is going to be involved, travelling to events in history every few rooms, either as a bonus or a main feature I'm not sure, but these specific events in history will change the way future travellings will be like.

I know this is a long shot and I know I'm not old enough to sell, but at the moment I don't need it for income, I will release it free on my own website based on pocket money I get, I will make sure to get feedback and continuously improve it in my spare time.
I have vague experience in 3DS Max and a more decent understanding on Blender, I know my way around Unity3D fairly well and am slowly learning UDK and Unity. Which is the best software to go with, Blender or 3DS Max, and which Engine is best to go with concerning custom models? I also have vague experience with Lua and Javascript but am willing to learn the best language needed. Thank you for any help you give me, I have tried hard not to seem like the typical teenager and I am willing to accept if an idea is very unlikely. Any feedback is appreciated
Apologizes for any mistakes.

[SimonForsman]

As for blender vs 3dsmax the big question really becomes: Are you going to sell the game ?

3dsmax is available for free for non commercial use, a commercial license is expensive as hell (and far beyond the budget of the average teenager (Even if you're not selling your first game it might be worthwhile to get comfortable with Blender)).

Your budget should probably go towards a professional license for your engine of choice first of all, and then for photoshop if you got money left, if you still got cash to burn after that you could evaluate 3dsmax (it is a nice tool, but it won't affect the end result)

Edited by SimonForsman, 17 December 2012 - 01:11 PM.

[kburkhart84]

I'd say you can go with all free/open-source options. There is so much stuff in 3dsmax and photoshop that for the most part we don't ever need. I use Blender myself, and it works very well with Unity. Blender is free, and the free Unity is good too(though with some limitations). If you need 2d editing(which you will) you can use the GIMP if you need something strong, or something like Paint.NET if you need something simpler.

As far as buying something, if you are well versed in Unity as your post says, that would be the best first thing to buy in my opinion. You already know how to use it, and it gets rid of "real" limitations. I say "real" because though the GIMP is more limited than photoshop in some ways, those ways aren't "real" because they very likely won't affect you, but the lack of real-time shadows in free Unity very well can affect you. The same applies to Blender. There is nothing 3dsmax can do that Blender can't, in some form or other anyway.

Also, there is nothing wrong with using free software, even if it is to make money in the end. The software is provided that way on purpose, and you can always donate, or buy the pro version, later if you really do make some money. Blender is a really good cause to donate to.

[ChrisMott]

Thanks guys that's helpful, but regarding engines, despite I have a bit more experience in Unity, UDK and CryEngine have better graphics, but I haven't found a way to convert or export a blender file to UDK or CryEngine, any suggestions?