Quote:Original post by RangerWest
I have a Ph.D. in physics, and I was looking for the quickest route

[lol]

Welcome to GameDev!

Thanks everyone!

What are the best indy games developed by Torque?

What are the best Torque games developed by one person, end-to-end?

What are the best commercial Torque games?

What are the best indy Torque games?

I'm just trying to get a broad picture of Torque's power.

Thanks again for all the feedback. It's rocked. :)

Thanks again guys!

For anyone who has developed an indy or commercial game, what kind of community software did you use for:

1) hosting/building/attracting the development community
2) hosting/building/attracting the player's community
3) selling the game
4) publicizing the game

Did anyone use nuke software such as phpnuke and postnuke? What would you recommend for building the above presences on the web.

Basically, if you were to distribute/sell your game on a shoestring tomorrow, what kind of software would you use for the web presence?

Live links to examples always rock.

Thanks!

Ranger :)

Quote:Basically, if you were to distribute/sell your game on a shoestring tomorrow, what kind of software would you use for the web presence?

I would program a custom content management system. Whenever I see a site that is based off of the *nuke cms I can tell. It doesn't feal professional, nor unique. By completely coding the website yourself you get what is needed for the game, and not so much of all the features that plague the nuke cms. Also by programming your own cms you get to know how the system works, enabling you to get better results when writing your own code further down in development.

http://harrypotter.ea.com/
http://thesims.ea.com/
http://www.idsoftware.com/games/quake/quake3-gold/
http://www.gameoftheyear.com/

Now, I really don't have any experience with game development tools/engines (trying to learn how to do it myself), but make sure you aren't jumping in too deep too soon. Graphics and ideas are only half the process. Game logic and internal design are pretty big parts. My first big project I did as a school requirement and even though it has only been a year, I still cringe at it has due to my inexperience. I don't know if you have done much in the way of logic/scripting programming, but step your way into it. Get a style down, and making a big game can get so much easier. Your idea looks awesome though. And a Ph.D. in physics. That had to be sooo much work. This project is easily within your grasp with a little building. Go for it!

Screw any engines... I suggest picking up SDL for a framework, and use OpenGL for your 3d stuff. It will be awsome to see what you can come up with for real-time simulation. Welcome to the community.

I'm totally humbled by game developers.

I might have a Ph.D. in physics, but when I see or play a good game, it blows me away--all the coding, art, storytelling, and design, and the massive coordinated collaboration--it just blows me away.

I've always loved literature, storytelling, movies, and physics.

It seems that all of these are converging in video games.

I'll be setting up some sites to get the project(s) underway:

AUTUMN RANGERS

It might take years to complete, but that's OK.

I've spent two years on a 500 page novel and feature-length screenplay, with the same classical/contemporary plot--there's a lot of action and cool characters including a US Marine (Ranger), a supercompuer with AI (APRIL), a hot folksinger with special powers created by APRIL (Autumn), and evil RoboDrones and RoboClones also created by APRIL after she was turned against Ranger. AUTUMN RANGERS

I have an agent and I've been living out in Hollywood some--I may be involved in a conference that'll feature storytelling in videogames this spring.

I'm friends with a couple musicians who've had songs featured on MTV/TV--one got nominated for a grammy, so we could probably use their music for a movie/video game on down the line.

It'll be interesting to see which drops first--the screenplay/video game/novel/website.

But just working on Autumn Rangers is pay enough.

The best advice that I've ever seen, and it comes up over and over again, is follow your passions.

Joe Esteraus (Basic Instinct/Jagged Edge/Footloose) said it.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said it.
Practically every book on video game design I've seen says it.

Feel free to drop me a line at ranger@jollyroger.com

If anyone lives in the Research Triangle (North Carolina) or LA, it could be fun to meet up.