3D game design programs

#1

Hello, I’m looking for something that’s 3D capable for game implementation. I know how to do light programming in Java and Javascript (nothing extremely advanced) so I could probably be able to add code. I know about DarkBasic but that’s about it. Are there any other tools out there that will allow you to build a basic game without extensive coding knowledge? I would like to find a program like that for the other people that are going to play because a lot of them don’t know how to code at all. I don’t want to put a LOT of time in the coding myself but more of it into the look of the game since this is only for about 10 - 20 people at the most. Just something simple with the possibility to expand it if we decide to.

Thanks,

Kyph

P.S. If you’ve ever played Dark Reign II that’s the kind of look I’m going for. Something that’s a true 3D RTS game. They have a good implementation for mods but the exporter’s for Max 3.1 and I really don’t want to downgrade Max just for this and I wouldn’t mind learning something new instead.

#2

Hey Kyphur, Ive never played Dark Reign II but there is this 3d 1st person shooter creation program called GCS (Game Creation System). It is made by a company called Pie in the Sky Software. I havent delved deep into it yet, (Fourth term college student. Tooo much work, soo little time :slight_smile: but I have done some of the tutorials and it is quite possible to create a first rate game. There is absolutely no coding needed to create a game!!! You simply build your levels, set up your enemies, set up your interface and your ready. The GCS system comes with some generic characters for enemies and such but these are as funky and cheesy as you can get! The GCS allows for you to create and import your own characters as 3D models or 2D sprites. Overall you probably cant make a PS2 or XBOX title but I believe (and intend to do!) that a first rate game can be created if the time and effort is put into it.

By the way, there are samples of games created by GCS users available for download on the internet but I dont think you should measure the capabilities of the GCS by these. THEY SUCK! But by all means check them out! you might find something interesting. You’ll also get an incling of what the GCS is capable of. Happy Game Creating. Hope to be seen again soon.

S

#3

Thanks for the response Shahadi, this is something along the lines of what I’m looking for.

A friend of mine has told me about Dark Basic also which is similar to what you’re talking about. I’m going to see how it’s working for him and if so may just go with that if it looks/sounds better than GCS.

Anyway, thanks and if you come across anything else lemme know as I will do the same.

Kyph

#4

Take a year or so to study c++ and openGL…best think you will ever do for yourself…

#5

That would defeat the entire purpose of why I posted this. I need something now and for people who have no clue or desire for programming. I need a wysiwyg infterface for people who are interested in a game but don’t want to devote a YEAR or more just to understand how to make something simple. Just like GMAX for game developers only not so expensive for ME to buy and develop.

Kyph

#6

Hey!

Im interested in doing the same but Im looking more for a commercial venture. And of course I have very little cash and a limited team. Here are some place that i’ve checked so far.

www.quest3d.com***
www.3dstate.com
www.shark3d.com

The site compares a few different engines. really cool!

www.digitalcomplete.com/gametools/content/gameengines.htm

Im probably going to go with Quest3d. cause it seems the most user friendly.

Hope this help.

#7

Thanks for the links, I will definantly be looking over these. If I find any info worthwhile on anything else I’ll be sure to let you know.

Kyph

#8

Well it seems to me that if you to create a professional game you WILL have to go through programming. There is no way around that.

Licence a commercial 3d engine will be a BIG help you but they are quite expensive. You can also look into sharewares engines but in any case you will need some engineers.

The nature of a game and the market make it impossible to create a product without programming.

If you are not looking to create a real commercial game anything will do !

You can also use director/shockwave to create prototypes or small products using 3d.

#9

I’m not looking to make the game commercial, just between a couple of people 6 - 10, maybe a bit more and have it where ANY of them can manipulate it in a pretty basic way. Like I said, I would like something like GMax DEV but doesn’t cost me an arm and a leg. Also, this isn’t my main gig, if I wanted to spend time on a commercial game I would but since I’m only doing this for a select few people and just for fun then I need a wysiwyg editor that EVERYONE can use and doesn’t cost that much.

Kyph

#10

Here are a couple of relatively cheap point-and-click/simple scripting game engines you might want to check out:

3D Game Studio A5

Blitz3D/Blitz Basic

Of course, you won’t get completely professional quality from these tools, but they’re not bad considering the cost and relative ease of use.

#11

Hej,

I use Virtools for my Game Design Prototypes. I’m currently working on a X-Box title ( release Q4 2003 ) which was sold to the studio where I work, through a design doc and additional prototype ( Virtools ) on E3.

note : Game Prototype is not mine but created by Klaus Lyngeled ( The Matrix, Sacrifice, Messiah )

Grts,
Sai

#12

Check wildtangent.com – directx api that works with java or c/c++, it involves a fair bit of coding, but nothing terribly obscure, and they have tons of templates and example code to get started. they also have lots of tools – world builder and model importers.

#13

I can think of two products off the top of my head… The first is blender (you can do an aweful lot point and click… The UI takes a couple of weeks to get your head around and you might want to learn python to do advanced stuff… dont worry its real easy, A lot easier than Java)

The second is an engine called Genisus 3d that I saw around a couple of years ago. (It was on the cover of a digit magazine) I don’t know where to find it or what has happened to it.

#14

the genesis engine can be found at www.genesis3d.com/index.php it requires a fair amount of c/c++ knowledge though

#15

Hej,

Virtools is the official prototyping tool for X-Box and I am pretty satisfied with the product. However I think it cannot live up to the quality that a final game product requires. One big commercial game has been produced by and is running on the Virtools engine though. Judge for yourself if this is quality or not …

http://www.syberia.info

Grts,
Sai

#16

i made some tries with virtools for a study project. it seem´s to have a very good workflow, another advantage is it´s good maya support!
have a look: http://www.virtools.com/
the online-games examples are very cool!

it´s more point and click than real coding, but c++ is also included…so you can personalize your behaviors (but there are yet a lot of standard bevs inside)…all told: nice tool!

another impressive one is the shark engine…but it´s more real coding!!! advantage: the price, it´s not very expensive…

so take a look!

greetz

:beer:

#17

hi All,

Why don’t you try Director, there some shockwave games out there that is pretty impressive. Ask your teach if you could get a student version, it doesn’t cost and arm or a leg.

It is all lingo base. Pretty fast learning cerve too.:slight_smile:

hope the above info help.

Ps: you can import your meshes in easily. If you’re a Max user, better still.

#18

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