Game Development

PenTanium

PenTanium

New member
Hey guys, I just want to post this thread to find out who ever use UDK, Unity, Source Engine, CryEngine 1-2(3), XNA, Golden Source, (insert game engine here...) here.

What did you use?
Did you find it easy to use it?
What sources did you use to learn yourself to use the chosen engine?
Which engine do you think is best to start with?
Which engine do you think is better in terms of earning revenue, user friendlyness, etc.?
Any more advice to wanabe-game developers?

:D

I just want to know what you guys have to say about the above. :)

Game developers in South-Africa is very rare, and what I've heard and read, developers make a ton load of money.
 
There are a few factors to consider in posing questions like the ones above
What platform are you hoping to develop on, what type of games are you planning on Building ?

I've used a few engines, Unity, XNA, Torque, Ogre, UDK for various projects
I would recommend as a starter to start with something easy, 2D dev etc, I used the Torque tools for that and it worked like a charm in creating a little top down shooter etc, fair warning though it is C++ intensive and does require knowledge of programming to use.

Other less Technical options are available, I know SA has a following of users who develop stuff on Gamemaker etc, more simplistic type of engine but has as a result simpler end product potential.

The best thing you can do in terms of revenue generation etc is to develop something that can be solf through MS Marketplace etc, this gives you a independent sales channel with a high user base, as a start at least
 
I am currently nearing completion of my game, Blazin' Aces

For now I am using Game Maker. What I enjoy and prefer about it, is that it is so simple to prototype your game. Theres no point spending too much time on a game mechanic that doesn't work. Game Maker is awesome in simplifying that process. I am not a programmer, in fact I am a graphic designer, so my programming is very limited.

Game Maker fills that gap and allows me to test stuff quickly and tweak it with ease.

The best example of using this would have be be given by the QCF guys. Desktop Dungeons had been made with game maker, and is now being developed commercially with Unity. For me Game Maker is the best solution for guys who arent too clued up with programming.
 
Game Dev is a mission. It might seem easier to use a engine but there is still a whole lot of things to do.

I totally agree with the replies above that you should start with Game Maker, or even start with doing mods for unreal engine or so. Doing maps etc.
 
Yeah I agree with Pantsula.

If you keen on 3d game dev, rather try modding another engine. The Unreal 3 engine is great, allows for a lot of flexibility. Make models, textures, stages and what not to get the hang of it. The tools that come with Half Life 2 are also great because you get a decent turn around time as well.

As for programming, I recommend Game Maker as a start :)
 
I'm going to throw in my token of +1 agreement with the general consensus here
start small, and if you're really into it perhaps also join a community like game.dev(not that they have a dedicated site as such)
or one of the other south african dev communities, this way you have experience to pull on when you run into hicups.
You'll also get a decent crowd to test stuff for you who know more or less whats going on, as well as the experiences of
other people selling games(or planning to sell them) in SA like QCF and tasty poison.
 
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