what is required to make a game?

Stu L Tissimus · Post by **Stu L Tissimus** » Sat Aug 21, 2004 2:56 pm

Okay, I am very new to game programming. From what I have gathered, Irrlicht is only for graphics. So, what else (besides a physics engine) do I need for a functional game?

Also, unrelated question: can you change the graphics used for the GUI? If so, how?

bal · Post by **bal** » Sat Aug 21, 2004 3:38 pm

- graphics
- physics
- sound
- (eventually) network
-and a lot of knowledge

About the GUI graphics, what do you mean with "graphics"? You can change the size, color and so on but if you want to change the form (like an oval button) then you'll have to modify the source

. Hmm not really, you can also you use an alpha-channel for your button-image but I think you got the point

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 21, 2004 7:39 pm

About the GUI graphics, what do you mean with "graphics"?

I think he means "how to use a custom bitmap for my GUI buttons"
I may be wrong...

Christian · Post by **Christian** » Sat Aug 21, 2004 7:59 pm

if you are new to programming, i recommend a program called Game Maker 5.0, its a game engine, all included, and you can also use a simplified programming languaje, great for beginners.

Midnight · Post by **Midnight** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 11:41 pm

Game Maker is GREAT for making 2d games like side scrollers IT IS NOT GOOD AT ALL for teaching you programming outside of game maker nor is it good for learning overall game design.

Most people don't see why game maker is not a good learning tool. Thats just it though it's a tool designed to allow you to create 2d games without knowing much about game design. It's not something good to learn with. It's something to use instead of learning programming.

Now allow me to clear something else up Irrlicht is not a physics engine nor is a physics engine required for game design.. A physics engine creates real life physics for virtual worlds such as realistic gravity or or movement. such as "the ragdoll effect" seen in some modern games like america's army.

Irrlicht is a GRAPHICS engine it allows you to draw in 3d (2d also) and render models/textures in real time 3 dimensions thats all. (as if that isn't enough)

Irrlicht has built in "windows like" GUI for creating menu systems for use in game design projects or possably for use in game design tools built with Irrlicht such as a map editor or the GUI editor I'm working on.

so in conclusion to answer the question...

What is (the bare minimum) nessesary to build a (3D) game?

1. Programming Ability
2. A 3D Graphics Engine (such as Irrlicht)
3. Game Resources (textures, models, effects)

ANYTHING beyond that is extra and some things require more then others such as if you wanted to have the ragdoll effect you would have to use a physics engine to achieve it.

And to answer the other question...
YES IRRLICHT CAN BE MODIFIED AND CHANGED HOWEVER YOU LIKE.
With programming you can design a custom game world but to change "graphics" better known as GUI Elements like the shape of windows you would need to modify Irrlicht source or use some kinda alpha texture tricks to change there appearence.....but you have to realise there are no textures that make up those Elements they are made completely using colors and coordinates.

Acki · Post by **Acki** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 12:13 am

Well, I think Sound (openAL for example) should be includet, too...
Because a game without any sounds is preatty boring...

Midnight · Post by **Midnight** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 12:26 am

Well, I think Sound (openAL for example) should be includet, too...
Because a game without any sounds is preatty boring...

good point.. but not essential.. and could be considered a game resource.. one that would require another engine of course.

I was attempting to keep it simple for him/her for the time being...

should have your hands full with programming as it is...

baby steps

hell if you want to get bluntly technical you could say that all that is required is programming knowladge and paint experience. everything else could be barrowed or downloaded. hell why not design your own graphics engine everybody's doing it.

Evil Mr Sock · Post by **Evil Mr Sock** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 4:06 pm

I suppose if you really wanna boil it down, all you need to make a game is the ability to plot a pixel anywhere you want on the screen.

xhrit · Post by **xhrit** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 12:34 am

>Game Maker is GREAT for making 2d games like side scrollers IT IS NOT GOOD AT ALL for teaching you programming outside of game maker nor is it good for learning overall game design.

Hey Midnight, I think that is why I decided to make a 2d game using Irrlicht when I could have made it much easier with Game Maker... And when you DO get a 2d game running, switching it to 3d will not be hard at all...

Stu L Tissimus · Post by **Stu L Tissimus** » Wed Sep 08, 2004 1:16 am

Thanks for all of the replies. Does anybody have a favored sound or physics engine?

bal · Post by **bal** » Wed Sep 08, 2004 2:37 pm

Sound: OpenAL/FMod (I use FMod but they are almost equal I think)
Physics: ODE/Newton (I use the last one, it is windows-only, but the collision is a lot better imo).

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Sep 09, 2004 2:50 pm

I'll take a look at ODE, since I want something cross-platform. Thanks for your help!