where to start?

SPo0n · Posted: Thu May 22, 2003 2:06 pm Post subject: where to start?

I understand the basics of the following languages:

Java
PHP
Perl
C/C++
Python

Now i need to know where to get started for programming a linux game (freeware, linux only - no windows). I'd like to do a racing game (with fully modifyable cars (you buy parts), damage model, realistic sounds physics and cars), but i've got no idea where to start. I found some OpenGL tutorials, but they don't really say how to create a world, or what engines to use for drawing 3d objects. I guess it'd be easier for me to use someone elses engine than coding my own given my lack of knowledge.

What sort of things would i need to do? Things i can think of:

make cars, tracks, objects, sounds etc
make menus for the game
use libraries to do things (which ones?)

I know this all sounds a bit ambitious but i'm willing to learn and take it a step at a time, i just need a kick up the arse to get me going

Any words of wisdom, links or other help? thanks

beowulf · Apprentice Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 225

I believe that if you're making a game of this magnitute, you should pick up ASM for the engine... And man, car physics is some hard stuff...

Why not start off by seeing how others do it... I believe Tux Racer has sources that you could check out... see what they did... see what languages they used... I'd start out there... Just checking source from other games to give you a better idea of where you want to go and how to get there...
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RangerDude · Guru Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 301

This could take several years to make from scrach. It will be quite a challenge and you will most likely give up pretty fast. No offence meant. Games are hardcore to make. I once made a room with 2 cubes in it and basic 3D moving using Direct3D :oops:

And that was quite some work in itself- when you have to learn it at the same time.
If you are really serious about making a good car game- I definately would recommend to use an engine, so you wouldn't waste too much time leaning very basic-time-consuming stuff, and could concentrate on the actual game.
One interesting enginge you will find here- but it costs 100$.

GuidoJ · Guru Joined: 24 Dec 2002 Posts: 444 Location: Netherlands

Did you have a look at:

PLIB
Cal3D
CrystalSpace

charlieg · Posted: Fri May 23, 2003 3:36 pm Post subject:

PyGame?
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-Leviathan- · n00b Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 5

Torque

telex4 · l33t Joined: 21 Sep 2002 Posts: 704 Location: Reading, UK

If you want to start simple and work your way up, I wrote a tutorial for making games with Pygame that's to be included in the Pygame docs in their next release:

http://www.tomchance.uklinux.net/pygame/

It might be a little too simple for you though

bmichaelsen · Posted: Sun May 25, 2003 2:38 pm Post subject:

emerge -s TORCS
Searching...
[ Results for search key : TORCS ]
[ Applications found : 1 ]

* app-games/torcs
Latest version available: 1.0.0-r1
Latest version installed: [ Not Installed ]
Size of downloaded files: 11,767 kB
Homepage: http://torcs.org
Description: TORCS car simulator.

cu, björn