Since alot of folks here are in the IT profession and also lots here are gamers/simmers, I was wondering if anyone here could explain what goes into making a computer game. I would imagine the design team is divided into two parts, the artists and the programers. The artists I would guess use standard graphics programs like photoshop, a draw program and a paint program. And the programers just use their compilers. Is this all thats needed to make a computer game? Also what is an “engine” that people refer to in gaming? When in comes to 3D animation I would guess that a game like Quake has 3D and Age of Empires doesnt, is this true? What goes into making 3D? Do the graphic artists use programs like autocad?
By: Nikumba - 15th November 2002 at 09:35
RE: how to make computer games
In Quake the models eg the player characters, weapons, pickups etc were done in Maya as it is a VERY powerful 3D animation programmed. The levels will be made using the engine.
Here are some links
The Art of Computer Game Design
[http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/peabody/game-book/Coverpage.html]
I will have a look over the weekend for some more.
Nikumba
By: mixtec - 14th November 2002 at 22:38
RE: how to make computer games
nikumba-Ive heard recently that the graphics in Quake was done with a program called maya, is this true? Also the only keyword I could think of for a google search was “computer game design” which didnt bring much up except for an interesting online mag called www.gamedev.net . Could you give me some keywords to enter for a search or some good links? thanx
By: frankvw - 14th November 2002 at 17:45
RE: how to make computer games
You forgot one class of people: those who brings the money 😉
By: Nikumba - 14th November 2002 at 16:57
RE: how to make computer games
Most game developers are broken into various sections. For something like Quake stlye game you may have hte following depatments:
Producer
Artists
3D Modelers
Level Designers
Text Texture Designers
Engine programmers
Testers
and a few more.
3D models tend to be created in something like 3D Studio Max or similar software.
When their mention the “engine” this refers to the graphics engine. Everything you see, from the levels, weapons, players is all part of graphic engine. There are many engines out there but the main ones people use are the Quake engine, Unreal Engine, Lithtec Engine. All very powerful but suit different roles.
Most graphic engines are written in C++ language then they are textured and made to look like the environment for the game.
While games like Age of Empires does not use 3D in the sense of a game like Quake it still uses 3D objects, most of these are simple polgon shapes others are “voxels” a voxel is in esscne a 3D pixel, the dots that make up your screen.
I hope that helps, the best thing to do is search on google for sites that go into how a game is made, it is an interesting subject to read.
Nikumba
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November 14, 2002 at 4:43 pm