TIGSource Forums

Hi,

I'm just learning to develop games, and I thought that my learning project could be a strategy. Could you please tell what engine is the best for a strategy game (preferably 3D) or would it be best to use DirectX and write the game completely myself?

Thanks in advance,
MadMonkey

I'd say the best strategy would be to start smaller.
much smaller.



or you could look at Unity if your desperate and want to skip everything worth learning.

Oh, sorry, ok... So the better question than would be, how should I start, I have basic Python knowledge, a little of pyGame, a bit of java, a bit of "visual basic". So how should I start, would you recommend something for me to do?

go through some tutorials and create some very simple games first. you can't just start with a 3D strategy game, those are enormously difficult to code, they'd take at least 50,000 lines of good code, when you probably can't even yet write 1,000 lines of good code. start with something like a tetris clone or a shmup

Thanks for the advice, one more question then, what programing language with or without libraries I should learn/use?

Do you want to become a programmer or a gamedesigner ?
anyhow: I'd start with Python (since it's a small language, modern and nicely Object Oriented)

maybe you can start with this book  (http://learnpythonthehardway.org/book/)
I reckon it'll take you 3 weeks to finish it if you work a couple of hours daily on it.

at that time you'll have made a few text games, and some small applications.
then your more then ready to look at pyGame and make some graphical 2d games.

and have fun!

it doesn't matter in the least. people get too hung up about things that don't matter at all. it's like asking 'i want to learn to draw, do i use #2 pencils, mechanical pencils, colored pencils, or what?'

If you know Python then a good choice would be to go with Python + PyGame. It's very easy to work with and it's very capable for all basic games ;)

Thanks for the tip. :)

Construct (2) was developed by a strategy game maker, and it's got some quick built in tools for RTS (line of sight, movement, etc).

It's great for cutting your teeth on. Not 3D, though.

Hi, I would like to ask you about a strategy game maker for 2D RTS and RPG game.

What I want to create is something similar to EVE online or X3 but as a strategy game could be compared with sins of a solar empire.I want to focus on the empire building and keeping it open ended. It's an attempt to make an open ended strategy game. It would be nice if the editor supports MP.

I guess that'd be one of your first (if not first) game(s)?
Better look for something easier to make than any form of RTS.

Also, all the examples you gave are 3D (don't know about X3, never heard of it).

How about a platformer or something like that for start?  :concerned:

classic!, I take it it's multiplayer too ?

Thanks for a quick answer!

Yes, it's my first game and maybe I will create something more simple like a TD but with that same tool that have capability to create a 2D RTS/RPG game. The examples I gave were 3D games but  I rather have a 2D game.

Ah, I see. You're trying to pick something which you plan to use for the long term.

Tbh, it doesn't really matter which one you pick. If you master one programming language, it's a lot easier to master another. Most of the principles carry over to other languages. Go with an easy to learn one (like Construct) for the basics. Or something with a little steeper learning curve but more depth (like Python/Unity) if that's too easy for you.

I agree with this!

I guess you could say I'm someone who's just past complete beginner and into the novice stage of learning - I started with AS3. I've learnt how to do a lot of things, whilst being shielded from more of the overwhelming stuff, and only now am I (very) slowly poking around at other languages - but I can testify that once you've learnt any language it's much much muuuch quicker to pick up a second one.

So I'd say if you know a bit of python/pygame, stick with that! :)

Another tip is don't go into it expecting to make a game straight away, for months all I produced (and still am tbh) is these small "showcase" projects where I would figure out a particular mechanic. Then I would start a new one incorporating the old one and figuring out another mechanic. :) good luck!