Can i get a wise advice from a veteran friend?

Newbie & Debugging Questions
#1

Well, here is my newbie (just started to learn Java) dilema:

I want to make a 3D rpg-adventure, let’s say, and I need to know what tools-programs-engines-whatever can help me to create those:

-Objects that really react to gravity, someone who loses conciousness, and the heavy parts of his body can make him fall in a lot of diferent ways, depending on the position he’s body was. And things that can deform, like a shirt that falls to the ground.

-Make some really well made textures, like the leather from a jacket, jeans, a puffy towel…

-Actually if I write everything I want, it will take much time of anyone who cares to help, so I will supose you got the idea. I need tools to let me draw and model to a state of art level. Is there anything like that avaible, or only the big company’s have those kind of engines? If so, is it possible to create something like that by myself, and finish in less then a few years? I have the history-script ready (been building it for like 18 years), music, concept art (I’m an amateur musician and cartoonist), everything in mind and paper, I know exactly what I want, just don’t know it’s possible. Please, anyone can give me hand?

Thank you very much for your time,
Rantaine

#2

you started when you were 7? :o

sry for not anwsering you… I’m yet another game dev wannabe.

#3

Well, … hm… I don’t know how to help you. First of all, you need to learn how to programme, then read a book about making simple games, then try to do some simple games. When you’ve done that for a year or so, come back and ask about 3D.

#4

Kova - I said 18 but I meant 12, sry. Started to write diaries and novels at 13, thats when it began.

Appel - I already know the basic about programming (learned a little on Delphi), and I will study hard on Java this year. I will search for books like you told… I also tought about using AutoCAD or 3D Studio, to model. Don’t think they can really let me model detailed stuff, but I will check it out.

#5

Since you already know what kind of a game you want to create, one possibility would be to gather a small team of experienced developers to help in implementing your ideas. You would document the game concept, draw graphics, write the story etc., and other people would take care of the programming. Especially if your game will be big, it’s be impossible to build it all alone in a reasonable time.

#6

Since your main interest seem to be to bring your story to live, you may consider to take your chance in the modding community. Maybe an Oblivion-Mod may be a better fit than working from scratch.

#7

I think cylab is right, given your experience with programming you might have to add another 12 years to write everything from scratch, and that is if you got huge amounts game development talent.
There are some competent 3D game libraries available like jME, Xith3D or even Java3D, but even those will require lots of additional programming to get to the point where you want to be: Applying your artistic skills and game ideas.

You can also try the Unreal engine. It’s got really an awesome toolset for building content, and you can get programming experience by getting into UnrealScript (a game tailored, java-like scripting language).

If you really want to go the java route, try something easy first. Do an asteroids game or something. If that works out fine, do it again in 3D using one of the mentioned java gaming libraries to get some grasp of what 3D game development entails.

#8

Ty to all of you who answered, I already made my mind. I will focus on learning Java for now, and try to build my own tools in the way.
I don’t want to make that game for money, and problably by the time it’s ready, off-line RPG’s games will be just for a few die-hard fans of the genre. And I believe those will enjoy it.

As soon as I have something to show, this place will be the first to know.

Ty again. :smiley: