Java3D and FlyingGuns on JavaLobby.org

Miscellaneous Topics
#1

http://www.javalobby.org/nl/archive/jlnews_20040921o.html#newsfront

#2

Hey, congratulations! ;D

#3

Java games need a flag game that can be put in front of the noose of every java gaming critic. Flying Guns is in the good path i think. FG runs reasonably fast with so AIs in the game at the same time.

There is however some barriers the game needs to overcame before being a flag game for java tech:

  • using a shader language, i wonder how they are going to do this with java3d.

  • atract artists to build great graphics, music, animations, etc and for that they need good format importers / exporters for common apps. Not just simplistic importers for old formats that cannot import animation tracks or advanced material info.

  • being able to create a fun game, having good game design skills and a good game model. I hve read something about mixing terrain vehicles and submarines for ground targets. Not a bad idea. I would add to this controling a foot sholdier that could enter the plane and leave it (the character) after landing in his base to be able to talk to his commander and receive instructions.

#4

Thx zingbat!

All you mention is on the todo list!

  • Java3D is on its way to open up for shaders. Despite of that, I currently create a 3D engine abstraction that will allow to plug other 3D engines (xith, jme, aviatrix, pure ogl) as well. This will also allow to do comparisons and create meaningful benchmarks (not just FPS for a spinning cube)

  • art work: yes, this is a BIG problem. I hope for some donations from the Battlefield 1918 team. FG is able to integrate any kind of loader.

  • gameplay, big point!! FG is a network game, which does not make things easy. OTOH, the underlying architecture was created to be able to hold and manage complex, distributed structures. I feel my part is to make that middleware solid.

There’s a single person working here and there on the project. Maybe 1h/week. Not enough for a flag game.

So … volunteers for 3D? Gameplay? Editors? Artwork? Web?

#5

I still need to learn a lot stuff before doing any game programming in java, but i hope people try to help. Making a good game that sells java is something that will help everyone.

#6

If I had the time… I’d be making a 2D deathmatch game :wink: I can’t get my head round 3D at all!

Cas :slight_smile:

#7

[quote]If I had the time… I’d be making a 2D deathmatch game :wink: I can’t get my head round 3D at all!

Cas :slight_smile:
[/quote]
Remember “Combat” for the Atari 2600 :slight_smile: ?

I had some ideas for a 2d multiplayer game… but no time to do it… Isn’t that always the case? Sigh.

#8

I’ll be making time next year… really want to do that Puppygames deathmatch game…

Cas :slight_smile:

#9

… and I’d love to support that with the HQ things …

The DRTS project already features a 2D deathmatch, JPilot. Taking that as a base?

#10

No idea yet! My ambitions are nothing less than Better Than Soldat so it’ll be a while in the planning…

Cas :slight_smile: