Computer Association of SIUE - Forums

CAOS Forums => Lounge => Topic started by: John on 2007-09-05T11:05:13-05:00 (Wednesday)

Title: Game Development
Post by: John on 2007-09-05T11:05:13-05:00 (Wednesday)
Myself and another undergraduate are trying to get together a team to create a video game. We do not  want to create a trivial game such as a board game but, instead, want to create a real video game that is both engaging and time consuming. We have some great ideas for games so far, but would like to hear what other people's ideas are as well as get other people involved. We would like to get a team together where each individual can focus on his/her speciality (networking, data structures, graphics, etc.) potentially from many different majors.

There are a plathora of reasons for doing this, but, I think, the major reason would be the chance to put something like this on your resume. Employers receive thousands of resumes each year from Computer Scientist graduates, but, generally, only those who have shown that they can take that extra step into their field are the ones that make it to the top and get that larger offer.

Next week sometime (I will post when once I have figured out a good time and place) I am going to try and give a presentation on what I would like this development team to consist of and a more focused explination of what the game will consist of (Sorry, about the preposition. I am sick, and it's the best I can do right now). If you would be interested in attending this meeting, please send me a personal message or an email (jojenki at siue), so I can plan accordingly. Of course, if you come to this meeting it doesn't mean that you are part of the team or anything, but if you are at all interested, I highly recommend you show up to really hear what all this team has to offer

Thanks, and I will post the meeting time later this week.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Jesse Cook on 2007-09-05T15:19:28-05:00 (Wednesday)
I am seriously interested in this.  I actually already have a game in mind that I believe would make millions of dollars if sold to Nintendo.  In any event, I have Graphics, AI, Advanced Algorithms, and Neural Networks to name a few.  The only problem is time.  I'm doing senior projects, working 30 hours a week, and getting married this semester.  However, this does not change my enthusiasm for this type of project especially if we were to use something like the Nintendo DS as our target platform.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: raptor on 2007-09-05T15:25:08-05:00 (Wednesday)
not overly sure if i have any area of specialty per say. but i'm the well rounded type and every team needs beer and i can definately get that.  I'm interested to see what you have.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Kaitlyn Schmidt on 2007-09-05T20:34:39-05:00 (Wednesday)
Quotenot overly sure if i have any area of specialty per say. but i'm the well rounded type and every team needs beer and i can definately get that. I'm interested to see what you have.

Funny thing is, I know you're not joking about the beer ^-^
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Rick Lynch on 2007-09-05T21:41:42-05:00 (Wednesday)
Now is the time that I wish I was not just a freshman so I could participate.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Kit on 2007-09-06T08:55:11-05:00 (Thursday)
If you guys are making a DS game, I am totally in. I have a lot to offer for that.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: John on 2007-09-06T11:01:58-05:00 (Thursday)
Excellent! I am glad to have had such a positive response. It does seem like the DS is a prime choice of platform. I don't have a date set yet, because I wanted to see when the majority of you would be available. I was thinking we would do it Wednesday or Thursday night around 7:30. Also, if anyone knows of a place that would be available one of those nights or where I would go to reserve a room, that would be very helpful.

As for Freshmen that would like to participate, you should still come and see what the project is all about. One thing I would like to include is the ability for all years to be able to contribute. I am not sure if this will be completely possible as it will be based on current ability, but if not, there is a good chance that this project might last longer than a year which would put you in a great position to take over other's place if they left.

Anyway, I will try to post an official time and place tomorrow. Hope to see you all there.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Jesse Cook on 2007-09-06T18:56:06-05:00 (Thursday)
Let's have this as a discussion point for the CAOS meeting tomorrow night.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: John on 2007-09-06T21:37:09-05:00 (Thursday)
That's OK, I guess, but I will not be able to attend. I have a Dr. appt. in Springfield. I guess just post whatever was concluded.

Thanks,
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Jesse Cook on 2007-09-07T07:13:26-05:00 (Friday)
We can just announce the meeting time and concept.  Might draw in more participation.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Kit on 2007-09-07T23:31:53-05:00 (Friday)
Maybe I will give another NDS programming presentation?

Anyways... to whet your appetite:

http://www.ndshb.com/ (http://www.ndshb.com/)
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Rick Lynch on 2007-09-08T01:17:52-05:00 (Saturday)
I think it would be awesome if you did give another presentation on the NDS Programming.

I'm glad to hear that I'll be able to participate one way or another as a freshman in this project. I hope we start soon!
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Brian Pritchett on 2007-09-08T16:11:59-05:00 (Saturday)
This was mentioned at the CAOS meeting and it got me interested. Thursday night would be good for me.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: delia feerer on 2007-09-08T16:14:45-05:00 (Saturday)
Thursday night would also be good for me..
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Brent Beer on 2007-09-08T17:04:40-05:00 (Saturday)
im so game for this...pun very intended

edit: sig, cause I'm a gamer foh realz^_^;
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Rick Lynch on 2007-09-10T02:27:36-05:00 (Monday)
thursday night or whatever night would work fine, just not wednesday
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: feyerabend on 2007-09-10T03:37:03-05:00 (Monday)
I just thought before any freshmen do this you should read this link http://citiad.otc.edu/~snyderm/cit125/ppt/AllegianceGameplayDesign1999June.pdf the teacher worked on this project in 99 and is now teaching game design.  Its worth a look at for freshmen any one who has not taken any game design or software design. So they have idea what it takes to design a game.

I thought I'll put my two cents in
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: John on 2007-09-11T11:35:31-05:00 (Tuesday)
Alright, Thursday night sounds like the overwhelming favorite. The only issues are that the AB presentation is that night, and I still haven't found an available room. My thought was that we would all meet at the tables in the Atrium of the Engineering building right outside the auditorium near the stairwell after the AB presentation which should get over around 8. Unfortunately there isn't a projector out there for me to display my slides, but they aren't that great anyway. I could probably say what I wanted to say without them. If AB leaves right at 8, then, maybe, we can use the auditorium.

So, to recap, the meeting will be:

Date: Thursday, September 13, 2007
Time: 8 p.m.
Place: In the Engineering building, in the atrium (the large open area on the first floor), at the tables that are closest to the stairwell

Hope to see you all there!  :-D
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Jarod Luebbert on 2007-09-11T15:00:13-05:00 (Tuesday)
I'll be there. :)
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Brent Beer on 2007-09-12T00:02:47-05:00 (Wednesday)
Depending on my current gaming addiction, homework, studying for a test on Friday, i might be there? =\
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Jimmy Prager on 2007-09-13T13:07:03-05:00 (Thursday)
Ill be there, unless you dont want a freshman :(
in which case you suck, and ill still probably be there.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Ryan Carriel on 2007-09-13T16:56:42-05:00 (Thursday)
I'll be there :)
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Rick Lynch on 2007-09-13T18:16:12-05:00 (Thursday)
I'll try to make it. I will be running a little late even if I can make it. I hope that you guys go for at least an hour or two.

Rick
Title: Jesse's Email
Post by: Brent Beer on 2007-09-13T22:16:41-05:00 (Thursday)
Jesse Cook's email is not listed in his forum profile. So, that being said, hold e-mails and wait for him to actually read this or me or someone else to bring his attention to the boards.
Title: Re: Jesse's Email
Post by: Brian Pritchett on 2007-09-13T22:52:44-05:00 (Thursday)
good meeting tonight, some points of interest:*lots of information over at palib.info. *i would really like to see us use some type of subversion server. *next meeting is thursday, september 20th, at 7:30 PM in the atrium, if you missed the first meeting, come to the second!
Title: Re: Jesse's Email
Post by: Jesse Cook on 2007-09-14T07:30:45-05:00 (Friday)
I updated my profile so that my email is now visible.  It is jescook@siue.edu.

Things we need to discuss:
- Game Ideas
- Platform
- Form Organization
- Officers / Positions / Title
- License issues w/ game ideas
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Jesse Cook on 2007-09-14T07:40:45-05:00 (Friday)
I know we already discussed this but I like to formally say that it doesn't matter what your level of programming experience is.  Freshman are welcome.

Game design requires more creativity than tech knowledge when it comes to 2d environments & turn based strategies.  Unless your developing a game with cutting edge graphics you don't need to have a ton of experience because there are so many tools that will do most of the work for you.  

Honestly, I enjoy a well made game over a pretty game, and I think that is what we are going for (i.e. Advance Wars versus Saints Row).
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Kit on 2007-09-14T18:32:26-05:00 (Friday)
For any game you're going to need a lot of graphics (even just 2D drawings) and sound which are pretty important. I'd suggest starting simple and then expanding.

I can offer advice if you guys were going to develop a DS game, but many of you would need to buy extra hardware (assuming you already have a DS) probably ranging anywhere from $45 to $100.

I'd like to help, but my schedule is pretty limiting. Therefore, I think I will only be able to offer advice.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Matt Keehner on 2007-09-14T19:01:36-05:00 (Friday)
The extra DS hardware needed to run a homebrew application isn't terribly expensive, probably 60 to 70 dollars, and I personally think it is a pretty solid investment if you're a DS owner in the first place.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: raptor on 2007-09-14T21:59:14-05:00 (Friday)
hardware purchase i think is a little ahead of where we need to be thinking at this point.  I think the emulator wil lbe fine for a VERY long time. If we do get far enough along to need that maybe we could all pitch in.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Kit on 2007-09-14T22:23:45-05:00 (Friday)
To the best of my knowledge, the problem is that the emulators available sometimes are not completely accurate. While this would be fine for very simple things, it would be difficult for more complex code.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Matt Keehner on 2007-09-15T09:38:54-05:00 (Saturday)
Yeah, I've always heard that the DS emulators were pretty buggy in comparison to most others.  I actually just ordered an R4 Revolution yesterday for my DS, which is advertised as being able to run homebrew.  It was only about 50 dollars with shipping.  Then I complemented it with a 26 dollar, 2 GB microSD card.  Might work for what is needed, not really sure.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: delia feerer on 2007-09-15T15:52:45-05:00 (Saturday)
I've had an R4 for some months now..and it's pretty amazing. It works with all of the games I've tried so far. [even wireless and download play] I've downloaded a few home brew games as well, and they played fine.
I was able to find mine for $30 [but i guess the price may have gone up since then]
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Kit on 2007-09-15T19:17:58-05:00 (Saturday)
Wow I didn't even think it was possible for wireless and download play to work... I might have to get an R4 instead of the GBA MP.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: delia feerer on 2007-09-15T23:52:30-05:00 (Saturday)
i definitely recommend it. it's really easy to set up and use - basically just drag and drop.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Jesse Cook on 2007-09-18T21:13:39-05:00 (Tuesday)
I only have 6 email addresses in my contact group.  Please send me an email if you haven't already, and you are going to be a part of the Game Dev Group.  That includes people who are going to be taking a more passive role.

Thanks,

jescook@siue.edu
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: raptor on 2007-09-19T09:56:29-05:00 (Wednesday)
Next meeting is tomorrow at 7:30 if i remember right?  Anyone know what our agenda is to be. Or, are we gathering to possibly set up an agenda LOL.  I do realize we are still in very early hey how is everyone doing stages here.

Scott
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Brent Beer on 2007-09-20T00:09:54-05:00 (Thursday)
Jesse posted a few post up or on page 2 about what we will cover.

edit:

Things we need to discuss:
- Game Ideas
- Platform
- Form Organization
- Officers / Positions / Title
- License issues w/ game ideas
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: John on 2007-09-20T12:17:17-05:00 (Thursday)
I think I will start out by giving a short description of who we are and some of our basic goals to make sure that we are all on the same page and for the newcommers. Also, we will discuss what positions (President, VP, etc.) we will need. Then, I think we should go around and say our names again both for the new people and for those, like myself, who can't remember names to save our lives. This will give everyone a chance to declare what position they would like to be a candidate for and why we should choose them.

Finally, everyone with a game idea (if there is time, otherwise we will continue it next time) will come up and pitch their idea followed by questions/suggestions. If there is time we may vote tonight, otherwise, and I think this would be best, we can wait until the next meeting to vote. This will give everyone a chance to ponder the different suggestions.

For those of you who are still interested, the more the merrier so be sure to come tonight at 7:30. We will be by the staircase on the first floor right outside the Auditorium.
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: raptor on 2007-09-28T11:56:23-05:00 (Friday)
Alright,

We had our weekly meeting last night, but sadly it appeared as though many were missing. We discussed a lot of important informatin pertaining to the game itself more from a users point of view.  

The Important Stuff:

I realized there is no 'official' means of communication and that is the very first thing that could lead to this breaking down. So, I took it upon myself to create a google code group.  It contains a forumn wiki code subversion etc.  I will be more than happy to talk about it more at our next meeting. For the time being I will administer this until I am not longer able to dedicate time to it(if that acutally occurs).  

So please send me your e-mail address. I konw jesse already asked for many of them, but as he will have very little interaction in this group there isn't much point in him running the contact info, and I will add you.

Please email me at scottmil at gmail dot com

P.S.  send me your gmail account. if you dont have one set one up. if you have objections to having one, we can help you set up auto message forwarding.

Any Questions please ask.  This is a group project where everyone is involved everyones thoughts and opinions are what will make this happen.




-Scott
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: raptor on 2007-10-04T11:26:51-05:00 (Thursday)
Meeting tonight 7:30 (normal place)
Title: Re: Game Development
Post by: Jesse Cook on 2007-10-05T08:02:52-05:00 (Friday)
I still plan to attend the regular meetings.  I, however, will have little time outside of these meetings to work on anything.

Feel free to ask me questions.  I'm there to help.

Scott I'll email you the contact list.  That being said feel free to email me anytime.  I'll get back to you quickly.