7 replies to this topic

[Keepinitcore]

Hello there and The title is completely true!

I am looking into creating maybe a small 2D or Perhaps 3D rpg I have heard of several programs but "Realm Crafter" seems to catch my eye.

But I am once again emphasizing that I am a complete noob so I am asking you experienced programmers where does one begin? What programs?

I am just thinking of making a little rpg or "quest" for me and two mates just for some good practice and I am curious if I do this would I require a server to do this for even two friends? (Three people all up).

This is just for a bit of fun with such limited knowlege I do not believe I will be tackling anything professional for quite a bit so yep please let me know fello's.

[alphadog]

Well, 2D and 3D are very different beasts, so you'll have to make a call there first. Lots of people recommend starting with 2D, and I used to be one of those, but game engines have gotten better so the distinction is largely that either choice is equally overwhelming to a noob.

The other thing that would be good to know is: is this a career choice, or just a hobby? Are you aiming to be a developer (game or not), a digital artist, or something unrelated to game development?

[rouncer]

just make sure you fall in love with your game, then youll finish it. (2d doesnt make a game shit by itself!!!!!)
even walt disney have 2d animations yet to come out, 3d isnt everything.

[fireside]

The first thing to decide is if you want to do your game by using a general purpose engine or something specifically designed for rpg's. Realm Crafter would fall into the second category and would probably be a decent choice to gain experience if it's nearly free, but I would recommend googling "rpg engine" and check out however many there are around. It would be better to find a free engine or one which is very inexpensive as you can consider it a stepping stone more than anything. Another choice would be to get an rpg game that has an editor and do a mod.
The engine would need networking if you want to play with your friends. It's better to just connect peer to peer to avoid the expense of a server, so see if it has multi-player functionality. If you can use models that come with the engine you are going to be off to a good start, because games take a lot of models and modeling is a skill that can take years to achieve, and even if you are a good modeler, a game like an rpg could take a long time to do all the models. If you are serious about game making, you should also look into a modeler like Blender so you are learning both skills at the same time. Blender has a pretty nice general purpose engine built in also, that you might want to take a look at.
On the other hand, if you want to go general purpose, then you need to start by learning a language like Python. Actually, no matter which choice you make, I would recommend learning Python first. The place to start game making is by writing text guessing games, etc, after learning the basics of the language. RPG's were originally written in text and that's also a good way to start learning. Once you understand program flow, etc, then it's time to move into graphics. The games you write at first should be very short, but complete.

[Nerd_Skywalker]

fireside said:

Another choice would be to get an rpg game that has an editor and do a mod.

I know that Oblivion has a modding kit (called the construction kit) and I think Morrowind does too.
I'm sure that there are more though.

[alphadog]

Nerd_Skywalker said:

I know that Oblivion has a modding kit (called the construction kit) and I think Morrowind does too.
I'm sure that there are more though.

Modding is to developing a game like making a salad is to cooking an entree.

[Keepinitcore]

alphadog said:

Well, 2D and 3D are very different beasts, so you'll have to make a call there first. Lots of people recommend starting with 2D, and I used to be one of those, but game engines have gotten better so the distinction is largely that either choice is equally overwhelming to a noob. :)

The other thing that would be good to know is: is this a career choice, or just a hobby? Are you aiming to be a developer (game or not), a digital artist, or something unrelated to game development?

I am just aiming for a hobby for now, which ever is easiest for me to learn I will stick with that.

[Keepinitcore]

Thank you all a shit load for your replies this has been most helpful especially fireside alot to take in but something to look forward to, I also like the idea of having it Multiplayer so me and two mates can get into it see if we enjoy it and if we tend to spot bugs we can improve on it and it may turn out into something beyond a hobby.