Which Game Engine to use?

[tsume]

I'm currently working on a network architecture for games and the only way to test it out to implement it on a game.
The game needs to be action based i.e. first person shooter, racing.

Is anyone familiar with game development? Is there a tool which I can use to get template maps and such so I can just fiddle around with the networking part. If not what game engine is really good for a beginner to create a small world as quickly possibly?

 

[dequadin]

Python + pyGame, I've used these and it's supper fast to get things going.

 

[kurtkz]

Is there any particular reason you're building your own generic architecture instead of using existing ones? If you're targeting 3D, Unity is a decent option.

 

[Isengard]

Is there any particular reason you're building your own generic architecture instead of using existing ones? If you're targeting 3D, Unity is a decent option.

I agree with trying Unity. I'm currently using it at work and it's fairly easy to get into and it has a free version that you can try.

 

[tsume]

Is there any particular reason you're building your own generic architecture instead of using existing ones? If you're targeting 3D, Unity is a decent option.

It's for my masters research

 

[xumwun]

You could try Saurbraten http://sauerbraten.org/
It has a ingame level editor and is open source so you can fiddle with any parts of it that you want.

 

[Elimentals]

+1 for unity3d

http://unity3d.com/

Who knows you can even convert your project to mobile devices and earn a little extra cash

 

[tsume]

Seems like Unity will be the way to go. But before I jump into it. I know OpenArena is open source. Would I be able to do the same thing with OpenArena?

 

[Isengard]

Seems like Unity will be the way to go. But before I jump into it. I know OpenArena is open source. Would I be able to do the same thing with OpenArena?

Yes, but with much, much more effort on your part. Unity's editor is designed to making building of levels very easy. Things start to get trickier when you add scripts, but you get the hang of it over time.

 

[tsume]

Hey guys...I've looked had a look at Unity and it seems like a great tool but still it seems like a lot of work and learning to do.
How long did it take you to sit down & understand Unity?

Basically the problem (or the fear) I'm having with Unity is that I will have to create a game from scratch, especially for a one man team this a lot of work.

When I thought of doing this I figured that I will be able to get an existing game with it's source code and just mess around with the network. Is this possible with any pre-existing games from Quake Arena, Unreal Tournament, Doom 3 etc ?

But again if this is not possible...I came up with game (though again I do not want to get involved in creating a game from scratch). A simple over the top view like pacman. Basically a 2D as I think a 3D game is to ambitious for one person. What tools or development environments are recommended in this case which I can easily learn and where I will still be able to create my own network environment?

 

[tsume]

You could try Saurbraten http://sauerbraten.org/
It has a ingame level editor and is open source so you can fiddle with any parts of it that you want.

Haven't had time to look at this. I'll try remind myself tomorrow

 

[koeksGHT]

GMOD?

haha

Played around with CryEngine if that is what you are looking for

 

[kurtkz]

Short answer? Yes, it's possible using the Quake engines. There are spin-offs of those engines that have been refactored so it should be an easier entry point.

Have you just started with your thesis? Unity3D's barrier to entry is very low imo...