Seeking advice on purchasing a new system for game development
by Christopher Dapo · in General Discussion · 05/03/2003 (4:14 pm) · 75 replies
I need to know if I'm looking at the proper system to pursue as a solid game development workstation.
Alienware Area 51 (as featured in CPU Magazine's May 3rd issue)
Development Software I'm considering:
3DS Max 5.1 w/ Character Studio 4
C++.Net
Adobe Photoshop - Design Collection
Torque
(Any further suggestions would be helpful)
I may also see about purchasing one of the following GPUs:
PNY Nvidia Quadro FX 2000 with 128 MB DDR2 SDRAM
XFX Geforce4 Ti4200 8X AGP 128MB DDR TV & DVI Out
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
- Christopher Dapo ~ Ronixus
Alienware Area 51 (as featured in CPU Magazine's May 3rd issue)
Development Software I'm considering:
3DS Max 5.1 w/ Character Studio 4
C++.Net
Adobe Photoshop - Design Collection
Torque
(Any further suggestions would be helpful)
I may also see about purchasing one of the following GPUs:
PNY Nvidia Quadro FX 2000 with 128 MB DDR2 SDRAM
XFX Geforce4 Ti4200 8X AGP 128MB DDR TV & DVI Out
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
- Christopher Dapo ~ Ronixus
#42
as for your money issue, I think my opinion is clear on that, buying computers is directly related to economics and the law of diminishing returns. You can spend a base amount and get very little, then spend slightly more and get a LOT more for your money, but as you keep spending money you get less and less for the same steady increase in costs. The trick in effectively buying a system (as with most consumer decisions) is finding the sweet spot on the curve, where the derivetive is a perfect 45 degrees, so your getting the most for your money (or if you were a bussiness, which you seem to be hoping to be, you will make the most profit (this lesson can be applied to your other business endevours)). My issue with your system isnt just that your buying it from a 3rd party (which no matter what costs a lot more than building it yourself), even though you have the skills to put one together yourself, but that you are getting the absolute best stuff you can, when you could get slightly less for half the price, did you read my post above where I found parts and prices that came to drasticaly less than what you want to buy, yet wasnt much less of a computer then what you wanted? I recently looked into getting an athlon xp 2400, asus nforce2 and a gig of 2100 ddr (which is run in some kinda parallel scheme on the nforce2 boards so it goes twice as fast) and it all came to about 300 bucks. In my opinion (and experience with different systems) you probably wont notice much of a difference between this and what you want to get, and this will certiantly be usable for nearly as long as what you want to get, and at 300 dollars, you could upgrade again and again if this ever becomes not enough for you, like I said, your money isnt going anywhere if you dont spend it, its just a lot more practical to do it this way. In my opinion your ass will be better covered (for longevity and possibly against break downs) if you have money to replace things than if you spend it all on a system now (those warranties arnt always that great and your at the mercy of someone else, which I dont like the idea of)... and thats all I have to say about that
as for manuals, a couple good max books are the 3d studio max bible and modeling a character in 3ds max, I'm sure if you went to your barnes and noble you'd find something good on photoshop, I havnt really seen any photoshop books on how to draw or actualy make art, just on how to use photoshop tools (which I gues you need to learn before you can make draw or make art). Just look around a bit, good reference materials arnt hiding or anything, they want to be sold (but so do bad ones, so try and find reader reviews on them before you buy).
I'm glad to hear that you have experience and tallent, with a lot of effort you can do this, but as an indie you will die if you dont do it smart, indies got it rough, no arguing that. I wish you luck
05/29/2003 (3:35 am)
no problemas for your money issue, I think my opinion is clear on that, buying computers is directly related to economics and the law of diminishing returns. You can spend a base amount and get very little, then spend slightly more and get a LOT more for your money, but as you keep spending money you get less and less for the same steady increase in costs. The trick in effectively buying a system (as with most consumer decisions) is finding the sweet spot on the curve, where the derivetive is a perfect 45 degrees, so your getting the most for your money (or if you were a bussiness, which you seem to be hoping to be, you will make the most profit (this lesson can be applied to your other business endevours)). My issue with your system isnt just that your buying it from a 3rd party (which no matter what costs a lot more than building it yourself), even though you have the skills to put one together yourself, but that you are getting the absolute best stuff you can, when you could get slightly less for half the price, did you read my post above where I found parts and prices that came to drasticaly less than what you want to buy, yet wasnt much less of a computer then what you wanted? I recently looked into getting an athlon xp 2400, asus nforce2 and a gig of 2100 ddr (which is run in some kinda parallel scheme on the nforce2 boards so it goes twice as fast) and it all came to about 300 bucks. In my opinion (and experience with different systems) you probably wont notice much of a difference between this and what you want to get, and this will certiantly be usable for nearly as long as what you want to get, and at 300 dollars, you could upgrade again and again if this ever becomes not enough for you, like I said, your money isnt going anywhere if you dont spend it, its just a lot more practical to do it this way. In my opinion your ass will be better covered (for longevity and possibly against break downs) if you have money to replace things than if you spend it all on a system now (those warranties arnt always that great and your at the mercy of someone else, which I dont like the idea of)... and thats all I have to say about that
as for manuals, a couple good max books are the 3d studio max bible and modeling a character in 3ds max, I'm sure if you went to your barnes and noble you'd find something good on photoshop, I havnt really seen any photoshop books on how to draw or actualy make art, just on how to use photoshop tools (which I gues you need to learn before you can make draw or make art). Just look around a bit, good reference materials arnt hiding or anything, they want to be sold (but so do bad ones, so try and find reader reviews on them before you buy).
I'm glad to hear that you have experience and tallent, with a lot of effort you can do this, but as an indie you will die if you dont do it smart, indies got it rough, no arguing that. I wish you luck
#43
You responded with:
I reitterate:
I want to make it clear that I fully agree with the same, ethical meaning of conserving resources for ideal consumation, it's a well known fact of life persistency that our world is credited for. Yet, the fact that there is _no_ possibility of conservation overrides this theory.
I have a gun. Only one bullet. Do I aim for the leg or the heart? ;)
I hope you don't take offense at my statement, btw. :)
On the side of the development material for 3DSMax, I've already designated 'Modeling A Character..." as a must buy. The thing is, it will have to be ordered, I have about as much a chance finding it around here as finding it laying in the middle of the desert :P
So yeah, I've got it rough too, but I hope to change that for future 'artists without pens' like myself when I have the ability, just like GG is for us indies :)
As always, thanks for the encouragement and advice and may luck be with you as well.
- Chris
05/29/2003 (5:44 am)
@Eric -You responded with:
Quote:
...like I said, your money isnt going anywhere if you dont spend it, its just a lot more practical to do it this way. In my opinion your ass will be better covered (for longevity and possibly against break downs) if you have money to replace things than if you spend it all on a system now...
I reitterate:
Quote:
it's a one time thing. I get enough for the system I need and that's it. No saving, nothing else set aside for other development costs in the future. This is why I _need_ the best I can get.
I want to make it clear that I fully agree with the same, ethical meaning of conserving resources for ideal consumation, it's a well known fact of life persistency that our world is credited for. Yet, the fact that there is _no_ possibility of conservation overrides this theory.
I have a gun. Only one bullet. Do I aim for the leg or the heart? ;)
I hope you don't take offense at my statement, btw. :)
On the side of the development material for 3DSMax, I've already designated 'Modeling A Character..." as a must buy. The thing is, it will have to be ordered, I have about as much a chance finding it around here as finding it laying in the middle of the desert :P
So yeah, I've got it rough too, but I hope to change that for future 'artists without pens' like myself when I have the ability, just like GG is for us indies :)
As always, thanks for the encouragement and advice and may luck be with you as well.
- Chris
#44
There is no sane answer.
If you have $1000 and you spend $500 you have $500 left, simple maths.
That begs the question why that doesn't work in this case. Perhaps you've found someone to spend money like that (i.e. if the reason is that you don't have $1000, someone else does and they are paying and they'll only pay once or whatever)
In that case, try and make them see sense, if they won't, you shouldn't have that much problem getting money from them in the future.
They are after all a retailers dream come true :o) You could probably just sell them the computer you buy in 6 months for twice what they paid because the hard disk now has 50% more valuable data on it :o)
Seriously though, ultimately you've been given the right advice. If you can't follow that advice, it's still the right advice.
05/29/2003 (6:39 am)
What you're saying in your second quote is easily comprehended, but illogical Chris.There is no sane answer.
If you have $1000 and you spend $500 you have $500 left, simple maths.
That begs the question why that doesn't work in this case. Perhaps you've found someone to spend money like that (i.e. if the reason is that you don't have $1000, someone else does and they are paying and they'll only pay once or whatever)
In that case, try and make them see sense, if they won't, you shouldn't have that much problem getting money from them in the future.
They are after all a retailers dream come true :o) You could probably just sell them the computer you buy in 6 months for twice what they paid because the hard disk now has 50% more valuable data on it :o)
Seriously though, ultimately you've been given the right advice. If you can't follow that advice, it's still the right advice.
#45
A person treats you out to dinner and offers to buy you your meal. They tell you to get whatever you want.
Now on the menu, among the items to choose from you favor a high priced meal. On the contrary you would be satisfied with an evenly satisfying, cheaper meal.
The high priced meal would cost $30.00 lets say, and the cheaper only $10.00.
Are you going to order the cheaper meal and ask for the $20.00 they didn't spend?
My point (:P)
This is roughly my situation, so I'll go with the steak instead of the mediocre cheeseburger if I can ;)
- Chris
05/29/2003 (7:10 am)
Let's try this scenario:A person treats you out to dinner and offers to buy you your meal. They tell you to get whatever you want.
Now on the menu, among the items to choose from you favor a high priced meal. On the contrary you would be satisfied with an evenly satisfying, cheaper meal.
The high priced meal would cost $30.00 lets say, and the cheaper only $10.00.
Are you going to order the cheaper meal and ask for the $20.00 they didn't spend?
My point (:P)
This is roughly my situation, so I'll go with the steak instead of the mediocre cheeseburger if I can ;)
- Chris
#46
why would you only make it in xp crap?
you should have a linux release.
get the manuals cause you'll need them
as im sure if you already knew it all you would not be here asking dumb questions.
you asked what other software you needed.
and you did not mention your tool of choice for interiors.
as for the gimp and blender.
they are free replacements for the big money software you are purchasing.
05/29/2003 (7:38 am)
if you are gonna make a game on your own..why would you only make it in xp crap?
you should have a linux release.
get the manuals cause you'll need them
as im sure if you already knew it all you would not be here asking dumb questions.
you asked what other software you needed.
and you did not mention your tool of choice for interiors.
as for the gimp and blender.
they are free replacements for the big money software you are purchasing.
#47
How do I buy a steak today that'll "last for years to come"?
Answer, you don't.
As for asking for the $20, I wouldn't because I'd expect most reasonably intelligent people spending $10 or $30 on food to be fully aware of the difference and value of the two choices , whereas here I don't see that.
05/29/2003 (8:17 am)
Bad analogy, but since logic departed a while back let's use your scenario to answer one of your initial questionsHow do I buy a steak today that'll "last for years to come"?
Answer, you don't.
As for asking for the $20, I wouldn't because I'd expect most reasonably intelligent people spending $10 or $30 on food to be fully aware of the difference and value of the two choices , whereas here I don't see that.
#48
05/29/2003 (8:39 am)
Heck, save the cash on all this stuff and ask your sponsor to send you back to school for a year instead. You're in the same price range as a year or two of state school with this thing. You'll get some good, formal training in either programming or 3D art and you can pick up 3DS or Maya yourself with the academic discount. 
#49
Christopher,
Personally, I would build a system since I would then be able to ensure the quality of every single component and could do it cheaper than a pre-built system. If I save a couple hundred/thousand then I could simply add some bell or whistle to the system like a 2nd (or 3rd) monitor, a VR headset, a massive storage array, a secondary compiling system, or something else that you would be hard pressed to buy in a pre-built system. But keep in mind I enjoy putting together new systems and playing with hardware (playing...not fixing).
Honestly, I wouldn't worry about warranties too much. Generally, you will spend far more on the warranty than you would just replacing a faulty part further down the line. The only major advantage of a warranty is when something arrives and it is a dud. Most system warranties will limit you to replacement parts that are comparable to the bad one whereas if you are just replacing a single part a year down the road you can usually get a much nicer/bigger part for cheaper. Also inherent in warranties is the hassle of convincing the company that the part actually needs replacing which can be quite arduous. Another thing to consider is that if you buy quality components they should have a warranty of their own.
I have used AMD processers for several years now b/c they are very good at making sure that you can upgrade. I have a motherboard that is over two years old and it will still run most of the latest AMD processors (with a bios flash or two). Historically, Intel has a nasty habit of majorly changing their architecture every six months to a year meaning that you will need new RAM and motherboard in order to upgrade (probably has something to do with them being the leading motherboard chipset manufacturers ;). I haven't kept up with any of the two companies lately so I am not sure exactly what their roadmaps look like but I urge you to do some research into this.
I'm not sure if it has been recommended to you but I would also look into picking up a drawing nice Wacom drawing tablet if you are serious about doing any art on the computer.
As far as software goes, a copy of 3D Studio Max will be invaluable if you can afford it. It is *the* standard in game development (though Maya is a close rival). A Maya only house is far more likely to accept someone who knows Max than a Max only team would accept a Maya user (not sure why that is but that is what I have seen). Either piece of software is going to teach you the skills you need but I would urge you to pick up one of these two b/c there really is a difference between a high end package and a budget/free package (/me ducks freebie flamers).
05/29/2003 (10:19 am)
You people argue over the weirdest things sometimes =PChristopher,
Personally, I would build a system since I would then be able to ensure the quality of every single component and could do it cheaper than a pre-built system. If I save a couple hundred/thousand then I could simply add some bell or whistle to the system like a 2nd (or 3rd) monitor, a VR headset, a massive storage array, a secondary compiling system, or something else that you would be hard pressed to buy in a pre-built system. But keep in mind I enjoy putting together new systems and playing with hardware (playing...not fixing).
Honestly, I wouldn't worry about warranties too much. Generally, you will spend far more on the warranty than you would just replacing a faulty part further down the line. The only major advantage of a warranty is when something arrives and it is a dud. Most system warranties will limit you to replacement parts that are comparable to the bad one whereas if you are just replacing a single part a year down the road you can usually get a much nicer/bigger part for cheaper. Also inherent in warranties is the hassle of convincing the company that the part actually needs replacing which can be quite arduous. Another thing to consider is that if you buy quality components they should have a warranty of their own.
I have used AMD processers for several years now b/c they are very good at making sure that you can upgrade. I have a motherboard that is over two years old and it will still run most of the latest AMD processors (with a bios flash or two). Historically, Intel has a nasty habit of majorly changing their architecture every six months to a year meaning that you will need new RAM and motherboard in order to upgrade (probably has something to do with them being the leading motherboard chipset manufacturers ;). I haven't kept up with any of the two companies lately so I am not sure exactly what their roadmaps look like but I urge you to do some research into this.
I'm not sure if it has been recommended to you but I would also look into picking up a drawing nice Wacom drawing tablet if you are serious about doing any art on the computer.
As far as software goes, a copy of 3D Studio Max will be invaluable if you can afford it. It is *the* standard in game development (though Maya is a close rival). A Maya only house is far more likely to accept someone who knows Max than a Max only team would accept a Maya user (not sure why that is but that is what I have seen). Either piece of software is going to teach you the skills you need but I would urge you to pick up one of these two b/c there really is a difference between a high end package and a budget/free package (/me ducks freebie flamers).
#50
05/29/2003 (10:23 am)
Opps...forgot something...if you decide on an OEM I would recommend looking at Falcon Northwest. They also specialize in gaming PC's like Alienware but they tend to give you much better control and selection over the individual components that go into the computer. If I could justify the extra expense beyond what it would cost me to build the same system, they would be where I would buy a high-end gaming/gamedev PC.
#51
Edit: dont worry, no offense taken, and as for ordering books, thats probably better than buying them at a retailer, barnes and noble seels modeling a character for $45 I believe, you can get it off amazon for about $30, it only takes like a week to ship
05/29/2003 (11:35 am)
ah chris, that clears things up imensly, I couldnt understand your whole point with money because I thought this was your personal money funding this, I didnt realise this was a gift or something. I'm only 19 so I've had similar situations with my parents (not in as extreem a case though), I know the boat your in. Go ahead and get the alienware then, its a good system (the best you could proabaly get now), and I hope its good enough to last you through your whole development cycleEdit: dont worry, no offense taken, and as for ordering books, thats probably better than buying them at a retailer, barnes and noble seels modeling a character for $45 I believe, you can get it off amazon for about $30, it only takes like a week to ship
#52
Yes it that kind of situation and I'm glad someone finaly understood. Thank you for the price comparison as well, it's surprising (well, not really :P ) to see such a difference when it comes to big name stores.
Now, I also want to mention that when I send them the information detailing what I require _they_ will be taking care of all the purchasing/ordering while I sit back and wait for it to arrive (unless they have a surprising faith in sending me the cash to take care of this on my own, which s highly unlikely now).
Onward...
@Badguy - The reason why I will only be using XP is because it's what I'm used to (Win32) as opposed to Linux/Unix/etc. and I want to be able to concentrate on development rather than learning a completely new OS. Besides, though I _do_ understand that there would be immense benifits to learn/use Linux, I would also have to learn a whole set of new tools/programs as well and it just adds to an immense price already (there is a limit to how big the price can be btw).
Now, on the contrary, I would indeed like to be able to provide development/crossplatform support for all my games (Linux yes, Mac especially ;) but I'm hoping that this could be accomplished working with more abled developers here at GG. If you insist that providing myself with the tools to 'go' Linux at the start would not interfere with both my productivity/learning as well as not effecting too much of a difference in the the total price that I'm currently looking at, then I'd agree it would be more than ideal and I would greatly appreciate information explaining what I would need.
How are these dumb questions? I want to know what I need for the long haul. I also want to be able to understand everything that I will be using easily enough to make the transition from learning/practicing to developing as quick and painless as possible. I will be most likely be heading into development on my own when I recieve these tools and the better prepared I am for the feat I wish to accomplish would only signify asking for advice, hence my 'dumb' questioning :P
Thank you for understanding that I want to know what software is needed. On this subject, if there is another Worldcraft/Hammer substitute that would better equip me in the long run, I would appreciate any information on it/them.
@Michael - Actually I think it was a very good anology, just bad comprhension on your part ;)
@Mark - First off, I already tried the school thing and it went as unsuccesful as possible in all accounts (read I'm not doing that again so it's out of the question). Also, this same source of funding was also the one trying to put me through school so they understand what happened directly. As for the local acedemics, they are hardly even close to being up to par in this area of the world (ask about learning Computer Graphics around here and the best they come up with is Print Shop and Pagemaker :P ), so no.
Also, you won't find 3DSMax or Maya anywhere near my home (yes, again, it's truely that bad :( ).
@Matthew - I want you to know I agree with you completely on BYOS-ing it and in fact, when I send in the details/prices of what I require for the Alienware system, I will be sending them specs for a Barebones/Custom setup as well, one that would be cheaper and around the same value of productivity _in case_ the Alienware system is above their budget line for me. It's my backdoor/low-end option that I said I would provide details for and I've already decided on everything that would suffice for that system (which is why I didn't mention it for questioning here ;).
Actually this has not been mentioned and though I don't know exactly what this is I'm guessing it's the equivlent of a drawing pad/pen used for the PC to make accurate drawings, and if so, I have used one back in the '80s on the old Apple IIe's. I would only want one if it was as accurate and detailed as my normal hand drawing skills enough to output the correct intentions of my abilities, but so far that tool is unheard of as far as I know. Please tell me though if I'm wrong here :)
Falcon Northwest also had one of their PCs in the same article that mentioned the Alienware system. It's cost was in the $22,000 range! (5.5k for the system (which wasn't as complete as the Alienware but costs more?) and 16.6k for the theatre system enhancement ;)
Needless to say I decided against it.
In case you would like to know where I plan to get the parts for the Barebones/Low-ended system, I usually shop for parts at TigerDirect.com which is a good choice IMHO :)
Thanks all, please let me know if I'm missing anything else important, you've all been quite helpful so far!
- Chris
05/29/2003 (3:15 pm)
Thank you Eric!Yes it that kind of situation and I'm glad someone finaly understood. Thank you for the price comparison as well, it's surprising (well, not really :P ) to see such a difference when it comes to big name stores.
Now, I also want to mention that when I send them the information detailing what I require _they_ will be taking care of all the purchasing/ordering while I sit back and wait for it to arrive (unless they have a surprising faith in sending me the cash to take care of this on my own, which s highly unlikely now).
Onward...
@Badguy - The reason why I will only be using XP is because it's what I'm used to (Win32) as opposed to Linux/Unix/etc. and I want to be able to concentrate on development rather than learning a completely new OS. Besides, though I _do_ understand that there would be immense benifits to learn/use Linux, I would also have to learn a whole set of new tools/programs as well and it just adds to an immense price already (there is a limit to how big the price can be btw).
Now, on the contrary, I would indeed like to be able to provide development/crossplatform support for all my games (Linux yes, Mac especially ;) but I'm hoping that this could be accomplished working with more abled developers here at GG. If you insist that providing myself with the tools to 'go' Linux at the start would not interfere with both my productivity/learning as well as not effecting too much of a difference in the the total price that I'm currently looking at, then I'd agree it would be more than ideal and I would greatly appreciate information explaining what I would need.
Quote:
...im sure if you already knew it all you would not be here asking dumb questions.
How are these dumb questions? I want to know what I need for the long haul. I also want to be able to understand everything that I will be using easily enough to make the transition from learning/practicing to developing as quick and painless as possible. I will be most likely be heading into development on my own when I recieve these tools and the better prepared I am for the feat I wish to accomplish would only signify asking for advice, hence my 'dumb' questioning :P
Thank you for understanding that I want to know what software is needed. On this subject, if there is another Worldcraft/Hammer substitute that would better equip me in the long run, I would appreciate any information on it/them.
@Michael - Actually I think it was a very good anology, just bad comprhension on your part ;)
@Mark - First off, I already tried the school thing and it went as unsuccesful as possible in all accounts (read I'm not doing that again so it's out of the question). Also, this same source of funding was also the one trying to put me through school so they understand what happened directly. As for the local acedemics, they are hardly even close to being up to par in this area of the world (ask about learning Computer Graphics around here and the best they come up with is Print Shop and Pagemaker :P ), so no.
Also, you won't find 3DSMax or Maya anywhere near my home (yes, again, it's truely that bad :( ).
@Matthew - I want you to know I agree with you completely on BYOS-ing it and in fact, when I send in the details/prices of what I require for the Alienware system, I will be sending them specs for a Barebones/Custom setup as well, one that would be cheaper and around the same value of productivity _in case_ the Alienware system is above their budget line for me. It's my backdoor/low-end option that I said I would provide details for and I've already decided on everything that would suffice for that system (which is why I didn't mention it for questioning here ;).
Quote:
I'm not sure if it has been recommended to you but I would also look into picking up a drawing nice Wacom drawing tablet if you are serious about doing any art on the computer.
Actually this has not been mentioned and though I don't know exactly what this is I'm guessing it's the equivlent of a drawing pad/pen used for the PC to make accurate drawings, and if so, I have used one back in the '80s on the old Apple IIe's. I would only want one if it was as accurate and detailed as my normal hand drawing skills enough to output the correct intentions of my abilities, but so far that tool is unheard of as far as I know. Please tell me though if I'm wrong here :)
Falcon Northwest also had one of their PCs in the same article that mentioned the Alienware system. It's cost was in the $22,000 range! (5.5k for the system (which wasn't as complete as the Alienware but costs more?) and 16.6k for the theatre system enhancement ;)
Needless to say I decided against it.
In case you would like to know where I plan to get the parts for the Barebones/Low-ended system, I usually shop for parts at TigerDirect.com which is a good choice IMHO :)
Thanks all, please let me know if I'm missing anything else important, you've all been quite helpful so far!
- Chris
#53
as for the Linux, it is All Free. so you wont have to part with your cash.
Yes you will part with Time.
but understand Having it there is half the battle.
It will not interfere with anything else.
and its only there when your ready to use it.
so .. its practically a Must.
simply play in Linux till you get your feet wet.
now to answer Why I think these questions are kinda dumb.
Any developement environment will do, As long as the capability to run the software is there..
if this was solely a question about Video Hardware ..
fine not such a bad question.
But since we think the rest of the computer is important...
It is not.. it dont matter what you have as long as it meets the minimum req.
as for the two+ year plan.
I've already been working on this system for that long and have had no troubles.
its only a PIII 1k with 512ram nothing special specially not the case
(10+year old server tower)
but the Video Card is a GeForce 3 and its good.
Any high end card will hold you in developement for At Least two years.
05/29/2003 (3:37 pm)
ok well the only *.map development tools worth using have been mentioned.as for the Linux, it is All Free. so you wont have to part with your cash.
Yes you will part with Time.
but understand Having it there is half the battle.
It will not interfere with anything else.
and its only there when your ready to use it.
so .. its practically a Must.
simply play in Linux till you get your feet wet.
now to answer Why I think these questions are kinda dumb.
Any developement environment will do, As long as the capability to run the software is there..
if this was solely a question about Video Hardware ..
fine not such a bad question.
But since we think the rest of the computer is important...
It is not.. it dont matter what you have as long as it meets the minimum req.
as for the two+ year plan.
I've already been working on this system for that long and have had no troubles.
its only a PIII 1k with 512ram nothing special specially not the case
(10+year old server tower)
but the Video Card is a GeForce 3 and its good.
Any high end card will hold you in developement for At Least two years.
#54
05/29/2003 (4:22 pm)
badguy said what I would have about those topics, about that tablet, I recently got one myself (after wanting one for awhile) trust me, they have improved greatly from the apple II days, I have a cheap 5x4 generic usb tablet, it only cost about 50 bucks (but you could probably do a lot better on ebay), and it has all the precision I need, 1024 levels of presure sensitivity and each screen pixel is represented on the tab. Heres the thing with tabs though, if you want to go up to say a 12x12 wacom your lookin at 400 dollars, I'm pretty happy with my 5x4 generic (I think it was a good buy)... I cant honestly say I'm as good with it as I am with pencil and paper (although I seem to be getting better every time I use it, so that might change before to long) but its great for getting stuff on the computer fast, and its wonderfull (I emphasize this) for touching things up. If I were you I wouldnt go nuts and blow 1500 dollars on a tablet pc or anything (mmmmm tablet pc), but spending 50 bucks on a small tablet could probably increase your productivity (I know it has for me at least)
#55
As simple as that.
05/29/2003 (7:53 pm)
I think this thread is non sense. But I will say, best developing machine you can get is that which you can buy :)As simple as that.
#56
The irony will be the "We're buying our son a computer, he's suggested the alienware one...is that the best?" posts somewhere else for round 2 ;o)
06/01/2003 (2:50 am)
Yeah Xavier, I get the distinct impression that the idea was to nod and say "Yes, get that system" to make someone feel good about their gift :o)The irony will be the "We're buying our son a computer, he's suggested the alienware one...is that the best?" posts somewhere else for round 2 ;o)
#57
06/01/2003 (3:04 am)
lol, I agree Micheal, I wish Dapo had just told us in the first place that this was a one time gift, it would have kept a lot of people (myself included) from waisting their time... oh well, I guess I didnt have to answer if I didnt want to... still, its kinda annoying that Dapo asked for advice when he wasnt in any condition to actualy listen to it
#58
I'm not here for confrontation so I'll leave you with this - When I do come out from the woodwork after this persuit, after I've had the chance to work my magic with the tools that I'll finaly have, then you'll see that indeed it was possible, that it wasn't just alot of crap like you constantly state, and when the dust clears and the light breaks through, Cyberfuge will be only a flare compared to the roaring bonfire of a game I will, if only solely, produce. Then I'll sit by while each of you eat your hats ;)
Anywho, I still would like some help in the audio areas of development. Sound is the area that I lack in so ease of use yet still enough area for creativity with the tools are what I need. Both music and sound effects development. If it would be easier, much easier and reliable, to just aim for finding a good composer and sound artist, please say so. Any advice will be appreciated so thank you in advance.
Other than this, it seems I'm about ready to finaly send out my outline. I was hoping to have this prepared sooner yet it seems clear advice is hard to come by on any thread posted unless you state ever so clearly your intentions of the post.
- Chris
06/01/2003 (5:50 pm)
*Sigh*I'm not here for confrontation so I'll leave you with this - When I do come out from the woodwork after this persuit, after I've had the chance to work my magic with the tools that I'll finaly have, then you'll see that indeed it was possible, that it wasn't just alot of crap like you constantly state, and when the dust clears and the light breaks through, Cyberfuge will be only a flare compared to the roaring bonfire of a game I will, if only solely, produce. Then I'll sit by while each of you eat your hats ;)
Anywho, I still would like some help in the audio areas of development. Sound is the area that I lack in so ease of use yet still enough area for creativity with the tools are what I need. Both music and sound effects development. If it would be easier, much easier and reliable, to just aim for finding a good composer and sound artist, please say so. Any advice will be appreciated so thank you in advance.
Other than this, it seems I'm about ready to finaly send out my outline. I was hoping to have this prepared sooner yet it seems clear advice is hard to come by on any thread posted unless you state ever so clearly your intentions of the post.
- Chris
#59
06/01/2003 (6:19 pm)
Right, and you will even do better than doom 3. Go for it!
#60
"When you fail to believe your dreams you just become part of the rest of the world, but if you persue them, work hard at them, and make them real, the rest of the world will gape in awe."
- Christopher Dapo
06/01/2003 (6:26 pm)
You couldn't begin to imagine... So I'll help you ;)"When you fail to believe your dreams you just become part of the rest of the world, but if you persue them, work hard at them, and make them real, the rest of the world will gape in awe."
- Christopher Dapo
Torque Owner Christopher Dapo
About the money issue, it's a one time thing. I get enough for the system I need and that's it. No saving, nothing else set aside for other development costs in the future. This is why I _need_ the best I can get. If saving money on one thing in order to use it on something I could use more effectively is a better idea, please let me know. It's not that I want to spend profusely, it's that I have to make sure my 'ass is covered' in the long run ;)
As for the 'manuals', I obviously either took the meaning incorrectly or I'm deeply over-sarcastic, but yes I was hoping references to 'coherent' development materials would be discussed as well, though I'm already quite clear on some of the best materials to use (I _do_ read alot of different threads and resources, just usually don't have much of an opinion if I don't have access to those materials ;).
On a related note though, I am quite intelligent and artistic when it comes to art and 3D programs, even programming (mathematics/algebraic equasions/problem solving/backwards thinking/etc ;). I'm not perfekt by a long shot but I do try to keep on my toes. I'm also quite content with thinking things through if I have to, but any help is golden :)
(A deep thanks man for being straitforward!)
- Christopher Dapo ~ Ronixus