Start from scratch?

#1 I started to do the 'from scratch' route, and I got very frustrated with it. That is because there are a large number of things that have to all be made and in place before anything visible happens. There is a MinApp resource that will help you make a pretty blank starting point, but then to make anything work you still need a lot of changes to get anything like a character on a terrain to be visible.

So I started doing the demo-modding approach, and I have been much more satisfied. I have been building characters and animations and then putting them into the demo in place of the stock orc player guy. Even if I make major changes later to the framework, terrain, camera, buildings and whatnot, what I have made to date will still be usable.

I also found very recently that Ultimate Unwrap 3D will open .dts files (although, sadly, not .dsq ones). With all the formats it supports, I have been able to import models of items from the demo game to MilkShape to use as a guide for my own modeling and animation efforts.

I have a long way to go to produce anything of value, except to myself as a learning tool. Good luck on your efforts.

<* Wes *>

#2 Pre-made example game; Its easy to remove the parts you DONT need. Once you get the hang of things, morphing one of the starting kits into your project is quite straight forward.

#3 Can someone direct me to a list of what is needed to start a game from complete scratch... i searched and searched but could not find one... maybe im just blind.

#4 I also have found that it's far easier to go from a starting point than to do it all yourself. I use the tutorial.base rather thna starter.fps, since, while it does have a framework for loading a basic level, the editor, etc., it is far simpler (and smaller) than starter.fps.

Kyle: If you're determined on doing it yourself, I don't think there is any master list, or a great tutorial, but these might help:
www.garagegames.com/index.php?sec=mg&mod=resource&page=view&qid=12846
www.garagegames.com/index.php?sec=mg&mod=resource&page=view&qid=12943
I can't find part 1 of that, and there doesn't seem to be a part 4, but I remember it was pretty handy in starting up.
www.garagegames.com/index.php?sec=mg&mod=resource&page=view&qid=5086
This tutorial was really useful for me, but unfortunately, I couldn't get my levels to load.
Also, get to know the starter.fpsand tutorial.base script files - a working example is a good place to learn from, if you can emulate it.

#5 Thanks

#6 Part 1

That is the start of that 3 step resource.

#7 Thank you very much guys helps me out a ton

#8 One more. I don't know how to get to it on TDN, but somehow I found it:
tdn.garagegames.com/wiki/Category:Getting_Started/FAQ/tutorials

#9 @Daniel - That is my first tutorial that a kind community member converted to TDN format for me.