Tgb Or Tx?
by Mu8s · in General Discussion · 09/22/2008 (4:51 pm) · 8 replies
Hey guys, I'm very new to programming, I only have a limited exposure to the Game Maker Langunage, but I'm eager to learn a language and make 2d games...maybe 2.5d. I have some limited experience using Valves Hammer Editor and a couple of other level editors, but I've never delved too deep.
I recently picked up "3D Game Programming All In One Second Edition" and have only read the first couple of chapters so far.
Anyway, I now have the trial versions for both TGB and TorqueX to go along with XNA, but I really don't know where to start. I already have a hefty book for the Torque Engine (I think the basics transfer to TGB?) but the possibility of getting my games distributed (eventualy) over Xbox Live is very alluring... I've read alot of positive things in general about the Torque engines, but I can't find much on TX.
So my question is, as a beginner, am I better off trying to learn C# for XNA and using TX (because at this point I don't even want to attempt to try it without TX) and possibly getting my games sold on the Xbox Live Market Place? Or going with TGB? It has essentialy everything I need for the games I would like to produce and seems alot less complicated then dealing with TX and XNA simultaneiously.
I'm also curious market wise, what are the chances of me finding some small site to sell my TGB game on, compared to Xbox Live?
I see great possibilities for both, I really can't come to a conclussion on my own.
I hope my questions aren't too vague or unclear
Thanks in advance!
I recently picked up "3D Game Programming All In One Second Edition" and have only read the first couple of chapters so far.
Anyway, I now have the trial versions for both TGB and TorqueX to go along with XNA, but I really don't know where to start. I already have a hefty book for the Torque Engine (I think the basics transfer to TGB?) but the possibility of getting my games distributed (eventualy) over Xbox Live is very alluring... I've read alot of positive things in general about the Torque engines, but I can't find much on TX.
So my question is, as a beginner, am I better off trying to learn C# for XNA and using TX (because at this point I don't even want to attempt to try it without TX) and possibly getting my games sold on the Xbox Live Market Place? Or going with TGB? It has essentialy everything I need for the games I would like to produce and seems alot less complicated then dealing with TX and XNA simultaneiously.
I'm also curious market wise, what are the chances of me finding some small site to sell my TGB game on, compared to Xbox Live?
I see great possibilities for both, I really can't come to a conclussion on my own.
I hope my questions aren't too vague or unclear
Thanks in advance!
#2
09/22/2008 (5:31 pm)
Oh, I know it will be awhile before I would even consider actualy trying to distribute a game and it's far from the primary reason I'm doing this. The main appeal is developing a game I would like to play and if I were lucky enough to get it on XBL then its likely at least a few people would play it which is what gets me excited. I'm not expecting a livable income anytime soon ^^
#3
09/22/2008 (5:36 pm)
Oh, I know it will be awhile before I would even consider actualy trying to distribute a game and it's far from the primary reason I'm doing this. The main appeal is developing a game I would like to play and if I were lucky enough to get it on XBL then its likely at least a few people would play it which is what gets me excited. I'm not expecting a livable income anytime soon ^^
#4
09/22/2008 (5:45 pm)
Oh, I know it will be awhile before I would even consider actualy trying to distribute a game and it's far from the primary reason I'm doing this. The main appeal is developing a game I would like to play and if I were lucky enough to get it on XBL then its likely at least a few people would play it which is what gets me excited. I'm not expecting a livable income anytime soon ^^ 
#5
Since you are new to programming, I would recommend TGB. The learning curve is much smaller since you only have to learn the scripting language behind it. With TX and XNA, you not only have to learn C# (a great language, IMO) but also the specifics of the engine. There is no way to get around programming in TX or XNA.
Of course, there are some excellent getting started books for learning C# as well. And since I like C#, that's always a good thing in my book. But it means a larger learning curve since you will be learning the language, learning the XNA SDK, and then learning the TorqueX engine on top of that...as well as hopefully trying to make a playable game. It is a very heavy process. A rewarding one, but a heavy workload.
09/23/2008 (6:30 am)
Refreshing is reposting your last post.Since you are new to programming, I would recommend TGB. The learning curve is much smaller since you only have to learn the scripting language behind it. With TX and XNA, you not only have to learn C# (a great language, IMO) but also the specifics of the engine. There is no way to get around programming in TX or XNA.
Of course, there are some excellent getting started books for learning C# as well. And since I like C#, that's always a good thing in my book. But it means a larger learning curve since you will be learning the language, learning the XNA SDK, and then learning the TorqueX engine on top of that...as well as hopefully trying to make a playable game. It is a very heavy process. A rewarding one, but a heavy workload.
#6
; )
It SEAMS that TGB is getting a lot of attention and TXB is not and thus way behind in features and usability.
Thoughts GG?
Randy
09/24/2008 (9:07 am)
One thing that might help with this type of question would be a chart that lists TGB and TXB features with check marks so one can evaluate their needs. And not just major things, the nice little things that make it a JOY to use. ; )
It SEAMS that TGB is getting a lot of attention and TXB is not and thus way behind in features and usability.
Thoughts GG?
Randy
#7
09/27/2008 (11:20 am)
Umm, you DO know that if you buy TGB, you get TX with it... Right?
#8
09/27/2008 (4:00 pm)
He would get a license for builder, but he can use TX right now for free. The binary version is free to use. Pro has a pricetag for the source code regardless of what he purchases. 
Torque Owner Ben Versaw
Either way is a perfect way to get started in game development but I hope you are choosing to develop a game because you enjoy it - rather than any money making potential (trust me it ain't going to happen until you've been at it for a while).
Good luck!