Is Torque Game Builder Right for Me?

When we say Torque Game Builder is professional game making for everyone, we mean it! Naturally, users at varying levels of expertise in C++ programming, TorqueScript or similar scripting language, art design, and general game design are going to have different experiences learning and becoming comfortable with TGB. Below, we address certain types of users and describe what type of learning curve you can expect. Of course, the best way to find out if TGB is right for you is to download the free 30-day trial! (WIN or MAC).

I have no programming experience, but I have tons of cool game ideas and really want to make a game!

Eventually, you will need to know how to program to make games. There is no getting around it. Learning to program can be a fulfilling experience for some, but for others, it can be frustrating. Even without programming you can have a lot of fun and learn a lot about making games with TGB. There are tons of tutorials that walk you through making games in a step by step manner. From there, you can experiment by making changes to these established games.

I am a "Modder" that uses level design tools in games such as Quake, Half-Life, Tribes, etc.

This is great. You already understand the amount of work it takes to make a game and have probably been exposed to scripting. TGB makes extensive use of level building tools connected with TorqueScript to create games. Making 2D games is much easier than making 3D games, so you should find that your progress is much faster than making a mod.

I know Flash, Visual Basic, or some other scripting language.

You are already programming, and will not have a problem using TGB. TorqueScript is a "curly bracket" language that looks much like C++, Javascript, or Actionscript. Once you know one of these languages, it is much easier to learn another one, so it might as well be TorqueScript. When using the binary version of TGB, there is no need for a compiler, but you should strongly consider getting the Pro version of TGB so you get the full source code. If you don't know how to set up and use a compiler, we have extensive tutorials on TDN explainging the process.

I am a beginner in C++.

Awesome. You already know how to set up your compiler and will have no trouble modifying the C++ code behind the engine if you choose to use TGB Pro. TorqueScript looks much like a "typeless" version of C++. You will have no problem using TorqueScript the first time you try it.

I am proficient in C++.

Congratulations. Talk to GarageGames about helping to make the engine better.

I am an artist.

TGB is easy enough to use that you will immediately be assembling scenes for your programmers by using the tile editor to create scrolling backgrounds, pulling in sprites to create animations, and even doing some minor scripting. You could easily work through the tutorials, bring in your own art, make minor changes, and have your own game to show your art to the world. No real coding necessary.

I am a Torque Game Engine user.

You will find everything very familiar. TGB sits on "top" of TGE, so you will have a good idea of TorqueScript, datablocks, call-backs, .cs files, etc. You will immediately notice how much easier it is to make a 2D game than a 3D game, so you will feel more productive.