Updating the RTS Kit: Ain't it been fun!?

Yes, I gave up. It's true. Not the game (People of the Dawn) but on the RTS Kit. Shame on me you say and I'd have to agree with you. I started looking at alternative engines, perhaps an exisiting RTS engine I could easily mod to suit my game requirements. I looked hard and in the end started to narrow down my choices (not many let me tell you). Then this nut case called Novack pops up and starts talking about revitalizing the RTS community or some such craziness.

Apparently, whatever ails him is infectous. In the short time I've known Novack, we've collaborated on a streamlined patch process to update the RTS Kit to TGE 1.5.2 standards for both PC AND Mac (sweeeeet!). Novack continues to implemented as many bug fixes as can be found and continues to do so as they are posted. And what am I doing? Good question.

Since I'm not savvy with code, I've focused on the art asset side of the RTS kit and am pleased to announce a new section I've posted on the RTS TDN pages:'RTS buildings for Beginners'
(see the forum posting for comments)


As fellow Kit owners will recognize, the Factory building I created is strongly based on that which is supplied with the kit. In essence a simple learning exercise, I've included the source files for other Kit owners to use as a reference.

And this is the first of many art assets I hope to build primarily as a learning exercise for myself. Based on the Kit and the factory building style, I'll plan to go with an overall Steampunk design for the coming assets.

There are two new assets planned the kit, the Barracks and a new Peon.

For today's blog, I have a few sketches for the barracks to share with you.


The first one is okay but perhaps not 'Punk' enough. Still, I liked the main building shape and simplicity.


This one I do like since it is something like a Victorian barracks with a little armour plating thrown in.


And here's the full blown deal, machine gun turrents and all.

The main materials used will be iron and concrete (more likely brick and mortar in the end I suppose). I haven't decided on which one to build for the barracks, though I'm leaning heavily towards the second one (with the flag). The Peon I already have a clear idea in mind and will post an image (or images) when I have a moment.

So where does all this lead? Well, I guess I'm back with the RTS kit for my game development base. No small thanks to Novack and others at GG and the community. As far as the TDN resources, if all goes well and time permits, I hope to fill the DTS assets requirements for a basic RTS game in the Steampunk style. Maybe even some new GUI assets... but let's not get too crazy.

And 'People of the Dawn' is still under development, I plan to post on this very soon for those that find that sort of thing interesting.

Until next time