Roaming Gamer - Transitions

"The Game Programmer's Guide to Torque" (GPGT)

My first book (original version published in 2006) is still very active. Right up until the recent GG site change, the "GPGT Forum" was busy. Also, I still received individuals' e-mails on a weekly basis. For the most part, I allowed the now substantial user community to answer any questions, and I only answered those e-mails I deemed to be critical.

In retrospect, both of these were bad policies and ones I will amend. I am currently culling my old e-mails to see who didn't get a response. Replies are in the works. The forums will have to wait a bit longer while I determine if they still exist and figure out how to watch for new questions.

For now, I'd like to answer a few common questions:

1. Is GPGT still useful?

Yes. GPGT was written in the TGE 1.42 days and has only been minimally updated since. So, it is missing a few features found in version 1.52, but overall it still talks about everything you need to know to get started developing a game with TGE.


2. What about TGB and TGEA, is GPGT good for users of those engines?

A two-part question deserves a two-part answer.

TGB answer: GPGT is "moderately useful" to TGB users. It talks about some, but not all of the scripting features which are also available in TGB. Of course, GPGT does not talk about any of TGB's tools, new objects, or new functions. That said, the core of what GPGT covers is in fact scripting and console concepts which are still applicable to TGB.

TGEA answer: GPGT is "fairly useful" to TGEA users. It talks about some, but not all of the scripting features which are also available in TGEA. It covers many tools, concepts, and objects that are still common between TGE and TGEA. It doesn't talk about any of TGEA's new tools, nor does it talk about shading and shaders. (See question #3 below regarding GPGT disk and TGEA.)


3. "I'm having trouble using the GPGT disk content under: OSX, Windows, TGEA [choose one.]," can you help me?

Until recently, the answer to that question was often no answer at all. However, the answer will soon be, "please refer to the GPGT support page."

I am currently updating the GPGT disk so that it will be more useful to current Windows and OSX users as well as (hopefully) to TGEA users. I expect to be finished soon, so keep your eyes peeled for another blog announcement on the topic.


"Multiplayer Gaming and Engine Coding for the Torque Game Engine" (MGEC)

As I announced last year (March 2008), this book is done. At this time, should be able to find it either in your local bookstore, or online (try Amazon or Barnes & Noble).









The Wheeled Vehicle Editor (WVE) - Project Shelved

In my second to last blog, I talked about a new tool for TGE(A) called "The Wheeled Vehicle Editor". This tool was a designed to allow users to import their own models (4-8 wheeled), sounds, textures, etc. and to then design all of the requisite datablocks using interactive tools and an easy-to-use interface. The idea was well received, but the work ended up getting bogged down in logistical decisions.




Some time after my original post on WVE, in about June or earlier, the folks over at Plastic Games came out with a resource (later to become a product) called the "Plastic Tweaker". It didn't offer exactly the same kinds of features as WVE, but it was solid and useful. In the end, stuck and tired of working on WVE, the "Plastic Tweaker" gave me reason reason enough to shelve the product. (Note: This is a tool well worth having for any TGE or TGEA game designer.)



Hall Of Worlds, LLC. Closing / The Roaming Gamer, LLC. Opening
I've been running the Hall Of Worlds (HOW) website since 1996 and it (as well as the associated Hall Of Worlds, LLC.) has been primarly dedicated to Torque topics since 2002. Although not always well designed, many folks have found the site useful over the years, and it has served its purpose well.

As the years passed, I frequently found myself wanting to open a new business (and web-site). I wanted something more clearly associated with who I am and what I am trying to do with my life.

At this time, I am ready to announce that the transition is imminent.

Last year I created "The Roaming Gamer, LLC." and purchased a url to use for the company's website. Right now, the site's blog is open, and I expect the remainder of the site will be live in mid- to late-Februrary.

In future blogs, I will elaborate on the motivation for this change and what it means for me.


More...?
Am I working on other things that might interest you? Yes, I am. However, a life in transition is a life requiring the application of time management, so I think it is time I get back to work.

Meanwhile, I wish to the best to everyone here. I follow many of your projects and am repeatedly impressed by the members of this community. Keep up to great work.