Torque X 3D Beta Is Here
by Thomas Buscaglia · in Torque X 2D · 11/28/2007 (7:38 pm) · 48 replies
Hey, guys. Big news today.. the wait is over! We had a few unforseen hickups, but we're finally ready to release Torque X 3D Beta. Don't be confused by the name, though. We've made some very significant feature additions and performance increases to the 2D layer aswell.
Because this is a Beta, there are some things we would like to point out just to set your expectations. First, we haven't fully tested XNA GS 2.0 compatibility. We just got a build of XNA 2.0 recently, so we will be evaluating what 2.0 features we can easily support for the final Torque X 3D release during this Beta period.
Second, we don't have a full toolset with this release. What we have is a tool called the Mission Converter that can be used to edit terrains and place objects. You can find documentation on the Mission Converter here. This means that for the most part, you will be creating objects and object templates in XML by hand-writing your txscene files. Pro and Closed Beta Group members will have an advantage in this regard, because they will have access to the source, but we took pains to make sure every public property and method was well documented, so be sure you make good use of those API docs and drop by the forums if you have any questions.
We know one question on your mind is, when will this go full release? It will depend on how smoothly Beta goes and what happens in regards to toolset development, but we wanted to get this in your hands ASAP so you can start making cool stuff. Thanks for being so patient and for being the most kickass group on the GarageGames forums.
Because this is a Beta, there are some things we would like to point out just to set your expectations. First, we haven't fully tested XNA GS 2.0 compatibility. We just got a build of XNA 2.0 recently, so we will be evaluating what 2.0 features we can easily support for the final Torque X 3D release during this Beta period.
Second, we don't have a full toolset with this release. What we have is a tool called the Mission Converter that can be used to edit terrains and place objects. You can find documentation on the Mission Converter here. This means that for the most part, you will be creating objects and object templates in XML by hand-writing your txscene files. Pro and Closed Beta Group members will have an advantage in this regard, because they will have access to the source, but we took pains to make sure every public property and method was well documented, so be sure you make good use of those API docs and drop by the forums if you have any questions.
We know one question on your mind is, when will this go full release? It will depend on how smoothly Beta goes and what happens in regards to toolset development, but we wanted to get this in your hands ASAP so you can start making cool stuff. Thanks for being so patient and for being the most kickass group on the GarageGames forums.
About the author
Formerly GarageGames designer and gameplay/engine programmer of 5 years. Founder and President at Flying Mongoose Labs, Lead Gameplay Engineer and Senior Designer at LumaArcade, head of the Las Vegas chapter of the IGDA.
#42
12/07/2007 (6:44 pm)
I went ahead and bought TXB, but the key I was given doesnt work. I see there are some builds going out, but dont know where they are at. I am thinking its not in my account since the download from there asks me to take off torquex pro 1.5 , so it can put on 1.0. Any ideas? 
#43
John K.
12/07/2007 (8:30 pm)
Since you have already downloaded and setup Torque X Framework 1.5 Beta (3D), you should have the latest Torque X Builder, too. Just start the Torque X Builder you have and enter your code if prompted. I think that should do it. The version of Torque X Builder bundled with the Framework download is the same, you just need to enter your code to extend beyond the 30 day trial.John K.
#44
12/07/2007 (9:08 pm)
Hehe, I went to my account and there seemed to be a bigger file on the download, so I uninstalled my previous one, then downloaded that one, and my key worked. The stock 3d beta wasnt taking my key, hence the uninstall/install dance :|
#45
12/08/2007 (8:15 am)
Yes, there was an issue with TorqueX Builder keys with the first installer produced (first day), that was fixed just a short time later.
#46
Was Torque X the XNA version of Torque Game Builder?
1) If so... is 'Torque X 3D' a 2D/3D engine based around/for XNA? To build 2D or 3D games for PC and 360 live? (something like Blade3D... in terms of engine for XNA, I'm no making comparisons, just trying to understand.)
I have TGB Pro, T x, Tx builder.
2) I would think Torque X 3D is a new product which (after Beta) I would need to buy a part; yeah I think that makes sense.
3) TGB PRO is still alive (even if maybe not new work goes into it from GG?) for cross platform 2D games?
4) Is Tourqe X 3D going to replace TGEA or TGEA is still being improved/developed?
Thanks, just trying to recap :)
02/29/2008 (6:14 am)
Hi, I have been away for a while and with all these different versions of Torque GB, Torque X, Torque X Pro, Torque X 3D I'm getting a bit confused :)Was Torque X the XNA version of Torque Game Builder?
1) If so... is 'Torque X 3D' a 2D/3D engine based around/for XNA? To build 2D or 3D games for PC and 360 live? (something like Blade3D... in terms of engine for XNA, I'm no making comparisons, just trying to understand.)
I have TGB Pro, T x, Tx builder.
2) I would think Torque X 3D is a new product which (after Beta) I would need to buy a part; yeah I think that makes sense.
3) TGB PRO is still alive (even if maybe not new work goes into it from GG?) for cross platform 2D games?
4) Is Tourqe X 3D going to replace TGEA or TGEA is still being improved/developed?
Thanks, just trying to recap :)
#47
2) I believe the binary version will remain free to use, while the "Pro" version (read, with complete engine source) would still be a payment option if you go that route; just like now.
3) TGB is still alive and kicking and has had recent version releases from GG. It's not dying anytime soon.
4) TorqueX is completely separate from TGE/A. It is an XNA-only engine. TGE/A are both going. In fact, TGEA is seeing a massive update soon.
02/29/2008 (6:30 am)
1) Yes, it is an XNA engine for 2D and 3D games, though the 3D portion is still in beta and it currently is for XNA 1.0 Refresh.2) I believe the binary version will remain free to use, while the "Pro" version (read, with complete engine source) would still be a payment option if you go that route; just like now.
3) TGB is still alive and kicking and has had recent version releases from GG. It's not dying anytime soon.
4) TorqueX is completely separate from TGE/A. It is an XNA-only engine. TGE/A are both going. In fact, TGEA is seeing a massive update soon.
Torque Owner Kzoink
I'm on Vista 64 if that makes any difference, with both XNA 1.0 and 2.0 beta installed, and XNA GSE and Visual Studio 2005 resident on the machine as well. The procedure I followed was to uninstall my previous installation of TorqueX Pro 1.0 and then install the beta.
Thanks for your hard work on all the new features. I'm looking forward to testing them. I think I'm going to go ahead and manually copy the template data from the C:\Program Files (x86)\GarageGames\Torque X Pro\v1.5.0.0\Demos directory to get started.